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More than six decades ago, at a little circuit in the deepest depths of Sussex, Aston Martin put a rather special car through its paces. An evolution of the DBR1 sportscar, the DBR4 was destined for great things as the manufacturer’s first entry into the highest tier of open-wheel racing: Formula 1.
Video: Watch the original Aston Martin DBR4 F1 car test at Goodwood
But first, it had to pass the rigorous testing schedule, and here we join the team in action, on January 30th, 1959. Watch as the streamlined, front-engined sportscar takes on the 2.3-mile Goodwood Motor Circuit, with none other than Roy Salvadori behind the wheel.
The DBR4 project was initially conceived in 1957, but took a while to get off the ground as Aston focused on other racing commitments. It eventually made its debut at the 1959 Dutch Grand Prix, driven by Salvadori and Carroll Shelby, however proved unsuccessful, with more recently-developed cars surpassing its technology and speed. As the manufacturer’s first venture into the World Championship, it was replaced the following year by the lighter DBR5, after which Aston Martin decided to return their focus to the more successful sportscar racing.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: The Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 is insanely loud
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