Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato ‘2 VEV’ Exceptional Classic Car with a Storied Racing History Priced at Approximately $14 Million USD
Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato ‘2 VEV’ Exceptional Classic Car with a Storied Racing History Priced at Approximately $14 Million USD. The Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato ‘2 VEV’ stands as a mechanical masterpiece embodying the pinnacle of early 1960s automotive engineering. Its genesis traces back to the collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato, two legendary names in the automotive world, giving birth to a limited series of race cars poised to redefine performance standards.
Technical Specifications and Advanced Engineering:
The beating heart of the ‘2 VEV’ is its 3,670 cc inline-six engine, designed to deliver a phenomenal 310 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. This powerhouse is an engineering marvel, leveraging cutting-edge technology of the time to produce a robust torque of 285 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm. The engine has been meticulously calibrated to provide optimal performance on the track while maintaining unwavering reliability.
- The ‘2 VEV’s body is a work of art in aluminum and magnesium, lightweight materials that lower its total weight to a remarkably low level. This translates to exceptional agility and instantaneous responsiveness, crucial features for a competitive race car.
- The four-speed manual transmission is a precision engineering piece, offering complete control to the driver and seamless synchronization during gear changes. The chassis, front independent coil spring suspension, and rear leaf spring axle are all examples of the technical expertise deployed to ensure outstanding road-holding.
- Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes complete the picture, ensuring an impressive stopping power necessary for a race car of this caliber.
Racing Legacy and Distinguished Drivers:
‘2 VEV’ carved its path on the world’s most prestigious circuits, piloted by racing legends. Essex Racing Team, with direct factory support from Aston Martin, entered this iconic car into notable competitions.
Jim Clark, one of the most talented drivers of all time, took the reins of ‘2 VEV’, adding his genius to the car’s accolades. His participation in the RAC Tourist Trophy at Goodwood, the 1,000 kilometers of Paris at Montlhéry, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1961 was marked by outstanding performances.
The duo of Stirling Moss and Roy Salvadori also contributed to the ‘2 VEV’s legacy by guiding it to third place in its class and eighth place overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Stephen Archer and the Exemplary Restoration:
The heroic act of Stephen Archer, a distinguished engineer and passionate collector, was to restore ‘2 VEV’ to its former glory. Acquiring a car of this significance requires not only deep passion but also a thorough technical understanding.
Archer meticulously oversaw every step of the restoration process, ensuring that each component was faithfully reproduced according to the original specifications. Every bolt, every nut, was treated with unwavering dedication to authenticity.
The restoration involved in-depth research to guarantee the use of original materials and manufacturing techniques that reflect the era of the car’s creation. This resulted in a resurrected ‘2 VEV’, a perfect fusion of history and modernity.
Goodwood Auction: Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato ‘2 VEV’ Exceptional Classic Car with a Storied Racing History Priced at $14 Million USD
The auctioning of ‘2 VEV’ in 2018 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed was a historic event. The car attracted collectors from around the world, seeking to acquire an authentic piece of automotive history.
Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato ‘2 VEV’ Exceptional Classic Car with a Storied Racing History Priced at Approximately $14 Million USD.The auction culminated with a staggering figure of £10,081,500, eloquently testifying to the value enthusiasts place on such an icon. This positions ‘2 VEV’ as more than just a race car; it is a rolling work of art, a living testament to the golden age of automobiles.