David Brown Automotive launches the Sportback GT in the US
The name David Brown might not be familiar to even some seasoned car-folk, but his initials would. And that’s because DB is the prefix to pretty much every Aston Martin ever made, some exceptions obviously notwithstanding.
How did this come about? Well, David Brown was the managing director of his family’s firm, David Brown Ltd., making him a very highly-regarded British entrepreneur. His investments not only included Aston Martin, but renowned shipbuilder, Vosper Thorneycroft
His fame came about when Brown invested £20,500 and acquired Aston Martin after seeing a classified ad in The Times, for the at the time, struggling automotive firm. A year after, he acquired Lagonda for £52,500. The rest, as they say, is history.
But David Brown to this day does not go unrecognized as lots of Aston models still retain the DB prefix. And to make sure DB remains a fresh in the minds of people today, David Brown Automotive, a coachbuilding firm established in his name, created the Sportback GT, which is basically a modern day homage to the original and legendary Aston Martin DB5.
Similarly to other custom build British cars, like Aston’s long-time history with Zagato, the David Brown Automotive Sportback GT gets its base from a Jaguar XKR, and it’s later given a major do-over with lots of customer parts.
Power however is still provided by the original 5.0L Jaguar XKR V8 with 510hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, with the help of a supercharger.
How much will you need to acquire one? Ahem, get ready for it….$753,000. So it’s either that really nice vacation house you were saving up for, or this…
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DAVID BROWN AUTOMOTIVE LAUNCHES STUNNING SPEEDBACK GT TO EAGERLY ANTICIPATED AMERICAN MARKET
13/05/15
Following huge success in Europe, Speedback GT launches in the USA for £495,000 (currently $753,000)
Speedback will showcase the best of British craftsmanship to American audience at the exclusive Quail Motorsports Gathering rally and concours event
Announcement of North American launch rounds off Speedback’s recent 1st anniversary celebrations since its European unveiling
Coventry, England (May 2015): Launched in March 2014, Speedback GT from David Brown Automotive heralded a new era for GT models, showcasing a classically styled car with modern mechanicals, reliability and comforts.
Designed, engineered and hand-crafted in Britain, Speedback GT is now launching officially in the United States, after triumphing in Europe both via media reaction and sales.
Displaying at The Quail, the famed motorsports gathering located at Quail Lodge in California, the event will be the perfect place to demonstrate Speedback GT’s merits to the American media and public for the first time. Initially showcasing at the Quail Rally Welcome Reception on 10th August, it will participate in the Rally on 11th and 12th August before the main Quail event on 14th August where it will feature on a stand.
Company founder and CEO David Brown said: “It’s been a fantastic year for Speedback GT since its launch. Having had such a warm reception at a number of world-leading shows in Europe, it is a natural progression to bring the car to an American audience, where we’re sure there will be plenty of fans. We have already received a lot of enquiries asking when we would be bringing the car over so we’re really excited to finally be making the journey across.
“The Quail is the ideal venue to exhibit Speedback GT, with its luxurious, elegant, classic setting that encapsulate the car’s virtues and is full of true car enthusiasts.”
The culmination of an idea David Brown has been working on for many years, Speedback GT was created by the David Brown Automotive team, including highly-experienced Head of Design, Alan Mobberley. The car, which is hand built in Coventry, proudly uses traditional British materials and craftsmanship. Made to order, Speedback offers an array of exquisite detail including hand-formed panels and hand-crafted interior, as well as some special features such as a fold-down picnic seat.
“This car appeals to anybody who desires a truly individual sports car, which can boast a fine British pedigree and which will only be produced in limited numbers, thus ensuring the kind of exclusivity associated with Britain’s once proud heritage of traditional, high-quality, automotive coach- building,” commented David.
He added: “Speedback is the realisation of a dream for me, and is the result of skilful and dedicated work by a team of highly talented designers, engineers and craftspeople. The Speedback name perfectly reflects the classic sports car tradition of the past, while also doing justice to the sophisticated silhouette of the car’s hand-built body and unique styling which features among plentiful detail, including a fold-down picnic seat.”
Priced at £495,000 (currently $753,000), Speedback GT promises exceptional performance and handling, hosting a 5.0-litre V8 supercharged unit with 510bhp and 461lb ft, hitting 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 155mph.
