The Importance of the Aston Martin DB4 GT |
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| Topics: Aston Martin DB4
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William Jason
SumbitYOURArticle.com
March 19, 2011
The DB4 is an important model of auto company Aston Martin because it would serve as a model for future luxury cars. The DB4 GT, the upgraded version, was still alike with the DB4 in many ways but GTs were more lightweight and outperformed the standard DB4. The DB4 GT was unveiled at the London MotorShow in September 1959. The DB4 GT has headlamps and Plexiglas covers that are still seen on the DB9 and Vanquish. This GT was inspired by SP199/1, a winner in the race track.
One of the highlights of the DB4 GT was the thinner material used for the body. The staff of Touring of Milan used 18 gauge aluminum for the bodywork, thinner than the original DB4 to save some weight. Other modifications to reduce weight were the wheelbase (less by 13 cm) and the removed rear seats. The engine installed was an alloy twin-cam 3.7-liter straight six engine that could run up to a maximum speed of 153 mph.
It still had the capacity of the original DB4s3670 cc but it had twin plug heads and a triple twin choke 45 DCOE4 Weber carburetors. The chassis featured a front suspension, live rear axle, trailing arms, and Watts linkage. It had a higher compression ration compared to the original DB4.
DB4 GT was one of the pioneers of a speedy startup at that time. It was one of the first models that could go from rest to 100 mph. The DB4 GT had excellent stopping power with disc brakes that could put the car to a full stop in less than 30 seconds. The GT version of DB4 produced 302 BHP, a far cry from the Standard DB4's 240 horsepower. Other distinguishable features of DB4 GT include bumper overrider deletes, frameless roll-down windows, and quick-release Monza fuel fillers on the rear wings. The DB4 GTs interior exuded more luxury, thanks to the Connolly hides and Wilton wool carpeting. At that time, it was masterpiece that combined British engineering and Italian aesthetics.
The production of the DB4 GT started in 1959 and lasted until 1963. There were 45 models that were right-hand drive while the remaining 30 had a left-hand drive. The first category of GTs already had the lightweight factory specification. The second category, known as the BESPOKE, modified the previously installed lightweight feature of the vehicle.
The distinguishable lightweight feature of Aston Martin DB4 GT made it suitable for Grand Touring.