"The title of the ‘most important Aston’ goes to the DBR1, endorsed by the fact that, in 2017, one of only five cars produced went to public auction for the first time ever, and sold for an astonishing $22.5m – a world record for a British car at the time. The Aston Martin DBR1 was the result of company owner David Brown’s ambition to win the world’s oldest active sports car race – the 24 Hours of Le Mans, his dream was realised in 1959. The journey to find the makers of the magnificent DBR1 reproduction takes us to a farm in rural Norfolk, where Andrew Soar of AS Motorsport has been building the ASM R1 Le Mans for private clients since 2007. Andrew’s cars are fine examples of great British craftsmanship, providing joy to the dozens of customers who’ve commissioned his work and (given that only one original DBR1 has surfaced for sale since they were first built) offering the only real chance of acquiring such a vehicle. The majority of cars are built using a Jaguar XK engine and gearbox, available from 2.4 litre through to 4.2 litre. The chassis shares many features with the original design, and offers the possibility of having seat, foot-well, pedal and steering locations designed to suit individual requirements. The period feel of the interior is provided with Mota-Lita wood rim steering wheel, Smiths instruments, alloy panelling and leather-trimmed seats. The body is only painted in Aston Martin Green, other colours were not an option!
This fabulous example was the second one purchased by the original owner. Having enjoyed the first one so much, when Andrew Soar made some modifications to the original cars, he promptly ordered one. Upon ordering the car, it was decided to put the well tried and trusted Jaguar XK 3.8 litre engine in her, with fuel delivered by triple Weber 45DCOE carburettors. This is mated to a five-speed gearbox. The chassis is a perimeter space frame design, which is very similar to the original and has been powder coated in the original colour. The car has a GRP body fitted with hand-made aluminium closing panels. ie bonnet, boot and both doors. Sixteen-inch wheels with Borani knock-ons, rack and pinion steering and adjustable shock absorbers all contribute toward great road holding. Braking is via disc brakes all round with ventilated discs on the front. An extensive history folder accompanies this ASM DBR1 replica, no stone was left unturned when it came to maintenance. Supplied with a V5C registration document, the car is also tax and MoT exempt, something which the new examples being built do not qualify for. These cars very rarely come up for sale, this is a fantastic opportunity to beat the waiting list and have just about as much fun on four wheels as is possible. This really is a great fun car which bears exacting bodily features of the original car. Viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate the quality and how well looked after this car has been."