Aston Martin to build brand-new continuation DB4GTs

By Greg MacLeman

| 12 Dec 2016

Aston Martin has jumped on the continuation bandwagon after revealing plans to build 25 brand-new Lightweight DB4GTs, just weeks after the first continuation Jaguar XKSS went on show in the United States and Lister promised to revive the Costin.

The new cars will be built at Newport Pagnell as faithful yet improved replicas of the original eight Lightweight models and will feature sequential chassis numbers following on from 0202R – the last original car ordered. Each is expected to cost £1,500,000.

Aston Martin promises ‘a blend of old world craftsmanship and modern techniques’, which means greater performance, better handling and improved safety features. At its heart the DB4GT will be powered by a version of Tadek Marek’s straight-six rated at 340bhp, mated to a four-speed manual transmission with a limited slip differential. The bodywork will feature thin-gauge aluminium panels fitted over a tubular frame which, though created using state-of-the-art digital technology, will be finished by hand.

Those wishing to use their new DB4GT on the road will be disappointed: the new car will be a strictly track-only experience. However, new owners will enjoy Aston’s two-year international track driving programme, which will offer training from top drivers such as Le Mans class winner Darren Turner at some of the world’s most exciting tracks.

Paul Spires, Commercial Director, Aston Martin Works said of the DB4GT Continuation programme: “For over 60 years Aston Martin Works has devoted unrivalled skill and experience to preserving Aston Martin’s heritage. Now we are creating something for the future, with a special series of 25 continuation cars that celebrate one of Aston Martin’s greatest cars - the DB4GT Lightweight.

“Built in our recently refurbished, state-of-the-art facilities in Newport Pagnell, the DB4GT Continuation is hand built in the same location as its illustrious forebears, and marks the return of production to the historic home of Aston Martin for the first time since the last Vanquish S was completed in 2007. Combining the authenticity of a hand-crafted David Brown era car with sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements, the DB4GT. Continuation is a fusion of classic design and contemporary methods.

“The result is a truly remarkable machine. One that offers 25 individuals the opportunity of commissioning a classic, built to modern day standards and ready to be enjoyed in an international track driving programme as bespoke and individual as the cars themselves.”

Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and CEO commented: “Aston Martin has a rich and vibrant heritage, as you’d expect from a company that has been building some of the world’s finest sports cars for 103-years. Of those the DB4GT stands proud as one of the most coveted of all. It’s a mark of Aston Martin’s breadth of abilities that in the same year we launched the DB11 – our most advanced ‘DB’ production car ever – we can also embark on an adventure such as the DB4GT Continuation. A project that taps into the unique passion and skills that exist within Aston Martin, I’m thrilled we have the imagination and capability to offer 25 enthusiasts the unique opportunity to commission their own piece of Aston Martin history.”

Greg MacLeman

Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC

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