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Chassis:
Of the 19 DB4 GTs clothed by Zagato, this was the only one delivered new to Australia. Completed late in 1961, it was sold to Sydney-based businessman Laurie O'Neill, who was also an avid amateur racer and also fielded his cars for others. Entered for Doug Whiteford, it was hugely successful during the 1962 season, scoring outright victories in the first three appearances. O'Neill also managed to clinch a couple of class victories behind the wheel of 0186/R, as did Ian Geoghegan, who raced the car for O'Neill during the second half of 1962. At the end of the year, O'Neill sold the car on, which meant the end of its contemporary racing career.
During the subsequent 30 years, the rare Aston Martin was owned by just two Australian collectors. In 1993, it was repatriated to the United Kingdom through marque experts Goldsmith & Young. The new owner was Scotsman G.K. Speirs, who would go on to campaign the car extensively including at the first two editions of the Goodwood Revival. He also brought it back to Australia for demonstration laps during the 1998 Australian Grand Prix and also a historic race at Adelaide. Soon after, Speirs sold the car on to American collector Peter Read.
Shortly after acquiring the car, Read submitted it to a ground-up restoration. Responsible for the mechanicals were Aston Martin specialists Richard S. Williams, while the bodywork was refurbished by Zagato. This proved to be the start of a close relationship between Read and Zagato, which fuelled the creation of several Zagato-bodied Aston Martins like the DB9 Centennial Spyder and the DB7-based models. Following the restoration, Read successfully showed the DB4 GT Zagato on both sides of the Atlantic, scoring numerous class and best of show wins in the most prestigious of events.
| Chassis details |
| Manufactured in |
December 19, 1961 |
| Engine number |
370/0186/GT |
| First owner |
Laurie O'Neill |
| License plates |
73 GYL, 4 RTA |
| Appearances |
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| Most recent auction(s) |
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