John Goldsmiths Blue Aston Martin DP214, in the International Paddock awaiting the start of the International Trophy For Classic Pre-66 GT Cars race
The Aston Martin DP214 was a prototype sports car developed by Aston Martin for use in grand touring-style racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Two DP214s were built in 1963, with one surviving today. Just like its predecessor, the DP212, to comply with GT regulations, the DP214 was based on DB4GT chassis, numbers #0194/R and #0195/R. The body was completely redesigned, using elements from the DP212 such as the Kamm tail rear end. The bodywork would be wider than the DP212 though, and the nose would be a completely new design. The DP214 would also use a production Tadek Marek Inline-6, (bored to 3,750 cc (229 cu in) from 3,670 cc (224 cu in)) unlike the DP212's larger engine. Unlike the DP212, the DP214s would be used in races other than Le Mans. The DP214 made its debut with DP215 at the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans, Bill Kimberley and Jo Schlesser in 0194 and Bruce McLaren and Innes Ireland in 0195. During practice recording, DP214 set an unofficial time of 3m and an official time of 4m 00s, with Ireland recording 300 kilometres per hour ( mph) down the Mulsanne Straight. The race plan was for 0194 and 0195 to lap at 4m 15s. On lap 28 McLaren in 0195 pitted when leading the GT class and 10th overall. Ireland took over 0195 and took it up to 6th overall but during his stint a piston failed on the Mulsanne Straight on lap 60 (4h 06m) and forced them to retire, which was a result similar to that of the DP212 in 1962. The engine failure resulted in 20 litres of oil being spilled on the track, causing a multiple accident involving Roy Salvadori's Jaguar E-Type lightweight and Jean-Pierre Manzon's René Bonnet Aerodjet LM6. Christian Heins' Alpine M63 Renault was unable to avoid the wreck, swerved out of control, hit another vehicle and spun into a lamp post exploding into flames, killing him instantly. DP214 0194 had to stop on lap three to unblock a main jet, but had more luck during the race, reaching 5th overall in 110 laps.
Size: 5616px × 3634px
Location: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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