1959 Aston Martin DB4 Lightweight 4.5-Litre Competition Sports Saloon
Registration no. DB 76
Chassis no. DB4/201/R

"When the products which are raced bear such a close resemblance to those which can be bought by the public, as do those of Aston Martin, only the most biased can deny the value of racing in improving the breed. It should be no surprise (that the DB4) should be based on an engine which first appeared in experimental form in some of last year's races." - The Autocar, 3rd October 1958.

Launched to unbounded acclaim at the London Motor Show in October 1958, the sensational DB4 marked a major turning point for Aston Martin as it was the first car of the David Brown era that neither used a chassis derived from the experimental Atom of 1939 nor an engine designed by Willie Watson.

The new car's competition potential had been recognised from the outset and the factory lost no time in developing a lightweight version suitable for racing, the resulting DB4GT debuting at the 1959 London Motor Show. The model had already been proven in competition earlier that year when the prototype driven by Stirling Moss ('DP/199') won its first race at Silverstone. Those wishing to race the latest Aston Martin but unable to obtain a limited-edition DB4GT or its even more exclusive Zagato-bodied variant were forced to use the 'ordinary' road car, and today modified DB4s remain a mainstay of Aston Martin Owners Club and other important historic motor sports events.

The significant Aston Martin DB4 Lightweight offered here, 201R was delivered new by HW Motors in Brooklands as "DB76" to the Earl of Brecknock on the 12th of November 1959, a number the car still retains to this day. During the 1960's, the car was owned by English actor, Christopher Casanove, the star of US TV drama, 'Dynasty.'

After a period off the road, 201R became the basis for the second RS Williams Aston Martin DB4 Lightweight, and was commissioned by John Goate, the much-fabled Aston Martin DB4 GT expert. The DB4 Lightweights quickly began to reign supreme and dominate the Aston Martin Historic racing field. After much success on the UK racing circuit in the capable hands of John Goate, 201R found its way to the United States, along with the original DB4 Lightweight of Lord Downe, that had become famous in its own right having been driven by Le Mans, and sportscar ace, Mike Salmon.

201R was campaigned in the United States by Murray Smith, where the car went on to become arguably the most successful competition Aston Martin in North America. During the 1986, 1987 and 1989 seasons, Murray Smith stormed to victory and won almost every race he entered in 201R. In 1986 201R was pictured and featured in Classic and Sports Car (Original article present in history file). Following on from the success of the 1987 season, Murray Smith drove and reviewed 201R for "Victory One Magazine" (Original article present in history file). At the end of the 1989 season, the car was acquired by notable historic racer Jack Boxstrom. Jack instructed Robert and John Clerk of Performance Tune to maintain the car. In the hands of Boxstrom, 201R continued its dominance and its formidable record continued to grow. From 1990 to 1992, 201R competed in 23 races, picking up 21 class wins and finished every race that it started during this period. The pinnacle of 201R's success culminated in Jack Boxstrom claiming the "Rolex Endurance Challenge" Title.

1993 marked the end of 201R's career in North America and the car was returned to RS Williams in the UK where it was subjected to body off rebuild and restoration. The works were completed some three years later in 1996. Upon completion, Richard Williams intended to run the car in house as an RS Williams 'Works' car. However, due to rapid expansion within the business, Richard came to an agreement to sell the car to Martin Angle in 1997. Angle was a newcomer to historic racing at the time of his acquisition of 201R but this didn't stop 201R quickly re-establishing itself as a front runner in the UK Aston Martin Championship along with the Thoroughbred Sports Car Championship. In 2000, the UK Aston Martin Championship contained some of the UK's most prominent historic racers such as Gerry Marshall, Gary Pearson, David Heynes and Ronnie Farmer which made it all the more impressive when Angle lay second in the championship in 201R. Sadly, other commitments meant that Angel had to sit out the remainder of the season.

In 2001, The Heritage GT Series was formed under the banner of the TOCA Series to run as a support series to the British Touring Championship. 201R immediately made its mark on the championship by finishing on the podium in the first round of the new series on the big stage. During the two-driver rounds of the series, Angle regularly shared the driving duties of 201R with ex-Formula 1 driver, Jackie Oliver. From 2001 to 2003, 201R achieved numerous class wins and overall results amongst much more powerful machinery such as V8 Aston Martins and Chevrolet Camaro's. Between 2001 and 2004, 201R competed in over 120 races, and only suffered one mechanical failure.

The car was acquired by the Kemp family in 2006, Charlie Kemp successfully campaigned 201R for two seasons culminating in winning the AMOC Aston Martin Championship. Late 2007, 201R finally found its most recent long-term home in the hands the current vendor, a prominent historic racer. During the vendors ownership period, 201R has once again enjoyed an extensive, and successful racing career culminating in winning the AMOC Mike Clayton Memorial Trophy in 2017. All of 201R's outings, including all race results and lap times, are documented in the outstanding history file that accompanies the car. The maintenance, race preparation and care of 201R has been undertaken by MRM Motorsport and Aston Engineering. During the vendors time with the car, no stone has ever been left un-turned and as such the car presents in resplendent front running condition for a competition car. Maintenance and preparation has been carried on a no cost limit basis and there are invoices on file from MRM Motorsport, Aston Engineering, as well as historical documents and invoices from RS Williams, totalling hundreds of thousands of pounds.

During August of 2020, the 4.5 litre engine at the heart of 201R was subject to an extensive rebuild by Aston Engineering. The resulting power output came to a highly impressive 396 bhp. Since the rebuild 201R has not been subjected to any race miles. During recent months, 201R has once again been gone through by vendor owned MRM Motorsport to ensure that the car is immaculately prepared and on the button for the new owner to enjoy.

Prepared to the absolute highest standard, 201R presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire one of the very fastest historic racing Aston Martins in any category. With such an illustrious, successful and well documented UK and North American history, 201R is an unrivalled opportunity that needs to be seen to be appreciated.