Tecnomodel 1-18 1959 Aston Martin DBR4 diecast model car review

Tecnomodel recently announced a quartet of 1:18 replicas of the 1959 Aston Martin DBR4, which was the marque’s first ever Formula One car. It was largely based on the DB3S, borrowing the sportscar racer’s basic chassis and engine layout.

Unfortunately, the DBR4 flattered to deceive. Its very first race was the non-championship International Trophy at Silverstone, Roy Salvadori finishing in a highly impressive second place on the car’s debut. Meanwhile his team-mate Carroll Shelby was classified sixth after an oil pump failure forced the American driver to retire in the closing stages.

As far as the world championship went, the DBR4 was only entered into four races during the 1959 season. This was due to Aston Martin constantly shifting priorities and resources between its Formula One and endurance racing programmes. While it was at least able to win Le Mans with its DBR1, a pair of sixth place finishes for Salvadori would remain the best world championship results for the DBR4. The car would not be seen again, save for an aborted entry into the following year’s Dutch Grand Prix.

So, not the most successful machine to have ever partaken in the Formula One world championship, but undeniably a significant one. Of the four 1:18 replicas that Tecnomodel has announced of the DBR4, two are the aforementioned cars of Salvadori and Shelby from the 1959 International Trophy. These are joined by Salvadori’s sixth-placed car from the British Grand Prix, and a plain green press version.

Click Tecnomodel 1-18 1959 Aston Martin DBR4 to order.