carrozzieri-italiani.com

The ultimate italian coachbuilder site

A Closer Look21 December 2024 by Andreas 886 Viewed

The Aston Martin DB4 GT

Aston Martin DB4 GT

The origin

Aston Martin DB4 GT: how did all started. On 24th May 1914 the driver Lionel Martin, with a Singer 4 cylinders (developed by Robert Bamford) won the British uphill race of Aston Clinton. After the World War, the two joined together in the production of racing cars, which they called “Aston” (in memory of the victorious “Martin” which was the name of the factory’s largest shareholder.

The period between the two wars gave a certain sporting fame to the small factory, which changed owners, but not the name; then a new conflict stopped production, which restarted with difficulty after World War II.

In 1948 “David Brown Gears” took over Aston Martin and, shortly after, also the Lagonda brand. David Brown, the new owner, to mark the new production set-up, used his initials “DB” for each new model.

Sir David Brown

The vocation for racing was not lost: the DB1 and DB2, were joined by the DB3S and DBR 1 which were “barchettas” for endurance races, but Brown admired the Italian coachbuilders and several DB 2 were bodied by Bertone (designed by Scaglione), by Vignale (designed by Michelotti), by Touring (designed by Formenti) and by Ghia with the Supersonic (designed by Savonuzzi).

The Aston Martin DB4 GT

At the end of the Fifties, Aston Martin was a racing and industrial reality: the new GT was unveiled in 1959 and on June it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the DBR 1 driven by Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby and also the second place with Paul Frère and Maurice Trintignant, There were five Astons in race, but very few noticed a sleek Gran Turismo  which remained in the race for only 21 laps. It was the new Aston Martin DB4 GT! This new model was officially built in 101 units but in reality there were only 97: 75 units (0101-0175) were bodied by Touring, another 19 by Zagato (0176-0200), only one by Bertone (the 0201, called Jet), two racing specimens were made in Great Britain by Feltham (0194-0195) and four chassis numbers were never assigned (0192, 0196, 0197, 0198). To all these is to be added a first prototype of Le Mans 1959 identified with the anomalous code “DP 199 – 1”: this body was built directly in Aston Martin itself (in 1953 the company had acquired the english coachbuilder Tickford)

The Aston Martin DB4 GT Touring Superleggera

The Aston Martin DB GT Touring

Mr. Harold Beach was sent to Milano to work with Carrozzeria Touring. Their ‘Superleggera’ body construction with alloy panels fixed over a tubular frame demanded a platform chassis, which Beach designed in just six weeks. Touring’s designer Federico Formenti penned a sleek body for the new chassis and two prototypes were built in Milan. Then the craftsmen at Newport Pagnell took over Superleggera body construction for the Aston Martin DB4 GT under license from Touring, who supplied body jigs.
​

The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato

The Aston Martin DB GT Zagato

The Aston Martin DB4 GT bodied by Zagato and designed by Ercole Spada, were made between 1960 and 1962 and will be characterized by the suffixes “L-left ‘or’ R-right” to indicate the steering wheel position (left or right).

Eleven right-hand drive chassis were built (0176, 0177,0132 0183, 0184, 0185, 0186, 0189, 0191, 0193 0200) and only eight left-hand drive (0178, 0179 0180 0181, 0187, 0188, 0190, 0199)

Some car historians, referring to the DB4, write about three generations of the model. The DB4 bodied in-house (ex Tickford), the DB4 GT bodied by Touring and the DB4 GT by Zagato. Both Touring and Zagato GT’s were shorter and more compact than the DB4: the wheelbase was reduced by 13 centimeters and thus the length was reduced to 4.35 meters; the weight also dropped from 1310kg of the DB4, to 1270 kg of the GT Touring version and the 1250 kg of the Zagato version. The engine was a 3670cc straight sixm with power peaks of over 300 hp at 6000 rpm. It was equipped with a double ignition and an oil cooler had been added to improve lubrication. The GTs had three Weber 45 DCOE carburetors and Girling disc brakes as standard. The Touring and Zagatos had front headlights built into the bodywork (as it will become standard in the DB 5) and the maximum speeds reached 245 km/h for the Touring version and about 255 km/h for the road Zagato.

The nineteen hand built cars have some differences: in some speciments for example, the front grille is wider; the Z llogo in some is located above the side air intake, in others in front and the air intake. The air intake on the hood, in some cases, is bigger than in others.

In 1963 and 1964, Aston Martin also produced two evolutions of the DB4 GT Zagato: the prototypes DP 212 and DP 215. The two chassis were presented as evolved designs of the GT, similarly to what Ford with the Cobra did, which declared that the Cobra Daytona coupe was an evolution of the roadster.

Here are the racing histories of the most famous chassis

Chassis 0182/R

Bought by the English team “Essex Racing” of John Ogier, bright green paint job; it disputed the 24 hours at Le Mans in 1961, but retired, with Roy Salvadori ranking third at Aintree and Goodwood and second with Maggs at the 1000 Km of Monza but was soundly beaten at Monthlery with Clark and Ireland finishing sixth behind the Ferrari GTs.

Chassis 0193/R

From the Jean Kerguen team “Garage Mirabeau”  plate 2475 TTA 75, baby blue color, it is one with the large grille. It disputes Le Mans in 1962 and 1963, but retires in both cases, in 1964, with a rear spoiler and other minor modifications, it won the “Rally della Route du Nord” with Leguéz ec-Franc beating the Ferrari GTOs.

Chassis 0194/R

It is the GT (built by Feltham on a Zagato design) from which Aston Martin derived the DP 215 prototype. It disputes the 24 hours of 1963 with Schlesser-Kimberley, but retires; runs at Brands Hatch and at Goodwood with Ireland (sixth and seventh), at the 1000 Km of Monza with Salvadori (first) and at Monthler (1000 Km of Paris) with the French Leguézec (first). In 1964 it repeats, in bad luck, the Le Mans race with Salmon-Sutcliffe (retirement) and its racing career continues (incredibly) until 1974.

Although built in a few examples, the DB 4 GTs had reproductions in 1/43: Vitesse produced a limited series of 7500 pieces (certified and numbered) of the 0182 / R license plate “1 VEV”. Provence Moulage made the 0193 / R resin kit.

The Aston Martin DB4 GT Jet by Bertone

The Aston Martin DB4 GT “Jet” was unveiled by Bertone at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. Designed by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro it was originally finished in light green and had a grey interior.

According to its most recent auction listing, it was first in Beirut before being sent to the US. It’s there that Victor Gauntlett, Aston Martin’s Chairman found the car in bad shape and sent it back to the UK for a complete restoration by GTC Engineering under Kingsley Riding-Felce’s supervision, it suffered an engine fire. The Aston Martin DB4 GT Jet was purchased by Hans-Peter Weidmann during its restoration which was completed in 1988. Later it was offered for auction at Bonhams’ “The Aston Martin Works Sale” in May 2013 and sold for £3,249,500 inc. premium. The car’s chassis no. is 0201L and engine no. is 370/0201/GT.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

Posts You Might Like

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Sultan Brunei Car Collection

Everyone has heard stories about the Sultan of Brunei’s immense and almost mythical car collection, but few details have ever been confirmed. Shrouded in secrecy, this legendary fleet of rare and bespoke automobiles has fascinated enthusiasts for decades. Recently, a handful of insider photos emerged online, offering a glimpse into the hidden treasure trove.

What many don’t realize is that much of the collection’s extravagance can be traced back to the Sultan’s younger brother, Prince Jefri Bolkiah. With the Royal Family’s extraordinary fortune; largely built on Brunei’s vast oil and gas reserves; Prince Jefri spearheaded an era of unparalleled spending in the 1980s and 1990s. The Sultanate’s wealth was immense, with the Sultan’s net worth reportedly reaching $30 billion, enabling extravagant purchases on a scale that stunned the world.

At its peak, the Royal Family’s car collection was rumored to include around 7,000 vehicles, valued at over $5 billion. This included custom Ferraris, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and bespoke models from almost every luxury automaker, many of which were tailored to the exacting tastes of Prince Jefri. It’s estimated that the family’s spending on Rolls-Royces alone exceeded £480 million during the 1990s, making them the brand’s single most important clients.

Italian design house Pininfarina played a vital role in bringing many of the family’s automotive visions to life. From reengineering Ferraris like the 456 into custom sedans and wagons to crafting entirely unique vehicles, Pininfarina became deeply entwined with the Royal Family’s car projects. However, this dependence on the Sultan’s commissions came at a cost. When the family’s spending spree came to an end, Pininfarina faced severe economic difficulties, forcing it to sell parts of its private collection to survive.

In this article, we dive into some of the most iconic custom cars from the Sultan’s collection, focusing on the Italian masterpieces created by Pininfarina and other renowned coachbuilders. From bespoke Ferraris to completely reimagined Bentleys, these cars showcase an extraordinary chapter in automotive history—one driven by unparalleled wealth, obsession, and creativity.

Paolo Garella: The Architect Behind the Collection

Paolo Garella is an Italian engineer whose career spans over three decades, defined by his blend of technical expertise and creative innovation. His journey began at Goodyear’s Technical Center in Luxembourg, where he honed his skills in advanced testing and vehicle dynamics. His ability to solve complex problems and his leadership potential quickly became apparent, leading him to PTI-Albatech, where he worked on hybrid and electric vehicle projects.

In 1992, Garella joined Pininfarina, where he would become a key figure in the company’s development. He rose through the ranks, managing the Prototype Engineering and Manufacturing Department, and later founding Pininfarina Special Projects in 2002. Under his leadership, this division produced bespoke, one-off cars for clients with unique tastes, reinforcing Garella’s reputation as a master of tailored automotive solutions.

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

A defining chapter of his career was his work with the Sultan of Brunei’s legendary car collection. Garella’s ability to navigate the pressures of working with the royal family and his focus on creating personalized, exceptional vehicles earned him their trust and solidified his position as a leading figure in automotive design.

After leaving Pininfarina in 2009, Garella continued to contribute to the automotive world, founding Manifattura Automobili Torino in 2014. Throughout his career, he remained focused on craftsmanship, collaboration, and innovation, earning respect not only for his technical expertise but for his leadership and dedication to creating extraordinary cars.

Pininfarina and the Right-Hand Drive Conversions

Pininfarina’s collaboration with the Sultan of Brunei involved a unique challenge: converting left-hand drive performance cars, like the Ferrari 288 GTO and F40, to right-hand drive, as preferred by the Sultan. Led by Paolo Garella, Pininfarina’s engineers had to re-engineer the entire car, from repositioning the dashboard to adjusting the suspension, all while maintaining the cars’ performance.

In addition, Garella and his team upgraded the air-conditioning systems to handle Brunei’s tropical climate, ensuring comfort without compromising the cars’ high-performance standards. This project wasn’t just technical; it was an opportunity for Pininfarina to blend craftsmanship with engineering, creating bespoke vehicles tailored to the Sultan’s exact needs. Each car became a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, reflecting the Sultan’s vision of luxury.

The love for the 456 GT

The Ferrari 456 designed by Pietro Camardella became a key part of the Sultan of Brunei’s collection, with Pininfarina tasked to create unique versions, all known as “Venice” models. In total, around 42 bespoke Ferraris were built, including four-door sedans, five-door wagons, and two-door convertibles, all tailored to the Sultan’s preferences. Notably, Pininfarina adapted a night vision and a Porsche 928 automatic transmission to the 456, as the Sultan preferred automatic gearboxes.

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

Additionally, the cars received modifications to suit Brunei’s tropical climate, including enhanced air-conditioning and subtle design tweaks. These Venice versions weren’t just custom cars; they were a blend of luxury and innovation, each reflecting the Sultan’s distinctive vision.

The Ferrari 550 Bahar

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Ferrari 550 Bahar is a unique one-of-a-kind vehicle commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei for his son, Prince Bahar. Built by Pininfarina with Paolo Garella managing the project, it’s a bespoke version of the Ferrari 550 Barchetta, created before the official release of the model.

The most notable modification is the custom hardtop, transforming the open-top Barchetta into a coupe-like design for a more weather-resistant, luxurious experience. The car also features a front-mounted automatic gearbox from Mercedes-Benz, offering greater comfort compared to the traditional Ferrari manual transmission. The roof system was borrowed by the Mercedes-Benz R129 SL, but was widened for improved structure and elegance. Only three units were built, making the 550 Bahar an exclusive creation.

The Ferrari FX

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Ferrari FX is a unique, bespoke car created by Pininfarina for the Sultan of Brunei. Only few units were produced, featuring a flat-twelve engine from the Ferrari Testarossa and a 7-speed sequential manual transmission from Williams F1, allowing it to reach a top speed of 205 mph. Each car was custom-built to the Sultan’s specifications, blending luxury with performance. While five were delivered to Brunei, the fourth car was cancelled by the Sultan and later acquired by Dick Marconi. This car is now displayed at the Marconi Automotive Museum in California, making the Ferrari FX a rare and exceptional part of automotive history.

The Ferrari Mythos

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

Unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, the Mythos is a stunning concept car by Pininfarina, based on the Ferrari Testarossa. Designed by Pietro Camardella, it features a bold, wedge-shaped body with a 4.9-liter flat-12 engine producing 390 hp, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Though not intended for production, the Sultan of Brunei commissioned several specimens, one in red and another in turquoise, adding them to his legendary collection. The Mythos’ design would later inspire the Ferrari F50, and its story is further connected to the Ferrari F90, a proposal that became a limited production for Prince Jefri of Brunei.

The F90

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Ferrari F90 is a unique creation that emerged from Enrico Fumia’s rejected concept for the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show. Although the design wasn’t chosen for the show, it was revived in 1988 when Prince Jefri of Brunei requested a bespoke supercar. Fumia’s design was adapted and approved for the Prince, leading to the creation of the F90.

Unveiled in 2005, the F90 featured a Targa roof, sleek lines, and functional yet stylish elements like elliptical front motifs. It retained the Testarossa’s V12 engine but introduced innovative design features. The car was tested secretly and remained largely unknown until a 2002 photo revealed one in the Sultan’s garage. Ferrari officially recognized the F90 in 2005.

Today, the six Ferrari F90s remain part of the Sultan of Brunei’s private collection, with Fumia hoping one day to share his creation with the world.

The Bolide

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Ferrari F50 Bolide was an ambitious project by the Brunei Royal Family and Pininfarina in the late 1990s. The plan was to convert six F50s into right-hand-drive models and create six unique track-focused Bolide variants. While a full-scale model was made, featuring a wooden chassis and foam body, the project never reached production.

The Bolide was envisioned with a V10 engine derived from Ferrari’s F1 technology, offering a true performance experience. However, financial and logistical challenges led to its cancellation, leaving only the model as a legacy. The F50 Bolide remains a fascinating “what if” in automotive history.

The Love for Bentey

Bentley was one of the Sultan of Brunei’s favorite brands, and his collection of bespoke vehicles crafted in collaboration with Pininfarina is a testament to his love for luxury and exclusivity. These unique creations, most assembled by the Italian coachbuilder Coggiola, reflect the Sultan’s penchant for personalization and his desire to own the finest automobiles in the world.

Among the standout pieces is the Bentley Azur 2-Door Convertible, a one-of-a-kind vehicle based on the Bentley Turbo R. Finished in a striking black-on-black color scheme, it combines high performance with supreme elegance, featuring a 6.75-liter V8 engine and a rare four-wheel-drive system. The Azur 4-Door Convertible, also a custom creation, reimagined the original design into a four-door version, finished in an elegant blue with a matching interior, and similarly equipped with four-wheel drive to meet the Sultan’s specific preferences.

The Bentley B2 Coupé, originally introduced in 1994, underwent a significant interior retrofit inspired by the Bentley B3, a model the Sultan of Brunei favored for its more refined and successful cabin design. While only 13 units of the B2 were ever built, this bespoke grand tourer reflected the Sultan’s desire for exclusivity. The Bentley B3, another highly exclusive creation, was based on the Bentley Continental R and produced in an even more limited run of just 12 units. Renowned for its elegant design and luxurious interior, the B3 set a benchmark for the Sultan’s bespoke fleet, influencing the modifications made to the earlier B2 Coupé. Among the Sultan’s unique collection was also the Bentley Phoenix Cabriolet, a striking and rare model from the 1990s, with only five examples ever made. One of these was finished in the Sultan’s official shade of yellow, further enhancing its uniqueness. Additionally, the Bentley Spectre Convertible, introduced in 1995, showcased the pinnacle of personalized luxury, combining exclusive design with tailored craftsmanship to suit the Sultan’s precise tastes.

The Aston Martins

The Aston Martin AM3 and AM4 were custom creations commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei in 1995, designed by Pininfarina’s Scott A. Barras. Both models were built on the Aston Martin Vantage 600 chassis, with only three units of each produced.

The AM3 features a sleek, modern design with a composite nose cone and unique rear lights, offering a forward-thinking take on Aston Martin’s classic grille shape. The AM4, on the other hand, blends retro styling inspired by the DB5 and DB6 with modern elements, creating a muscular yet elegant silhouette.

Both cars reflect the Sultan’s desire for luxury and exclusivity, with each being a rare and distinctive addition to his extraordinary collection.

The Argento Vivo

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Honda Argento Vivo, unveiled at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, was a futuristic two-seater convertible with a sleek aluminum frame and a retractable hardtop. Captivated by its design, the Sultan of Brunei commissioned four unique versions based on the Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG R129 platform, each with a powerful 7.3-liter V12 engine. Valued at over $1 million each, two of these bespoke vehicles were delivered to his collection, while the other two remained unfinished—one briefly appearing on eBay in 2009, and the other disappearing into mystery.

The Jaguar XJ220 Pininfarina

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Jaguar XJ220 Pininfarina, commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei in 1995, featured bespoke updates by Pininfarina and Coggiola. The custom design included fixed headlights, new rear lights, and a reworked rear wing, while the interior was upgraded to match its luxurious exterior in dark green. Retaining the original supercharged V6 engine and aluminum chassis, only two were made. One was destroyed in a fire, and the other’s location remains unknown.

The Cinquecento Pick-Up

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Fiat Cinquecento Pick-Up AH, a one-off creation by Pininfarina is a unique evolution of the original Cinquecento Pick-Up concept. Designed under the guidance of Paolo Garella, the car features a roll bar over the loading bed, Spiaggina-inspired doors, and an open-air design for a breezy, summer aesthetic. Finished in elegant “Agnelli” blue with a matching leather interior, it includes exclusive AH logos and Pininfarina badges. As a right-hand-drive model, it perfectly aligns with the Sultan’s preferences, blending compact functionality with luxurious design.

The Other Design Houses

The Rolls-Royce Majestic, created by Bertone for the Sultan of Brunei between 1995-1997, is an exclusive model with only six units built. Powered by a turbocharged V8, it features active seat belts and a luxurious interior designed to the Sultan’s specifications.

The BMW Nazca M12, a prototype designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro, was powered by a BMW V12 engine and was built as a lightweight supercar. While it never went into production, at least one was made for the Sultan, finished in a unique blue paint.

The Aston Martin Lagonda Vignale, a 1993 concept by Ghia Design, was powered by a Lincoln V8 engine, though it was intended to feature a V12. Only three units were built, with one going to the Sultan of Brunei, finished in a striking brown color and fitted with a V12 Jaguar engine.

The Legacy and Lessons of Brunei’s Automotive Obsession

The Sultan of Brunei’s car collection is a remarkable showcase of the artistry and craftsmanship that comes from working with renowned coachbuilders like Pininfarina. Each bespoke vehicle represents a unique blend of luxury, performance, and personalization, highlighting the Sultan’s deep passion for cars. From custom Ferrari 456s to one-off Aston Martins and Jaguars, these cars are not just machines but works of art. However, as the Sultan eventually stopped commissioning new cars, Pininfarina faced challenges due to their heavy reliance on this one client. With limited diversification, the company faced economic difficulties and was eventually forced to sell part of their private collection to stay afloat. It’s a reminder of how even the most successful collaborations can face challenges when they lack balance and diversification.

© 2025 Carrozzieri-italiani.com
Handcrafted with love in Italy 🇮🇹