Building brand-new classics has become a trend nowadays
Aston Martin joins a growing group of automakers that revive their classic icons in the modern era. After Jaguar announced the “new original” XKSS, Aston Martin responds with another ‘1950s supercar, the DB4 GT.
Celebrating Aston’s 1959 win at the Le Mans 24 Hours, the DB4 GT is an evolutive version of the DB4 Coupé, making better use of the Tadek Marek-designed engine – which has been upgraded from 240 to 302 hp. The GT was also slightly lighter, boasting a 6.1-second 0-to-60 mph sprint and a 151 mph top speed.
It was the fastest passenger sports car at the time, and its debut race win was nothing but a confirmation of that status. A total of 75 copies of the DB4 GT were built between 1959 and 1963.
Dubbed DB4 GT Continuation, the “new” DB4 GT – which will continue the model’s chassis number – is even more powerful than its six-decade-old correspondent. The 3.7-liter straight-six unit now packs 340 hp, delivered to the rear axle via a four-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. As Aston announces, the DB4 GT is built “to be enjoyed on track.”
“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,” Aston Martin Works Commercial Director Paul Spires said.
Naturally, the DB4 GT’s price tag is not a shy one: each example costs £1.5 million ($1.9 million). Given the DB4's pedigree, it’s not an unreasonable price to pay, don't you think?