DB7 V8 GT1 for Le Mans
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DB7 V8 GT1 for Le Mans

DB7 V8 GT1 for Le Mans

(1995)

For the 1995 Le Mans 24 hour race, Michel Hommell, a French publishing millionaire, created a DB7 complete with a 6.3 litre V8 and destined to compete in the GT1 class. Aston Martin agreed to sell a DB7 shell without engine or transmission and TWR arraigned contracts for significant components. R. S. Williams supplied a pair of race engines - effectively a detuned version of the AMR1V8 6.3 litre with an output 619 bhp mated to a six speed ZF gearbox. Although the V8 was not available in the DB7 road car, the GT1 rules allowed for the use of any road car engine from the manufacturer and the 6.3 was an option on the Virage. The car was built by Synergie, a Le Mans based constructor: significantly lighter than the standard car at 1330 kg with carbonfibre doors, wings and bonnet.

DB7 V8 GT1 for Le Mans

Hastily prepared for the qualifying weekend and driven by Eric Helary and Alain Cudini, the car failed to qualify for the 1995 race by the narrowest of margins. It was unfortunate as the DB7 had become victim of the intense rivalry between the other GT1 cars, the McLaren F1 and Ferrari F40 GTE. Despite being on the reserve list, it didn’t race in anger; it’s owner was so exasperated being classified below 3 others, he retired the car. I believe that if the car was able to be entered in the GT2 class, it would have raced, and maybe even finished. The car now resides in the owners motor museum, Manoir de l’Automobile, in Brittany, France.

These photographs, taken at Manoir de l’Automobile, have been very kindly provided by a visitor and friend to the website, Jacques Labbe – I am much indebted to Jacques for these pictures

 Manoir de l’Automobile