Makes › Aston Martin › DB4 › DB4 GT Zagato · Coachbuilt · Factory competition · Rare production · 1960–1963 Ultra Rare
Aston Martin
DB4 GT Zagato
A lighter, Zagato-bodied version of the DB4 GT, unveiled at the 1960 London Motor Show. Aston Martin gives the production as 19 cars.
Photo: David Merrett · CC BY 2.0
Contents
01Overview
At a glance
- Built
- 19 Built · Aston Martin
- Years
- 1960–1963
- Engine
- Front, aluminium twin-overhead-camshaft straight-six, twin-plug ignition · 3,670 cc / 3.7 LFactory: 3,670 cc
- Power
- 234 kW / 318 PSFactory: 314 hp · converted
- Top speed
- 247 km/hFactory: 153.5 mph · converted
- Body
- Zagato
- Designer
- Ercole Spada (Zagato)
- In this archive
- 19 individual cars documented
- Surviving
- 19 (independently researched)
Sources and any conflicting figures are in the sections below.
Why it matters
Built to take on Ferrari in GT racing, the DB4 GT Zagato is one of the most valuable British cars: chassis 0186/R sold for $14.3 million in 2015 and “2 VEV” for £10.1 million in 2018. Later Sanction II (1991), Sanction III (2000) and Continuation (2019) cars exist and are counted separately here.
How rare is it?
Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.
Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.
02Production & history
Production
Every figure says what it counts.
| What is counted | Figure | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total model productionOriginal DB4 GT Zagatos, 1960–1963 | 191,2Strongest evidence | Manufacturer reported | Factory reported |
| Total model productionAll 19 original DB4 GT Zagatos still in existence per Sports Car Market (2012); Sanction II/III and Continuation cars excluded. Note 2 VEV was rebuilt after its 1962 Spa accident. | 193 | Surviving examples | Independently researched |
| Total model productionCounting chassis 0183/R twice (built twice after the 1962 Spa accident) | 204,5 | Factory production | Independently researched |
| Total model productionDB4 GT Zagato Continuation cars, built from 2019 (not part of the 19) | 195 | Factory production | Independently researched |
| Factory package productionCars built to DP209 (“MP209”) super-lightweight specification | 34 | Factory production | Independently researched |
| Total model productionSanction II cars, completed 1991 (not part of the 19) | 46 | Factory production | Independently researched |
| Total model productionSanction III cars, built 2000 from two spare Zagato bodies (not part of the 19) | 27 | Factory production | Independently researched |
Bonhams counts 20 cars because chassis 0183/R (“2 VEV”) was built twice: the original was written off at Spa in May 1962 and a replacement was delivered in July 1962. Aston Martin’s figure is 19.
Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.
History
The Essex Racing Stable of John Ogier bought two cars, 1 VEV and 2 VEV, for £8,762 and raced them at Le Mans in 1961. 2 VEV won the GT race at Aintree on 15 July 1961; at the 1961 Goodwood Tourist Trophy 1 VEV (Salvadori) finished third and 2 VEV (Jim Clark) fourth. The original 2 VEV was written off at Spa in May 1962 and its chassis number was rebuilt to DP209 lightweight specification. The price new was £5,470 (AstonMartinZagato.com).
Variants
How each version differs from the standard DB4 GT Zagato.
No variants documented yet. Have a source? Contribute it.
03Specifications
Technical specifications
Engine
| Engine family | Aston Martin straight-six designed by Tadek Marek2 Independently researched |
|---|---|
| Engine code | Not yet verified |
| Layout | Front, aluminium twin-overhead-camshaft straight-six, twin-plug ignition2,8 Independently researched |
| Displacement | 3,670 cc / 3.7 LFactory: 3,670 cc9,8 Independently researched |
| Bore | 92 mmFactory: 92 mm9 Independently researched |
| Stroke | 92 mmFactory: 92 mm9 Independently researched |
| Compression ratio | 9.7 : 19,5 Independently researched |
| Fuel system | Three Weber 45 DCOE 4 carburettors2 Independently researched |
| Power | 234 kW / 318 PSFactory: 314 hp · converted9,2 Independently researched |
| Power at | 6,000 rpm9 Independently researched |
| Torque | 377 NmFactory: 278 lb-ft · converted9 Independently researched |
| Torque at | 5,400 rpm9 Independently researched |
Transmission & drivetrain
| Gearbox | David Brown four-speed manual, close ratio (DBS432)9,8,2 Independently researched |
|---|---|
| Gears | 49 Independently researched |
| Final drive | Powr-Lok limited-slip differential2 Independently researched |
| Driven wheels | Rear10 Independently researched |
Chassis, body & dimensions
| Chassis | Shortened steel box-section/platform chassis with steel superstructure11,10 Independently researchedSupercar Nostalgia (level D) instead calls it a shortened DB4 pressed-steel monocoque, wheelbase 127 mm shorter than DB4. |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Independent, wishbones, coil springs, Armstrong telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar11,10 Independently researched |
| Rear suspension | Live axle, coil springs, parallel trailing links, Watt linkage, Armstrong lever-arm dampers11,10 Independently researched |
| Brakes | Girling disc brakes, no servo2,8 Independently researched |
| Steering | Rack and pinion10 Independently researched |
| Body construction | Aluminium body by Zagato1 Independently researched |
| Wheelbase | 2,362 mmFactory: 2,362 mm9,8 Independently researched |
| Length | 4,267 mmFactory: 4,267 mm9,8 Independently researched |
| Width | 1,657 mmFactory: 1,657 mm8 Independently researched |
| Height | 1,270 mmFactory: 1,270 mm8 Independently researched |
| Front track | 1,372 mmFactory: 1,372 mm10 Independently researched |
| Rear track | 1,359 mmFactory: 1,359 mm10 Independently researched |
| Kerb weight | 1,171 kgFactory: 1,171 kg8,5 DisputedAlso reported: 1160 kg9 |
| Dry weight | Not yet verified |
Performance
| Maximum speed | 247 km/hFactory: 153.5 mph · converted8 Independently researchedAlso reported: 245 km/h9 |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | Not yet verified |
| 0–60 mph | 6.1 s8 Independently researched |
| Fuel tank | 136 LFactory: 30 gal-uk · converted2 Independently researchedSource says “30-gallon”; imperial (UK) gallons assumed for a British car – to be confirmed. |
“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.
04Colours & options
Factory colours & interiors
Original paint and trim, with the number of cars in each where a source gives it.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Factory options & codes
Codes are shown exactly as written by the manufacturer.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
05Individual cars
Chassis register
Every documented car, with its colours, history and where it is now. Open a row for the full record. Known chassis are not automatically authenticated originals.
DB4GT/0176/R—Peony Red—Registry documented
DB4GT/0177/R—Azzuro la Plata—Registry documented
DB4GT/0178/L—Rosso—Registry documented
DB4GT/0179/L—Metallic Grey—Registry documented
DB4GT/0180/L—White—Registry documented
DB4GT/0181/L—Light metallic green—Registry documented
DB4GT/0182/R—Aqua Verde Caliente—Registry documented
DB4GT/0183/R—Aqua Verde Caliente—Registry documented
“2 VEV”, Essex Racing Stable; rebuilt to DP209 specification in 1962.
- Coachbuilder
- Zagato
- Original exterior
- Aqua Verde Caliente12 Independently researched
- Original interior
- black12 Independently researched
- 1961Factory Built 1961 (registry).12
- 1961Delivery Bought with sister car 1 VEV by John Ogier’s Essex Racing Stable for £8,762.4
- 1961-06Competition Le Mans 24 Hours (Davison/Stilwell): retired with overheating.4
- 1961-07-15Competition Won the GT race at Aintree (Lex Davison).4
- 1961-08Competition Goodwood Tourist Trophy: 4th (Jim Clark).4
- 1962-05Competition Original car written off at Spa (Lucien Bianchi); replacement 0183/R to DP209 specification delivered July 1962.4
- 2018-07-13
DB4GT/0184/R—Almond Green—Registry documented
DB4GT/0185/R—Deep Carriage Green—Registry documented
DB4GT/0186/R—Desert White—Registry documented
The only car delivered new to Australia.
- Coachbuilder
- Zagato
- Original exterior
- Desert White12 Independently researched
- Original interior
- red12 Independently researched
- 1961Factory Built 1961 (registry).12
- 1962Delivery Delivered new to Laurie O’Neill in Australia; raced there in 1962.2
- 2015-12-10Auction Sold at RM Sotheby’s “Driven by Disruption”, New York, lot 215. 14,300,000 USD14
- 2026-08Auction Offered at RM Sotheby’s Monterey, lot 338 (estimate $12–15 million): not sold.2
DB4GT/0187/L—Lancia Blue—Registry documented
DB4GT/0188/L—Auteuil Silver—Registry documented
DB4GT/0189/R—Caribbean Pearl—Registry documented
DB4GT/0190/L—Shell Grey—Registry documented
- Coachbuilder
- Zagato
- Original exterior
- Shell Grey12 Independently researched
- Original interior
- black12 Independently researched
- 1962Factory Built 1962 (registry).12
- 1962Delivery Ordered by its first owner through Garage Mirabeau, Paris; body in heavier-gauge aluminium.15
- 1962-05Competition Brands Hatch: 1st in class, 2nd overall (Roy Salvadori).15
- 2021-08-12
DB4GT/0191/R—Pearl grey—Registry documented
DB4GT/0193/R—French Racing Blue—Registry documented
DB4GT/0199/L—Mid metallic green—Registry documented
DB4GT/0200/R—Midnight Blue—Registry documented
Described by the registry as the first car built; shown at the 1960 London Motor Show.
- Coachbuilder
- Zagato
- Original exterior
- Midnight Blue12 Independently researched
- Original interior
- pale blue12 Independently researched
- 1960Factory Built 1960 (registry).12
- 2012-09-14Exhibition Shown at the Goodwood Revival with registration 22 XKX.12
Competition history
Every race result of the individual cars, in date order. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.
| Date | Chassis | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1961-06 | DB4GT/0183/R | Le Mans 24 Hours (Davison/Stilwell): retired with overheating.4 |
| 1961-07-15 | DB4GT/0183/R | Won the GT race at Aintree (Lex Davison).4 |
| 1961-08 | DB4GT/0183/R | Goodwood Tourist Trophy: 4th (Jim Clark).4 |
| 1962-05 | DB4GT/0183/R | Original car written off at Spa (Lucien Bianchi); replacement 0183/R to DP209 specification delivered July 1962.4 |
| 1962-05 | DB4GT/0190/L | Brands Hatch: 1st in class, 2nd overall (Roy Salvadori).15 |
Auction & sale history
Documented public sales of the individual cars. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.
| Date | Chassis | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-12-10 | DB4GT/0186/R | Sold at RM Sotheby’s “Driven by Disruption”, New York, lot 215. 14,300,000 USD (incl. premium)14 |
| 2018-07-13 | DB4GT/0183/R | Sold at Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale, lot 335, after single-family ownership since 1971. 10,081,500 GBP (incl. premium)4,13 |
| 2021-08-12 | DB4GT/0190/L | Sold at RM Sotheby’s Monterey (Paul Andrews Estate Collection), lot 120. 9,520,000 USD15,16 |
| 2026-08 | DB4GT/0186/R | Offered at RM Sotheby’s Monterey, lot 338 (estimate $12–15 million): not sold.2 |
See one in person
Museums where an example of this car can be seen.
No example is documented on public display yet. Have a source? Contribute it.
06Reference
Identification guide
How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.
Being verified against factory or registry sources before it is published. Have a source? Contribute it.
Sources
Each number links to the exact facts it supports.
-
1
DB4GT & DB4GT Zagato – past models Level A Aston Martin
- “Only 19 examples were produced”
- Zagato body
-
2
1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, lot 338, The Monterey Auction 2026 Level C RM Sotheby’s
- “Only 19 examples … were built”
- “Tadek Marek-designed inline six-cylinder engine”
- twin-plug ignition
- “triple Weber 45 DCOE 4 carburetors”
- 314 horsepower
- close-ratio gearbox
- “Powr Lok limited-slip differential”
- “Girling disc brakes”
- “a 30-gallon fuel tank”
- Only car delivered new to Australia; first owner Laurie O’Neill
- Lot 338, Not Sold
- Chassis DB4GT/0186/R
-
3
1991 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Sanction II Level C Paul Hardiman · Sports Car Market · 2012-08-01
- all 19 are still in existence, many in the U.K.
-
4
“2 VEV” – the ex-Essex Racing Stable 1961 Aston Martin “MP209” DB4GT Zagato, chassis DB4GT/0183/R, lot 335 Level C Bonhams
- Page header: “actually 20”
- “only three … MP209 ‘Super Lightweight’”
- Ogier bought the pair for £8,762
- “simply overheated into retirement”
- Aintree GT win, 15 July 1961
- Clark 4th, 1961 Goodwood TT
- Written off at Spa May 1962; replacement delivered July 1962
- £10,081,500 inc. premium
- Chassis DB4GT/0183/R, “2 VEV”
-
5
Newport Pagnell to Milan – a historical & technical appraisal of the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Level C Supercar Nostalgia
- Chassis 0183/R was built twice
- “19 cars built from April 2019”
- Raised from 9.0:1 to 9.7:1
- 1171 kg
- Elio Zagato’s own car (Supercar Nostalgia).
- DP209 specification; built for Jean Kerguen (Supercar Nostalgia).
-
6
1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Sanction II Zagato, DB4GT/0196/R, Monterey 2021, lot 105 Level C RM Sotheby’s
- “One of four Sanction II DB4GT Zagatos”
-
7
Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato headlines Bonhams|Cars Revival sale Level C Goodwood Road & Racing · 2025-09
- In 2000 two more Zagato bodies were found
-
8
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Level C AstonMartinZagato.com
- chain-driven twin overhead camshaft
- 3670
- 4-speed manual, DBS432
- no servo
- 2362 mm
- 4267 mm
- Width 1657 mm
- Height 1270 mm
- “Curb weight: 1171 kg”
- “153.5 mph (247.0 km/h)”
- 0–60 mph 6.1 s
-
9
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato – specifications Level C Ultimatecarpage.com
- “3,670 cc / 224 cu in”
- Bore 92.0 mm
- Stroke 92.0 mm
- Compression 9.7:1
- “314 bhp / 234 kW @ 6,000 rpm”
- @ 6,000 rpm
- “377 Nm / 278 ft lbs @ 5,400 rpm”
- @ 5,400 rpm
- “David Brown 4 speed Manual”
- 4 speed
- “2,362 mm (93 in)”
- “4,267 mm (168 in)”
- 1,160 kg
- 245 km/h (152 mph)
-
10
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato – specifications Level C Ultimatecarpage.com
- Drive: Rear wheel drive
- Steel platform chassis
- unequal length wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
- parallel trailing links, Watt linkage, lever-arm shock absorbers
- Steering: rack-and-pinion
- Track (fr/r) 1,372 mm (54 in) / 1,359 mm
- 1,359 mm (53.5 in) rear track
-
11
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Level B AstonMartinZagato.com (ZED Milano S.r.l.)
- Steel box section chassis, steel superstructure
- wishbones, coil springs, Armstrong telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
- live axle, coil springs, Armstrong lever arm, Watt linkage
-
12
Overview of all produced cars Level C AstonMartinZagato.com (registry)
- DB4GT/0176/R: Peony Red / black
- DB4GT/0176/R: 1961
- DB4GT/0176/R listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0177/R: Azzuro la Plata / White Gold
- DB4GT/0177/R: 1961
- DB4GT/0177/R listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0178/L: Rosso / Maja
- DB4GT/0178/L: 1961
- DB4GT/0178/L listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0179/L: Metallic Grey / black
- DB4GT/0179/L: 1961
- DB4GT/0179/L listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0180/L: White / black
- DB4GT/0180/L: 1961
- DB4GT/0180/L listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0181/L: Light metallic green / black
- DB4GT/0181/L: 1961
- DB4GT/0181/L listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0182/R: Aqua Verde Caliente / black
- DB4GT/0182/R: 1961
- DB4GT/0182/R listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0183/R: Aqua Verde Caliente / black
- DB4GT/0183/R: 1961
- DB4GT/0183/R listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0184/R: Almond Green / black
- DB4GT/0184/R: 1961
- DB4GT/0184/R listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0185/R: Deep Carriage Green / pigskin
- DB4GT/0185/R: 1962
- DB4GT/0185/R listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0186/R: Desert White / red
- DB4GT/0186/R: 1961
- DB4GT/0186/R listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0187/L: Lancia Blue / off-white
- DB4GT/0187/L: 1961
- DB4GT/0187/L listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0188/L: Auteuil Silver / black
- DB4GT/0188/L: 1961
- DB4GT/0188/L listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0189/R: Caribbean Pearl / red
- DB4GT/0189/R: 1962
- DB4GT/0189/R listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0190/L: Shell Grey / black
- DB4GT/0190/L: 1962
- DB4GT/0190/L listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0191/R: Pearl grey / black
- DB4GT/0191/R: 1961
- DB4GT/0191/R listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0193/R: French Racing Blue / pigskin
- DB4GT/0193/R: 1962
- DB4GT/0193/R listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0199/L: Mid metallic green / black
- DB4GT/0199/L: 1960
- DB4GT/0199/L listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
- DB4GT/0200/R: Midnight Blue / pale blue
- DB4GT/0200/R: 1960
- DB4GT/0200/R
- DB4GT/0200/R listed among the original DB4 GT Zagatos
-
13
Bonhams celebrates 50th Goodwood sale with record-breaking results Level C Bonhams (press release)
- Record result
-
14
Driven by Disruption: RM Sotheby’s New York City event generates more than $73.5 million Level C RM Sotheby’s (press release) · 2015-12-11
- $14,300,000 incl. 10% buyer’s premium
-
15
1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, DB4GT/0190/L, Monterey 2021, lot 120 Level C RM Sotheby’s
- Ordered via Garage Mirabeau, Paris
- Salvadori 1st in class, 2nd overall, Brands Hatch May 1962
- Lot 120
-
16
Paul Andrews Estate Collection opens three-night RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction, achieving $34.4 million Level C RM Sotheby’s (press release) · 2021-08-12
- $9,520,000
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