David Brown Automotive Speedback GT
If you wish the warm embrace your favorite blanket gave you as a child could be channeled into your smartphone or other cherished modern electronic device, then you’re likely to be a fan of the David Brown Automotive Speedback GT, a striking grand-tourer which carries the nostalgia of the 1960’s and the cumulative knowledge of the British coach-building industry—all wrapped into one svelte, hand-formed aluminum package.
David Brown, not to be mistaken with Sir David Brown—the late one-time owner of Aston Martin—has reached a level of entrepreneurial success where he can afford to purchase the vehicles he admired during the days of his youth. Seeing as a decade of his pre-teen years were spent in the 60’s, it’s no wonder that Brown decided to purchase an Aston Martin DB5—a GT with the perfect combination of Italian flare and British craftsmanship, and of course, the endorsement of the world’s most beloved super spy, James Bond.
Related: Greatest James Bond Cars Of All Time
Though the purists may cry foul play, there’s little sense in arguing the disparity between the mechanicals of a modern automobile and one from a half-century ago; if you had to make a panic stop or evasive maneuver, would you really want non-disc brakes that were older than your favorite Aunt connected to a squishy, vague brake pedal? Neither did David Brown, that’s why he chose to revamp his DB5 with modern soundproofing, upgraded brakes and more horsepower—and how he was inspired to begin manufacturing the Speedback GT.
The Speedback GT begins with a Jaguar XKR chassis—convertible chassis’ are preferred for their extra rigidity—and then are clothed with a beautiful bespoke body which are created using traditional coach building methods; forming “bucks” are used as a guide upon which master craftsmen shape the vehicle’s panels using an English wheel. The eye-catching, unmistakably 60’s design of the Speedback GT is the work of ex-Jaguar Land Rover designer, Alan Mobberley.
Powering the Speedback GT is Jaguar’s AJ-V8 in supercharged trim, its 503-hp enough to propel the grand tourer to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Brown decided on the V8 for its gentle power delivery at low RPMS and its ability to make the Speedback cover road in a hurry with just the right engine note should the driver choose to dip heavy into the accelerator.
Only one fully completed Speedback GT currently exists. Brown plans on keeping the total number produced below 100, but production volume may never even reach that tally due to a shortage of suitable donor chassis. At £594,000 ($909,651 USD) each, hopefully there are enough successful automobile lovers out there who appreciate the perfect blend of past and present which the Speedback GT offers.
