Aston Martin DBR9 #59 - 24 Hours of Le Mans 2005
This 1:43 scale Aston Martin DBR9 model car captures the very essence of endurance racing with its iconic green livery bearing the number 59. It faithfully reproduces the car that marked Aston Martin's official return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2005, driven by the trio of David Brabham, Darren Turner and Stéphane Sarrazin.
This collector's item represents a historic moment for the British brand and is a must-have for any sports car and endurance racing enthusiast. The meticulous reproduction of details and the quality of the finish make it a prestigious item for collectors.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Aston Martin DBR9
- Brand: Aston Martin
- Year: 2005
- Scale: 1/43rd
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Color: Green with number 59
- Drivers: David Brabham / Darren Turner / Stéphane Sarrazin
- Protective case included: Yes
The Aston Martin DBR9, back to the roots of competition
Developed specifically for endurance racing , the Aston Martin DBR9 marked the Gaydon marque's official return to motorsport in 2005 after a decades-long absence. Based on the road-going DB9, this racing version benefits from a completely revised chassis, a 6.0-liter V12 engine developing over 600 horsepower and aerodynamics optimized for trackdays.
The DBR9 stands out for its design philosophy, which prioritizes reliability and fuel efficiency over raw power. Its aluminum and carbon chassis, weight distribution, and carbon-ceramic braking system make it a formidable competitor on endurance circuits. This engineering approach perfectly reflects Aston Martin's DNA: combining performance and refinement.
Aston Martin, the prestigious British heritage
Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin quickly established itself as one of the world's most prestigious automotive brands. In the 2000s, under the leadership of Ford and then private investors, the brand underwent a spectacular renaissance with the launch of the DB9 in 2004, which redefined the brand's aesthetic and technical codes.
The return to competition with the DBR9 is part of this strategy of sporting renewal . Aston Martin then wishes to regain its letters of nobility in endurance, a discipline where it had shone in the 1950s and 1960s. This period also marks the arrival of David Richards at the head of the company, former rally co-driver and team boss, who drives this new sporting dynamic.
The anecdote of the triumphant return
The 2005 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will remain etched in Aston Martin's history as the symbol of a successful return to competition . After 40 years of official absence from the endurance circuits, the British brand entered two DBR9s in the GT1 category, including the green #59 that interests us. This color, far from being insignificant, pays homage to the British racing tradition and the brand's past successes.
David Brabham, son of three-time world champion Jack Brabham, brings his endurance racing experience to the team, while Darren Turner is quickly becoming one of Aston Martin's iconic drivers. Stéphane Sarrazin, a multifaceted French driver, completes this international trio. Together, they perfectly represent the cosmopolitan spirit and technical excellence that the brand strives to convey.
Although this first participation did not result in a victory, it laid the foundations for Aston Martin's future success at Le Mans. The #59 DBR9 finished in the points, demonstrating the reliability and potential of this new British weapon. This race marked the beginning of a successful era that would culminate in victories in GT1 in 2007 and 2008, and then in GTE Pro in 2017.
The impact of this return goes beyond the purely sporting sphere. It restores Aston Martin's technical credibility and sporting brand image, which directly benefits road car sales. The DBR9 thus becomes a formidable marketing tool, proving that technologies developed in competition find application in production models.
Complete your collection of exceptional model cars
This Aston Martin DBR9 #59 naturally finds its place alongside other endurance legends . It fits perfectly with the Ferrari model cars of the same era, notably the 550 and 575 Maranello which were its main rivals in GT1. Collectors will also appreciate associating it with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR or the Chevrolet Corvette C6.R of the same period.
For fans of the British brand, this DBR9 is the ideal starting point for a collection dedicated to Aston Martin racing cars. It can be complemented by later versions of the DBR9, the Vantage GTE, or the recent Vantage AMR. This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and novices wishing to discover the world of racing cars through an iconic and historically significant model.
