Beschreibung:

1959 Aston Martin DB4 Lightweight 4.5-Litre Competition Sports Saloon Registration no. DB 76 Chassis no. DB4/201/R• The second RS Williams DB4 Lightweight built • No expense spared preparation throughout its life • Winner of the "Rolex Endurance Challenge" in North America in the hands of Jack Boxstrom • Featured in "Victory One" magazine in 1987 Footnotes"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. H