Legendary Aston Martin at auction

22 October, 2015

Ask me, if money is no object, what car I’d most like to own and you’ll always get the same answer — Aston Martin’s gorgeous, and incredibly rare, DB4GT Zagato. With only 19 examples ever built, these special cars are, undoubtedly, the priciest and most coveted road-going Aston ever built — a breathtaking combination of the iconic DB4 kitted out with Zagato’s beautiful and lightweight aluminium bodywork.

Quite simply, opportunities to obtain one of these spectacular Astons are virtually non-existent — until now! Yes, one of these DB4GT Zagato will be on the block at RM Sotheby’s Driven by Disruption sale, scheduled to take place on December 10 at Sotheby’s New York. This rare Aston will be joined by a carefully curated selection of some 30 pioneering motor cars.

The DB4GT Zagato featured — chassis number DB4GT/0186/R — is the only example delivered new to Australia, having been completed in 1961. Purchased by businessman Laurie O’Neil, the car was raced extensively during the 1962 season and enjoyed numerous victories and podium successes in the hands of Doug Whitehead, including victory in the South Pacific GT Championship and fourth overall in the Sports Car Championship on the same day. The car remained in Australia for the next 30 years before returning to the UK in 1993. Since then, the car has been fully restored to concours standard and has scored numerous awards at events such as the Louis Vuitton Concours, Villa d’Este and Pebble Beach.

Alas, I have to report that, much as I’d like to, I doubt that I’ll be bidding on this amazing Aston Martin — even if I cracked open the piggy bank I doubt if I’d be able to scrape up enough to afford this blue-chip beauty.

Job opportunity – upholster needed urgently!

HELP!
Bren Mathers and Scott Flynn from Suite Southern Upholstery and Auto Trim urgently require assistance from someone with a knack for upholstery.
“We would prefer someone who is already trained in upholstery skills or has the skills to do the work,” Bren said.
Based in Dipton, in rural Northern Southland, the on-the-go business is expanding with a new sample room and extra sheds.
Suite Southern Upholstery carries out a range of upholstery work, from automotive and household furniture and craftwork to marine work.
They currently have eight cars booked in for work, so expect to be busy!
The business has a great reputation for the quality of its work throughout the classic car network, and as far away as Auckland.
If you want to work for a great firm full-time or hours to suit, in a peaceful country work environment, give Bren or Scott a call on 021 685 157
or 03 214 0523.
Check them out on Facebook!

Breakfast of champions – Brink

Some older readers may recall the amusing late 60s advertisement for a breakfast drink using World Champion racing driver Graham Hill which was made while he was out here competing in the Tasman Series.
“Drink Brink” was the phrase, subtly altered by Graham’s characteristic lisp into “Dwink Bwinkl” which drew a grin or two.
Southland Mini racing enthusiast Howard Kingsford-Smith has preserved a little bit of Mini racing history when he re-created the “Brink Mini” some 25 years ago.
“I bought what remained of the original car and made a replica I suppose or look-a-like of the original Brink Mini from Cathy Henderson about 25 years ago,” Howard explained.