The beautiful 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato

Here’s a minor details about the stunning 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato which was on show at the 2022 Concours of Elegance. One particular of our favorite autos of all time. You can see additional Concours of Magnificence news, testimonials, movies and galleries here.

Combining the demonstrated, high-performance DB4 GT mechanicals with a stylish and lightweight aluminium body by a renowned Italian coachbuilding residence, the DB4 GT Zagato represented the finest of all worlds. It’s the best 1960s road and racing Aston Martin.

Made to choose on and conquer the thunderous Ferrari 250 GT versions in the Globe Sportscar Championship, it was the most up-to-date salvo in a intense rivalry concerning the Brits and the Italians. When Aston Martin scored a 1-2 at Le Mans in 1959, Ferrari strike again with the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. Aston Martin responded with the DB4 GT, which showcased a lightweight alloy body, a shorter wheelbase and a fruitier motor courtesy of a higher-compression set-up and a few huge Weber carburettors. While this vehicle proved a match for the Ferraris, Aston Martin needed more and turned to Italy by itself.

Zagato was famed for its lightweight bodies, particularly for Alfa Romeo, and Ercole Spada ended up crafting just one of the iconic Aston Martin designs, with smoothed lines, and a much more intense seem. Aston retained up the stress in the efficiency stakes, garnering an more 12bhp from the straight-six, even though Zagato shaved 50kg from the car’s bodyweight.

The car or truck just before you is chassis range 1093/R, the 3rd of the MP209 ‘ultra-lightweight’ motorsport-orientated examples, finished in French Racing Blue. Constructed in 1962, the lightened exclusive was sent new to committed Aston Martin fanatic and racer, Jean Kerguen.

Chassis 1093/R competed at Le Mans in 1962 and was managing ninth with Kerguen and Jacques Franc’ Dewez behind the wheel right until it retired soon after 12 several hours. It returned a 12 months later with a series of mechanical updates and aero additions which includes a compact rear spoiler, built to increase substantial-velocity security. With its svelte Zagato shape, the 3.7-litre straight-six was hitting above 170mph on the Mulsanne straight. However, a rear axle failure led to an incident following seven several hours, and Kerguen and Franc were being out. But there was some achievements, with second place at the Dakar 12 Hrs that year and 18th total in the Auvergne Trophy.

The following yr the Zagato would be even far more productive, while in rallying form, with to start with area finishes on the 1964 Snow & Ice Rally and the Rallye Routes du Nord. A lot more lately, the motor vehicle has been restored by Aston Martin specialist, RS Williams.