Alongside the Ferrari 250 GTO, the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato is probably not only one of the most beautiful, but also one of the fastest GT sports cars of its time. Compared to the GTO, however, the Aston is even rarer, but can also look back on a somewhat less successful racing career.
Two DB4 GT Zagato cars have a special status, as they bear the license plates "1 VEV" and "2 VEV" and were therefore practically works racing cars. The second of these GTs will be auctioned by Bonhams at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 13, 2018.
The Bonhams specialists have not (yet) given an estimated price, but they predict that this Aston could become one of the most expensive British cars of all time, with some even whispering that the 2 VEV could perhaps become more expensive than the DBR 1 from 1956, which sold for almost EUR 20 million in 2017. Bonhams' James Knight comments: "It is, by some distance, the most valuable British motor car ever to be offered at a European auction, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this historically significant vehicle". He therefore assumes that the Zagato-Aston will become the most expensive British car, at least in Europe.
There are good reasons why this particular Aston is so valuable. Firstly, it is one of two racing cars from Newport Pagnell that were driven on the most legendary circuits, including Le Mans and Goodwood. Secondly, Jim Clark sat behind the wheel. Thirdly, it is one of only three DB4 GT Zagato cars with DP209 specification. 2 VEV achieved unwanted fame when it collided with John Surthees' GTO at the Tourist Trophy in Goodwood in 1962. A few laps later, Robin Benson also slid into the two rivals in his 250 GT SWB - a famous picture! And from today's perspective, an accident that cost well over 50 million. But of course all these cars were rebuilt, 2 VEVs even several times during his career.
Now the 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT is coming back onto the market for the first time after more than 47 years in the family. It will be interesting to see what buyers will fork out for it.
Further information can be found at Bonhams.
