1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Touring Coupe

Between 1959 and 1963 there were 75 examples of the DB GT with coachwork by Touring created. The GT version was the high-performance development of the DB4 sports car that had been debuted at the London Motor Show in 1958. The lightweight and competitive version, the DB4 GT, made its debut at the 1959 London Motor Show. It had been proved in competition earlier that year when the prototype 'DP/199' driven by Stirling Moss won its first race at Silverstone.

Modifications to the GT included 5-inches off the standard wheelbase and the rear seats were replaced with a luggage platform. There was lighter, 18-gauge bodywork. All these changes helped reduce the car by around 200 lbs.

The engine received much attention. When equipped with a twin-plug cylinder head and triple Weber 45DCOE carburetors, it produced just over 300 bhp at 6,000 RPM. This was a significant increase over the standard 240 BHP engine. Girling brakes were used to bring this performance monster to a stop. There was a choice of five rear axle ratios and a Power Lok limited-slip differential.

The front end of the car had faired-in headlamps with Perspex covers. The rear screen and quarter windows also were made of Perspex on many examples. Wind-down windows were frame-less within the doors. Sitting atop the rear wings were twin, quick-release, Monza competition fuel over-fillers. This led to a 30-gallon fuel tank mounted flat in the trunk, which it shared with the spare wheel. The GT cars came standard with lightweight Borrani 42-spoke wire wheels with alloy rims and three-eared 'Knock-offs.'

The interior featured Connolly leather upholstery and Wilton carpeting. The instrumentation cluster had the addition of an oil temperature gauge.

In competition, the DB4 GT, campaigned by the Works team and John Ogier's Essex Racing Stable enjoying numerous victories. In the capable hands of drivers such as Roy Salvadori, Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, and Innes Ireland, the DB4 GT often set the pace of the race.

This 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Coupe with coachwork by Touring is chassis number 0156. It was completed by the works in early January of 1961. Under its bonnet was engine number 370/0142/GT and mated to gearbox 401, which it still retains today. It left the factory in Snow Shadow Grey livery with red Connolly leather interior.

Its first owner was Dr. Michael J.R. Dawes of Brookline, Massachusetts. Its racing history, if any, in the United States is unknown. It was entered in a concours event at Fort Belvedere in the U.K. with Dawes in 1962 and at Wiscombe in 1963. It later was passed to F.J. Fielding of Atlas Works, Gloucester and in 1966 it was shown by its then-owner - Paul Gardner of Lymm in Cheshire, U.K. at Wiscombe. Gardner retained the car until around 1970.

In 1975, the car returned to America where it has remained ever since. The next owner was Tony Clarkson. The next owner was Jim Morrisey. In the mid-1980s, the car was purchased by its present owner. While in his care, the car has been rebuilt to high standards. It is currently painted in dark blue and there is a dark red leather interior.

In 1995 it was shown at the Aston Martin Owners Club Lime Rock Concours where won the Roberts Harrison Memorial Trophy for best overall track and concours, the Ziebart for most improved in concours, and the Charles L Turner for Best of Show. It was the Chief Judge's Choice at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance in 1998.

In 2008, the car was offered for sale at the 'Quail Lodge, A Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia' presented by Bonhams Auction. It was estimated to sell for $1,500,000 - 2,000,000 but would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2008