DB7 i6 GT Compitition Prototype
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DB7 i6 GT Compitition Prototype

DB7 i6 GT Compitition Prototype

(1995)

Back in 1959, the DB4 had a lighter, faster brother in the DB4 GT variant. Soon after the DB7i6 was introduced, AML saw the potential for a stripped out, tuned DB7 with the idea that owners would participate in a one make race series for 'gentleman racers' - in effect, a DB4 GT for the 1990's. The first DB7 GT was developed by AM enthusiast and collector, David Richard's Prodrive organisation, more famous at that time for running the Subaru 'World Rally Cars'. The Almond Green coachwork on chassis 100001, the first production DB7, was distinguished by a red band around the nose. Who then could imagine that Prodrive would eventually run Aston Martin Racing and David Richards would become Chairman of AML.

DB7 i6 GT Compitition Prototype

Following the Prodrive built car, the AML Customer Service Division (now Works Service) took one to the early press demonstrator DB7’s, chassis 100006, and fully rebuilt the car with the following specification

  • Safety devices roll cage with removable side bars
  • Two full race Reccaro competition seats, in black hide, to match black interior in Alcantara and quilted vinyl
  • New aluminium bonnet, boot lid and front wings to replace the composite originals
  • Safety cut off switch in drivers side front wing
  • New style door mirrors mounted on cheator panels
  • Perspex side windows
  • Fuel cell
  • TWR enhanced 3.2 litre, 6 cylinder engine
  • Competition clutch and shot-peened 5 speed manual transmission
  • Prodrive designed uprated front and rear suspension, plus oil-cooled rear axle. Penske gas shock absorbers, adjustable from the cockpit
  • Special competition brakes with balance adjustable from the cockpit
  • Special tuned exhaust with centre catalyst

The car was then also painted in Almond Green metallic with white roundels and a neat contrasting yellow band around the grille, reminiscent of the 1950’s DB3S’s and DBR2. After extensive testing, the cars were demonstrated to potential customers, but sadly the project was not proceeded with and and the race series abandoned too. Both cars were subsequently sold off by AML in 1996. Despite the ending of the project, the GT was successful as a mobile test bed to prove the benefits of it’s race components and systems and to enhance the DB7 road car, in particular, the factory fitted Driving Dynamics package.

The AML built car, 100006, appeared in the 2004 AM/Bonhams auction where it was sold to a marque enthusiast. The prototype car, 100001 is also now in private ownership.