In early 1959, Aston Martin began developing a new short-wheelbase racing version of its popular DB4 model, eventually to be dubbed the DB4 GT. Endowed with a lightened chassis and thin-gauge aluminium alloy coachwork, the DB4 GT was fitted with Girling disc brakes and a more highly-tuned version of Tadek Marek’s legendary 3,670 cubic-centimetre six-cylinder engine, featuring twin-plug ignition and triple-Weber carburettors.

In May 1959 the DB4 GT prototype, codenamed Development Project 199 (DP199), appeared at Silverstone, and under the guidance of the legendary Stirling Moss the car roared to victory in stunning fashion, setting a new lap record in the process. Officially introduced in September 1959 at the London Motor Show, the DB4 GT was produced in a modest quantity of just 75 examples.

Many of these cars were originally owned by British privateers competing in Royal Automobile Club events, where they caused great frustration among the usually dominant Ferrari drivers. With its elegant styling and upgraded performance, the DB4 GT was a winner from its inception, and the ensuing decades have only further solidified its position as one of the marque’s most desirable post-war models.

THE SECOND DB4 GT, SAVED FOR A WORKS DRIVER

Boasting several important production metrics, and original ownership by a significant Aston Martin Works driver, this striking DB4 GT is among the most historically important examples. As illustrated by a wealth of documentation on file, chassis number 0102/R is just the second example built, and the first to be configured in right-hand drive. Originally designated as chassis number 002/R, and fitted with engine number 370/204/GT, the car was re-stamped by the factory in February 1960 to conform to the new numbering system for the model, with the car’s number changing ever so slightly to number 0102/R, and the engine to number 370/0102/GT.

As indicated by a factory production record, the DB4 GT was allocated to Noël Cunningham-Reid, who was one of the factory’s more successful drivers of the period. After a promising privateer career in a Lister and a Cooper T39, Cunningham-Reid was hired by Aston Martin for the 1957 season, initially running a DB3S. In May, he teamed with Tony Brooks in the company’s evolving DBR1 prototype racer to achieve an outright victory at the Nürburgring 1,000 KM, forever earning him a place in Aston Martin lore. The DBR1 model, of course, went on to achieve true legend with a win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans two years later, and Cunningham-Reid can undoubtedly be considered one of the model’s earlier development drivers.

Given Cunningham-Reid’s role in the Aston Martin Works efforts, it is hardly surprising that the company would reserve its latest roadgoing model for him. His DB4 GT was officially finished in Bristol Red paint over an off-white leather interior and delivered to the owner in December 1959 via Brooklands of Bond Street, aka Langley Motors. The car was registered with number plate “230 AYE”, which notably remains assigned today, having only been briefly replaced with a private registration during the 2000s.

Aston Martin records indicate the DB4 GT was returned to the factory for several bouts of maintenance during the car’s earliest years, with work including a modification of the oil cooler, and an overhaul of the valve gear and carburettors. Mr Cunningham-Reid’s brief ownership lasted into 1961 before the car passed into a short chain of British owners.

Acquired in 1968 by Peter Densham, the Aston Marton was treated to a full restoration in 1973. Mr Densham retained possession for another seven years before the DB4 GT was sold to David Forrester Sorrell in 1981, and then to marque collector Frank Sytner in 1986. In August 1992 the Aston Martin found more lasting ownership when acquired by Alexander Vassos Georgiadis of London, who kept the car for 21 years.

In September 1992 Mr Georgiadis retained Aston Martin specialist Richard Stewart Williams Ltd (RSW) to substantially restore the car, and Mr Williams continued to maintain the car during the balance of ownership, as reflected by invoices on file. During his care, the car was also cosmetically refinished in the current colour combination.

In 1997 RSW rebuilt the engine and increased displacement to 4.2-litre specifications, while the rear axle ratio was reduced to 3.31:1 from the stock 3.54:1, resulting in a higher top speed. Mr Georgiadis enjoyed the car in numerous events during his ownership, including the inaugural Brooklands Double-Twelve, the 2003 Liège-Rome-Liège Rally, the 2013 Aston Martin Dover-to-Strasbourg Tour, and several Aston Martin Owners’ Club Concours d’Elegance.

In December 2013 the DB4 GT was sold to a very important collector in the UK. Four years later the car was acquired by the consigning owner through a well-known dealer based in London. In its current ownership the Aston Martin has benefitted from additional work conducted by RSW, which has looked after the car most of its life, having performed the most recent restoration.

Offered from eight years of fastidious care, this important Aston Martin is very well documented with former owner’s correspondence, factory build records, restoration invoices, MoT test certificates, and a history from the book Aston Martin DB4 GT. Having originally been owned by the great Noël Cunningham-Reid, and more recently restored to 4.2-litre specifications, this car is not only historically rich, but eminently eligible for world-class concours d’elegance, vintage racing events, rallies, and tours; including the Goodwood Revival, Tour Auto, and Le Mans Classic. Beautifully presented and well maintained, this strapping DB4 GT would make a sensational addition to any sporting garage, sure to impress the consummate Aston Martin enthusiast.