DP199, (DB4GT prototype)
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DP199, (DB4GT prototype)

DP199, (DB4GT prototype)

DP199/1 (1959)

This particularly interesting car was first seen at the 1959 Le Mans test day, quickly followed by a competitive appearance in the 12 lap International Grand Touring BRDC race at Silverstone in 1959. In the hands of legendary British racing driver, Stirling Moss, DP199/1 actually won at it's very first outing with a race spec 3.7 litre engine. A little later in the year, the car was entered into the 1959 Le Mans 24 hour race, although it was fitted with a smaller 3 litre engine. Sadly, at this event, which was won by the DBR1 of Shelby and Salvadori, DP199/1 was retired after just 21 hours.

DP199, (DB4GT prototype)

DP199/1 was in fact the prototype for the upcoming DB4GT, a lighter and more powerful version of the DB4 saloon especially designed for gentleman racers.

DP199/1 was built on a shortened DB4 chassis with a wheelbase of 7′ 9”, about 5 inches shorter than the regular saloon. Weight saving was achieved with the use of thinner gauge aluminium panels, Plexiglass side windows and the deletion of the bumpers, rear seats and some interior trim. Of particular interest are the cowled headlights, a feature that continued to be used through the DB4 Vantage, the DB5 right the way through to the DB6 Mark II.

This image of DP199/1 at the 1959 Le Mans 1959 24 hour race has been kindly provided by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust. The car was restored during the 1990’a by Works Service and is now part of a private collection.