‘Aston Martin’s DB4GT, [is] one of the most coveted models built in the company’s 101 years.’ Andrew English, Octane magazine, November 2014.
Just 75 of these GT coupés were built and clothed by Touring of Milan. Designed primarily for the racetrack, it was launched at the London Motor Show in 1959 after the prototype car won its first race and set a new GT lap record at the International Trophy Meeting at Silverstone in the hands of Stirling Moss. The model also raced at Le Mans in 1959.
Although similar to the DB4, the DB4GT has a shortened chassis to give a wheelbase of 2362cm, a lightened overall weight and significant additional power under the bonnet. Powered by the stunning 3670cc straight-six engine that was fed by three twin-choke Weber 45DCO9 carburettors, a four-speed manual David Brown gearbox and disc brakes. The DB4GT had a top speed of some 150mph in period; impressive enough today let alone in 1960!
The car’s first owner was G.W. Sterrett Esq, from Monmouth in Wales, who purchased it via Aston Martin’s Brooklands agent in December 1960, originally registered with number ‘5 SPK’. 0137/GT was subsequently bought in 1967 by a W.B Fowler Esq of Nottingham, with whom it remained for twenty years before passing to renowned Aston Martin aficionado, Geoff Harris. Geoff is quoted as saying that 0137 ‘was such a monster six cylinder… There was always that feeling of floating, almost dancing’.
Featuring arguably one of the most comprehensive and successful competition histories of any DB4GT produced, 0137’s racing career began in 1966 at the Curborough Sprint meeting. It has been a regular and front-running entrant at Aston Martin Owners Club events almost every year since, chalking up countless podium finishes and fastest times of the day.
Part of its significant competition history includes previous lap records at historic events hosted by the following circuits: Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Silverstone National Circuit, Goodwood, Oulton Park (International), Mallory Park and fastest time of the day at Wiscombe Hillclimb. The car also won the Isle of Man Manx Classic in 1990, piloted by Geoff Harris, and took part in several race events on the continent at that time, including the Magny-Cours Historic Grand Prix and Spa.
In 2005 the car was purchased by the current owner and has subsequently been extensively prepared and maintained by leading Aston Martin specialists, RS Williams. Latterly, the car’s current owner campaigned 0137 at the Le Mans Classic in 2010 and ’12, achieving eleventh out of 71 entrants during one of the latter year’s races. It also achieved eighth place in the Dix Mille Tours 1960s Endurance Race in 2011. In the words of Andrew English, ‘If you are on it like jam on toast, this [car] is seriously quick’.
A recent inspection by a leading Aston Martin specialist has confirmed the car to be in fine order and with particularly strong performance, as confirmed by Fiskens! Offered with UK registration, this potent DB4GT will definitely leave you shaken, not stirred.
