Aston Martin DP215

The Aston Martin DP215 was a prototype sports car built by Aston Martin for grand touring-style racing in 1963. It was built alongside the similar DP214, both of which replaced the previous DP212. Only a single example was built, which survives today.

Again using a DB4GT chassis, the DP215 was stylistically similar to the DP214, but had the advantage of not only being slightly lighter, but also using the larger 4.0 litre Tadek Marek Inline-6 which had previously powered DP212. With this increased power and decreased weight, the DP215 was seen as better suited to Le Mans' Mulsannes straight than the DP214.

Debuting at the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans, the lone DP215 started alongside the two DP214s, yet suffered problems early in the race. Gearbox problems eventually put DP215 out of the race after a mere 29 laps, although the DP214s would also suffer problems and eventually retire. Following Le Mans, the DP215 would appear at the 12 Hours of Reims, yet would retire yet again. Unfortunately, the car was soon retired from use as the DP214s proved more reliable.

In 1966, while being driven on the M1 motorway, DP215 was involved in an accident which badly damaged the car. Although equipped with a spare body, the car was fully restored in the 1980s and continues to be used to this day.

External links

* [http://www.astonmartins.com/racing/dp215.htm AstonMartins.com] - DP215