ASTON MARTIN TO BUILD NEW DB4 LIGHTWEIGHTS

Aston Martin will build a special series of 25 ‘continuation’ DB4 GT lightweights at its Newport Pagnell Works department.

Built according to the original blueprints, the 25 vehicles will be powered by a 3.7-litre straight-six engine that sends its 340bhp output to the rear wheels via a fourspeed manual gearbox.

The original GTS were launched in 1959 to offer a shorter, lighter and more aerodynamic version of the DB4, and just 75 were produced. A mere eight were built as lightweight racer variants.

Production will recommence in the third quarter of 2017, and the 25 extra vehicles will have in-sequence chassis numbers, carrying on from the final car ordered – 0202R.

According to Aston Martin, the continuation models get improved performance, handling, braking and safety without affecting the original’s character.

Each will also be built using state-of-the-art digital scanning technology to ensure the finished product is as true to the original as possible.

Aston Martin says the vehicles will be offered to enthusiasts, although there’s no official word on how much they will cost.

None of the finished models will be road-legal, but the manufacturer has done a deal with race tracks across the world, which will allow the owners to drive the cars on track with full Aston Martin support.

Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin’s president and CEO, said: “It’s a mark of Aston Martin’s breadth of abilities that in the same year we launched the DB11 – our most advanced ‘DB’ production car ever – we can also embark on an adventure such as the DB4 GT Continuation.

“I’m thrilled we have the imagination and capability to offer 25 enthusiasts the unique opportunity to commission their own piece of Aston Martin history.”