RM Auctions' Automobiles of Arizona sale - the big opening event of 2009 for car collectors - will feature an abundance of classic British motors.
At the sale's The British Are Coming! Thursday night auction will be a range of classic '50s-'60s Aston Martins, of which the major head-turner will be the ultra-rare 1963 DB4 GT Superleggera. It will sell at no reserve.
It is one of just six known DB4s built to GT Lightweight specification, to compete with Ferrari's SWB 250 Berlinettas on the international Grand Touring scene.
The DB4 GT did this with aplomb. The most powerful British car of its era, it proved itself against Ferrari on race circuits all over the world; driven by legends including Stirling Moss, Roy Salvadori, Jim Clarke and Innes Ireland.
 The Aston Martin 1963 DB4 GT Superleggera |
Distinguishable by its twin radiator-mounted headlamps, the Superleggera has a 13cm shorter wheelbase than a standard DB4, higher compression, a twin-ignition 3.7L inline six fitted with duel Weber 45DCOE carbs, and 304 horsepower.
Aside from the six known lightweight versions, only 75 DB4 GTs were ever built, 45 in right-hand drive, 30 left-handed, between 1959 and 1963.
Today - and despite its rarity - the DB4 GT remains a spritely entrant at historic racing events, such as the Goodwood Revival, and long distance events like the Tour de France and Tour D'Espagna.
As legendary as it is rare, the 1963 DB4 GT Superleggera will make a serious impact at RM's The British Are Coming! sale, which takes place on Thursday, January 21.
Watch this space for forthcoming news on the unmissable Automobiles of Arizona event, and about the British and international classic cars that will be on offer.
