The only thing cooler than vintage sports cars is vintage sports cars turned into rally specification racers. These three Aston Martin rally cars are breathtaking. What’s more, they have all seen active duty as rally race cars. If you would love to get sideways in an exotic European grand tourer, read on.
In 2010, the owner of this 1961 Aston Martin DB4 decided they wanted a rally car. This classic grand tourer was painted Snow Shadow Grey with a full, gray leather. But that was all about to change.
Between 2010 and 2012, Aston Engineering of Derby, England converted the classic into an FIA Appendix K regulation endurance race car. The team upgraded the transmission, brakes, and suspension for racing. Also, they installed IPF rally lights. In addition, they tuned the straight-six engine for 340 horsepower. They installed racing seats and finally, painted the finished product British Racing Green.
This Aston Martin competed at the 2013 6-hours of Spa endurance race. It also competed in Silverstone Classic, AMOC Intermarque, and Masters Historic races. It is more than ready for any classic racing event or Goodwood Revival style meet. In 2019, the owner decided to sell the DB4 and listed it with Nicholas Mee & Company auction house. We hope the new owners continue racing this capable Aston Martin rally car.
Rally The Globe is a club for classic car enthusiasts looking to get a little mud on their tires. Members own all manner of safari specification car–and take them on actual safaris. One couple in the club decided to rally their Aston Martin DB5. Naturally, they took the car to Aston Engineering for a conversion.
Here’s something you don’t see everyday. We converted this Aston Martin DB5 to FIA rally spec for a client over 10 years ago. Since then both him and his wife have competed in some of the most prestigious long distance classic rally events. #Astonmartin #db5 pic.twitter.com/eHSdC9csgP
— Aston Engineering (@Astonengineerin) December 15, 2020
Aston Engineering did what it does best. The team converted the timeless DB5 into a capable rally car. The team replaced the steering wheel, added Recaro racing seats, and even installed six-point harnesses. Rally lights and stickers complete the patina. Since at least 2010, this DB5 has taken part in rallies on multiple continents. These include races in Scotland, America, the Baltics, and Italy.
From time to time, the couple that rallies this DB5 drops the Aston Martin rally car off at Aston Engineering for a tune-up. But once the Aston Martin is ready to go, it always returns to the trail.
The newest Aston Martin on our list is a 2013 Vantage V8. A shop in Finland named Mäkelä Auto Tuning built it up for the 2015 World Rally Championship. It would have competed in a class called R-GT.
The finish team did a ton of work the Vantage. They raised its ride height and swapped the transmission for a sequential unit. The team also installed a full roll cage and racing seats. The Vantage kept its original body panels but gained a roof scoop for cabin airflow and hood-mounted light pod. The Aston Martin rally car even received a hydraulic hand brake. Overall it looks as high quality as a factory-built race car.
