Supercars.net

To take a stab at the Ferrari 250 GT roller coaster, David Brown needed a faster version of the Aston Martin DB4 to stay competitive. The resultant DB4 Zagato was easily one of the most exciting and beautiful British sports cars.

In 1958, the first DB4 was released and received universal acclaim as a successful grand tourer. Much of the DB4 utilized technology from Aston Martins earlier race efforts including disc brakes, an independent front suspension and a Superleggra body from Touring of Milan.

A year after the DB4 release, Aston Martin was anxious to take it to the track. To do this they upgraded the DB4 to GT specification. The GT model had distinct modifications which prepared the DB4 for racing endurance. These included a shortened the wheelbase, less interior and more robust construction. Externally, the DB4 GT is easily recognized by its cowled headlights and massive hood scoop. Under the hood, triple Weber carburetors, twin ignition and a 9 to 1 compression ratio help raise the power to 302 bhp.

Despite a large factory backing, the DB4 GT only achieved moderate success. Although competitive, DB4s were beaten in the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood by Ferrari. Such loss motivated Aston Martin to take the DB4 to the next level. To do this they enlisted the work of Zagato.

Turin based Zagato was well known for their lightweight body construction. Well before the DB4, Zagato established themselves building aluminum bodies for Alfa Romeo and clothed many prewar LeMans winners.

Zagato transformed the DB4 GT into a smaller, more lightweight car. Many steel components were replaced by aluminum counterparts. The bumpers were removed. Basically all non-essential elements disappeared. With the help of Perspex and aluminum components, more than 100 lbs were shed off the DB4 GT.

Styling of the car was enlisted to Ercole Spada who was a newcomer to the Zagato firm. Within a weeks time, he finished the form which became one of the more memorable Zagato cars. It combined the essence of Aston Martin with Zagato's free flowing lines.

On the track, the DB4 Zagato raced at many important races alongside cars such as the Ferrari GTO. Unfortunately, due to low rigidity and over steer, it was still beaten by the Ferraris. This may stem from the fact that the car was originally developed as a road car. As such, the DB4 Zagato is remains as one of the most desirable and unique classics ever to grace English roads.

Important Chassis & Sales.

DB4GT/0182/R '1VEV' - This car, along with 2VEV was purchased by John Ogier's Essex Racing Stable and both cars became a huge part of Aston's racing history. In 1961, 1VEV raced at LeMans but retired with head gasket problems. This was followed by a minor victory at the British GP race for Sportcars that was absent of any Ferraris. The car's finest moment came at the 1961 Tourist Trophy when Roy Salvadori finished three seconds ahead of Mike Parke's 250 GT. During the race, the car was hard on tires and 14 new ones had to be fitted. The mechanic at the Essex Stable has been quoted saying that '1VEV never had more than 270 bhp', and that 314 was only possible with the later 3.9-liter engine. In 1990 1VEV sold at auction for 1.54 million GBP with its original engine, gearbox and transaxle. At his point it was upgraded to produce 348 ft lbs of torque. In 2007, the car was comprehensively restored by RS Williams and its rear fenders were reshaped back to the original shape.