Aston Martin
DP212

Why it matters

The first of four Design Project competition cars that Aston Martin built from the DB4 GT chassis after closing its works racing department. DP212 began the line that later produced the Kamm-tailed DP214 and DP215.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Photos

Exterior, interior and detail photos with their licences.

• Aston Martin DP212 (Wikimedia Commons: Aston Martin DP212)
  Photo: David Merrett · CC BY 2.0
• Aston Martin DP212 (Wikimedia Commons: Aston Martin DP212)
  Photo: Hotlorp · CC BY-SA 4.0

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

After the racing department shut at the end of 1960, continental Aston Martin dealers pressed for a return to works competition, and David Brown approved a car developed from the DB4 GT. DP212 was conceived and built in five months and used mostly DB4 GT chassis and mechanical parts. The wheelbase was extended by an inch, the standard platform was replaced by box-frame sections, and the body was sleek and light, in magnesium and aluminium alloy. With a larger-capacity engine and triple Weber carburettors, it reached 175 mph. Richie Ginther and Graham Hill drove it at Le Mans in 1962, where it qualified fifth on the grid.

Both drivers reported rear-end lift at speed. Tests at MIRA led engineers to add a rear spoiler and a longer, lower nose, lessons carried into the DP214 and DP215 cars.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   Aston Martin DP212 chassis DP212/1 Level B Supercar Nostalgia

   • the unique DP212
   • an engine enlarged from 3.7 to 4-litres
   • a special five-speed gearbox
   • lightened chassis, uprated suspension and brakes
   • streamlined magnesium-alloy bodywork

   Accessed 2026-11-12
2. 2
   Motor Sport, February 2020: Aston Martin's intriguing 'Project Cars' Level C

   • 1 one-off car (first of four Project Cars: DP212, two DP214, DP215)

   Accessed 2026-11-11
3. 3
   1963 Aston Martin DP215 Grand Touring Competition Prototype (Monterey 2018) Level C RM Sotheby's

   • increased engine capacity and triple Weber carburetors
   • DP212 had a top speed of 175 mph

   Accessed 2026-11-12
4. 4
   1963 Aston Martin DP214 - Images, Specifications and Information Level B ultimatecarpage.com

   • 327 bhp proved to be a more realistic figure
   • double wishbone suspension was replaced by a more exotic DeDion setup

   Accessed 2026-11-12