A PUR SANG-ROSE DBR1 HALF-SCALE CHILD'S CAR, CHASSIS NO. 006, arguably the most beautiful sports-racing car of all time, the Aston Martin DBR1 not only won the World Sportscar Championship in 1959 but also the prestigious Le Mans 24-Hour Race (driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori) that same year.
Manufactured by Pur Sang, of Argentina, the PS-R DBR1 half-scale 'junior' prototype faithfully and accurately recreates the excitement and aura of the original. Pur Sang needs no introduction to those familiar with the world of Bugattis, the firm's Type 35 recreations being universally admired for their incredible authenticity and quality execution. Powered by an electric motor with rechargeable battery, the junior DBR1 is a meticulous recreation of the original and features a bespoke steel spaceframe chassis, fully articulated suspension, rack and pinion steering and twin braking system. Hand formed over a wooden buck, the aluminium bodywork features authentic wire rolled edges to the wheel arches, just like the original.
The seat covering is made of the original woven material, as used in the 1959 Le Mans winner, while the wood-rim steering wheel and original-pattern appliquéd instrument panel are true to its big brother's form. Tyres and wheels are faithful versions of the Borrani and Dunlop originals. The electrical system incorporates working lights and an 'electronic exhaust' sound system featuring authentic recordings of the DBR1 engine's distinctive bark.
The prototype Pur Sang-Rose DBR1 was first shown in the UK at the new Aston Martin factory at Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 4th December 2003. Under the appreciative eye of then Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the factory representatives were - we hear - delighted to see the finished car. Having gauged public reaction, the manufacturers planned a limited production series (of which this is number '006'), commencing with a run of 10 cars. (lacking one tail-light lens), 210 x 86 x 50cm.