The 1959 Aston Martin DB4 GT stands as one of the most desirable British sports cars of the post-war era, combining competition engineering with timeless design. This particular car, chassis number DB4GT/0102/R, holds special significance as the first right-hand-drive example built and originally owned by Aston Martin Works driver Noël Cunningham-Reid.
A Short-Wheelbase Legend
Introduced at the 1959 London Motor Show, the DB4 GT was a competition-focused evolution of the standard DB4. With a shorter wheelbase, lightweight alloy body, and uprated 3.7-litre inline-six engine, it represented the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s motorsport engineering. The twin-plug, triple-Weber setup produced around 302 horsepower, impressive for the era, and propelled the GT to over 150 mph.
Born from Racing Success
Before production began, the DB4 GT prototype, known as DP199, made its debut at Silverstone in May 1959. Driven by the legendary Stirling Moss, it claimed victory and set a lap record, proving its race-bred credentials. The production run was limited to just 75 cars, making each example a rare and valuable piece of Aston Martin history.
Noël Cunningham-Reid’s DB4 GT
Chassis 0102/R was allocated to Noël Cunningham-Reid, a key Aston Martin Works driver during the 1950s. Renowned for his 1957 Nürburgring 1,000 KM victory alongside Tony Brooks in a DBR1, Cunningham-Reid received his DB4 GT finished in Bristol Red over off-white leather. Registered as “230 AYE,” this registration remains with the car to this day, a rare continuity for a model of this age.
Factory Care and Early Life
Aston Martin’s own records confirm that Cunningham-Reid’s DB4 GT returned to the factory several times during his ownership for mechanical updates and tuning. After changing hands in the early 1960s, the car continued to enjoy careful stewardship by several British collectors, each contributing to its preservation.
Restoration and Provenance
By the 1970s, the car underwent a full restoration under the ownership of Peter Densham. Subsequent custodians included noted Aston Martin enthusiasts such as Frank Sytner and David Forrester Sorrell. In 1992, the DB4 GT entered the long-term care of Alexander Vassos Georgiadis, who commissioned a substantial restoration by Richard Stewart Williams Ltd, one of the marque’s most respected specialists.
Power and Performance
During its 1997 mechanical rebuild, the engine was enlarged to 4.2-litre specification, further improving performance while retaining the original block and twin-plug design. With an updated 3.31:1 rear axle ratio, the car achieved a higher top speed and even greater drivability. Combining vintage charm with purposeful performance, it remains eligible for premier historic events including the Goodwood Revival, Tour Auto, and Le Mans Classic.
Documented History and Present Condition
Throughout its life, the DB4 GT has been meticulously maintained and extensively documented. Factory records, restoration invoices, correspondence, and period photographs accompany the car, underscoring its authenticity and provenance. Its most recent ownership saw continued care under RSW, which has overseen the car’s condition for decades.
Summary
The 1959 Aston Martin DB4 GT offered at RM Sotheby’s London 2025 embodies the marque’s golden age of racing and craftsmanship. As the first right-hand-drive example and originally owned by a Works team driver, it represents both rarity and legacy, an extraordinary opportunity for collectors seeking a truly historic Aston Martin.
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Source & Details: rmsothebys.com
