Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato start no. 1 Le Mans LE 2500 pcs CMC M-139
Description
Jean Kerguen, one of the best private drivers of the late 1950s racing era in France, had the opportunity to participate in the 1961 Le Mans race with his Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato. He received active support in his race preparations from Garage Mirabeau, Aston Martin's French dealer. The Mirabeau team was also strengthened by Aston Martin factory expert Des O'Dell, who provided valuable guidance with his extensive development experience and excellent knowledge of the Le Mans racing scene.
Thus prepared, Jean Kerguen and his co-driver Jacques Dewez (pseudonym "Franc") started the race from the front of the grid alongside two other Astons from the English racing team ERS. The start was excellent, and throughout the race, to the delight of his drivers and the entire racing team, the car ran absolutely perfectly and without any problems. The only mechanical interventions during the race were the replacement of the brake pads after 14 hours and a clutch adjustment after 16 hours of racing.
When Kerguen's Zagato pitted for the final time after 23 hours, he was in ninth place overall, and the prospects for an excellent result were promising. Jacques Dewez was ready to tackle the final 50 minutes when he discovered that the engine would not start after pressing the starter button. Hasty checks, performed personally by expert Des O'Dell, revealed no discernible defects, including checking the battery and all visible cable connections, as well as an external inspection of the starter motor.
So, after 286 successful laps, or 50 minutes before the end of the race, the team was deeply disappointed and had to retire. Until the retirement, the car was in third place in its class.
Technical data of the original vehicle
| Perfomance: | 314 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Engine capacity: | 3,670 cc |
| Top speed: | 246 km/h |
| Bore x stroke: | 92 x 92 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2,363 mm |
| Track front / rear: | 1,372 / 1,359 mm |
Notice
Jean Kerguen, one of the best private drivers of the late 1950s racing era in France, had the opportunity to participate in the 1961 Le Mans race with his Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato. He received active support in his race preparations from Garage Mirabeau, Aston Martin's French dealer. The Mirabeau team was also strengthened by Aston Martin factory expert Des O'Dell, who provided valuable guidance with his extensive development experience and excellent knowledge of the Le Mans racing scene.
Thus prepared, Jean Kerguen and his co-driver Jacques Dewez (pseudonym "Franc") started the race from the front of the grid alongside two other Astons from the English racing team ERS. The start was excellent, and throughout the race, to the delight of his drivers and the entire racing team, the car ran absolutely perfectly and without any problems. The only mechanical interventions during the race were the replacement of the brake pads after 14 hours and a clutch adjustment after 16 hours of racing.
When Kerguen's Zagato pitted for the final time after 23 hours, he was in ninth place overall, and the prospects for an excellent result were promising. Jacques Dewez was ready to tackle the final 50 minutes when he discovered that the engine would not start after pressing the starter button. Hasty checks, performed personally by expert Des O'Dell, revealed no discernible defects, including checking the battery and all visible cable connections, as well as an external inspection of the starter motor.
So, after 286 successful laps, or 50 minutes before the end of the race, the team was deeply disappointed and had to retire. Until the retirement, the car was in third place in its class.
Technical data of the original vehicle
| Perfomance: | 314 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Engine capacity: | 3,670 cc |
| Top speed: | 246 km/h |
| Bore x stroke: | 92 x 92 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2,363 mm |
| Track front / rear: | 1,372 / 1,359 mm |
