A new classic British sports car is to be released during 2014 with the name “David Brown”. This will quicken the hearts of enthusiasts all over the world, but there may be some confusion over the name, an almost hallowed name in British car history. It was David Brown who bought both Aston Martin and Lagonda in the 1940s and whose initials have designated some of the brand’s most desirable cars with the DB series, but that David Brown died more than 20 years ago.
The “new” David Brown is a British businessman and car fan, who is apparently dissatisfied with what’s on offer in the sports car segment, so he has decided to produce his own, launching a new brand with a production model to be unveiled in April showing what he says is a new approach to the classic British sports car.
“I wanted all the impact and style of a classic sports car, but with modern capabilities and conveniences. This is what I want in a car, but it’s not something anyone really offers, so I’ve created it myself.”
He will put the car into production under the brand name David Brown Automotive – albeit in limited numbers. “I thought that if I’m looking for this, others might be too,” he said.
The car, codenamed ‘Project Judi’ for now, will be released closer to launch, but Brown said it will “combine a classically-inspired exterior design, with the latest in performance, dynamics, technology, comfort and refinement.”
To help him, Brown has secured Land Rover’s former chief designer – who served there for 19 years until 2005 – from whom he has commissioned a completely original design, sourcing bespoke British suppliers for interior trim and materials, and combining “the latest manufacturing techniques with traditional craftsmanship.”
