1959 Aston Martin DB4GT Prototype (DP199)
- Engine
- 3.7L inline-six (as restored; originally raced with 3.0L and 3.7L variants), twin-plug head, triple Weber 45 DCOE carburettors
DP199 is the prototype DB4GT, the car from which all subsequent Aston Martin GT models descend. Conceived in early 1958 under John Wyer and engineered by Harold Beach and Ted Cutting, it was constructed by shortening an early DB4 chassis by five inches. Before its public debut, it was tested at Le Mans in April 1959, then memorably raced at Silverstone's International Trophy Meeting by Stirling Moss, who took pole position, won, and set a lap record. It subsequently competed at the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours before serving as a development and press car. Sold in 1961, it passed through the hands of the Hon Gerald Lascelles and racing driver Mike Salmon before being enjoyed by several noted enthusiasts.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$6,765,000
- 1959 → 1961Factory deliveryAston Martin (factory/press/development use)full documentation
Used as prototype, race entrant, press demonstrator, and development vehicle; registered 845 XMV and shown at the October 1959 DB4GT London launch.
- 1961-06-01 → 1965Private saleHon Gerald Lascellesfull documentation
Cousin of the Queen and longstanding associate of the Aston Martin works team; kept the car at Fort Belvedere, with factory maintenance records confirming the relationship.
- 1965 → 1971Private saleMike Salmonpartial documentation
Well-known Aston Martin racing driver who likely had a personal connection with the previous owner.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownChris Stewartpartial documentation
One of several noted gentleman drivers who owned the car during the period following 1971.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJohn Norringtonpartial documentation
One of several noted gentleman drivers who owned the car during the period following 1971.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownDavid Preecepartial documentation
One of several noted gentleman drivers who owned the car during the period following 1971.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownAnthony Maymanpartial documentation
One of several noted gentleman drivers who owned the car during the period following 1971.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJimmy Wilsonpartial documentation
One of several noted gentleman drivers who owned the car during the period following 1971.
Competition
- 19591959 Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: Hubert PattheyRetired — bearing failure after 21 laps
Entered under the banner of a Swiss racing group; co-driven by Renaud Calderari. Fitted with a 3.0-litre twin-plug dry-sump engine, the first use of that cylinder head configuration.
- 1959-04-26Le Mans 24 Hours Test Day 1959Driver: Hubert PattheyBest lap 4 minutes 38 seconds
Pre-race test session; car likely fitted with a 3.7-litre engine based on the lap time comparison with the June race practice times.
- 1959-05-021959 International Trophy GT RaceDriver: Stirling Moss1st, pole position, lap record
12-lap GT race at Silverstone; Moss averaged 87 mph and reportedly did not exceed 5,500 rpm. Entry required Wyer to formally commit the prototype to production.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1959ModificationAston Martin (Feltham)
After Le Mans the car was returned to Feltham and converted to road specification, with the single oil-cooler scoop replaced by the twin smaller scoops standard on early production DB4GTs. Prepared for official launch photography and press use.
Registered 845 XMV at this stage and subsequently used as a press and development vehicle.
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