The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato is widely regarded as one of the most desirable grand touring cars ever built, combining British engineering excellence with Italian coachbuilding artistry. With just 19 examples produced, chassis 0186/R ranks among the model’s most historically significant survivors thanks to its documented racing pedigree, concours-winning restorations, and remarkable originality. The car is set to cross the block at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction next month, where it carries an estimated value of $12 million to $15 million.
Created after Aston Martin’s 1959 victory at Le Mans, the DB4 GT Zagato was conceived to challenge Ferrari’s dominance in GT racing. Aston Martin partnered with Milan’s Zagato, where a young Ercole Spada penned the lightweight aluminum body that remains one of automotive design’s greatest achievements. Power came from a revised 3.7-liter Tadek Marek-designed inline-six producing approximately 314 horsepower, thanks to higher compression and triple Weber carburetors, making it significantly more potent than the standard DB4 GT.
Completed in December 1961, chassis 0186/R was delivered new to Australian businessman and racing enthusiast Laurie O’Neill, making it the only DB4 GT Zagato originally sold in Australia. The car quickly established an impressive competition record throughout the 1962 season. Driven by celebrated racers including Doug Whiteford and future Australian Touring Car champion Ian Geoghegan, it secured multiple GT victories, class wins, and championship honors while reaching speeds of up to 145 mph during competition. As racing regulations evolved to favor more purpose-built race cars, the Aston Martin was retired before suffering the extensive damage that befell many of its contemporaries, allowing it to retain both its original engine and much of its factory-built Zagato coachwork.
Following its competitive career, the DB4 GT Zagato passed through a distinguished chain of collectors in Australia, Europe, and the United States. It benefited from several meticulous restorations, including work by renowned specialists John Goldsmith, Richard Williams, Zagato itself, and later Kevin Kay Restorations. A comprehensive refinement completed between 2018 and 2019 focused on achieving the highest standards of historical authenticity, preserving original details while carefully restoring the body to concours-winning condition.
The results have been remarkable. Chassis 0186/R has earned prestigious honors including Best of Show at the 2002 Louis Vuitton Concours d’Elegance, class victories at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, and a class win with The Vitesse – Elegance Trophy at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it was also shortlisted for Best of Show.
Accompanied by extensive factory documentation, period racing records, restoration files, and its matching-numbers drivetrain, this exceptional DB4 GT Zagato represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of Aston Martin’s most celebrated and valuable competition grand tourers.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
