1961 | Aston Martin DP 214

The Aston Martin DP214 is a rare and legendary race car, designed in the early 1960s as a part of Aston Martin’s "Development Project" series. Created specifically to compete in high stakes “World Endurance races” such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans; the DP214 holds a special place in Aston Martin's racing history. Martin Brewer’s involvement with the DP214 has helped to keep this iconic car alive in the world of historic motorsports. Only two original DP214s were built, making them incredibly rare. The car was an evolution of the DB4 GT and, more specifically, the DB4 GT Zagato, both of which were high-performance models of the DB4. The DP214 was developed by Ted Cutting, Aston Martin’s chief designer at the time, who focused on reducing weight and improving aerodynamics for better performance on the track. This design work was essential in creating a vehicle capable of competing against other powerful race cars of its era, like Ferrari’s 250 GTO. The DP214 featured a lightweight aluminium body and an upgraded version of Aston Martin’s straight-six engine. This was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, which was rare for its time. The car could reach speeds of over 180 mph on the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans, an impressive feat for the era. Its design emphasized aerodynamic efficiency, with a sleek, elongated body, a rear spoiler for stability at high speed and carefully sculpted lines to reduce drag. Martin Brewer’s involvement with the Aston Martin DP214 comes through his efforts in preserving and racing a tool room copy of the original DP214. Given that one of the original DP214s was destroyed in a tragic accident at the Nürburgring in dreadful weather conditions, certain enthusiasts have undertaken the challenge of keeping the spirit of the DP214 alive through accurately crafted replicas. The two most prominent recreations, of which this is one, have been built to exacting standards, using original design specifications and where possible, period-correct materials and genuine Aston Martin parts. They offer a rare glimpse into the past and allow modern audiences to experience the DP214's performance and style.

Purchased by Martin Brewer some 18 years ago, this tool room copy of DP214 has competed at many of the British circuits and extensively in Europe, as well as competing at Laguna Seca in California. The car was originally built by Adrian Johnson at Post Vintage Engineers and has been continuously fettled by the Runnymede team along the way. The engine, which produces approximately 385 BHP was painstakingly rebuilt by James Hipwell at Warren Heath Engineering, the build of which included a steel crankshaft, a lightened flywheel, high compression pistons and Carillo con-rods, with the 12 plug cylinder head being gas flowed and with fuel being supplied via triple 50DCOE Weber carburettors. A very sturdy custom-built roll-cage adds to the driver safety, together with five-point harness safety belts. The car has proved to be utterly reliable and Martin has enjoyed considerable success at the wheel of this rare Aston Martin. The car’s achievements in competition are too numerous to list but include two wins at Laguna Seca in Monterey and a win at Silverstone in 2018. Perhaps one of his most pleasurable achievements, was sharing the car with Iain Rowley at the Spa Summer Classic in 2019, when the car was last raced and coming second against strong opposition at the age of 75. In 2023 Martin spent over £12,000 on the car with Rex Woodgate & Co at Silverstone in preparation for the 2024 season, although unfortunately, it has not been raced this year for personal reasons. Race cars can often look a little scruffy and bruised, this is not the case with this Aston Martin. It always presents well and can be used as a road car should you choose to do so. Martin Brewer has been known to drive the car to the Le Mans classic, such is the flexibility of this Aston Martin. It is supplied with a V5C registration document and very comprehensive history files.

One of the remaining original Aston Martin Project cars sold in 2018 for $21,455,000 including buyer’s premium by R M Sotheby’s. This ‘tool room copy’ appears to be realistically estimated given the quality and history of the car. This DP214 is not merely a showpiece but has been built to perform on the track, embodying the legacy of Aston Martin’s engineering prowess and racing spirit. The DP214 remains an iconic chapter in Aston Martin’s racing history, cherished and celebrated by enthusiasts who ensure its legacy endures.