The Aston Martin DBR1 sits at the apex of British endurance racing, and chassis DBR1/2 carried race number 5 at Le Mans in 1959. IXO Models' 1:43 die-cast captures the car in its correct British Racing Green livery, exactly as it appeared during the 24-hour race on 20–21 June 1959, when it completed 323 laps and 4347.9 km to finish first overall.
Ted Cutting's Racing Blueprint
Designer Ted Cutting specified an aluminium two-seat spider body over a tubular steel space-frame for the DBR1, keeping weight to a minimum while providing the structural rigidity required for endurance racing. Power came from Aston Martin's inline-six twin-cam unit. Five chassis, numbered DBR1/1 through DBR1/5, were constructed, each refined through circuit testing and race results.
One Chance, One Victory: Le Mans 1959
The David Brown Racing Department entered two DBR1s at Le Mans on 20–21 June 1959. Chassis DBR1/2, carrying race number 5, was entrusted to Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby. Their car ran 323 laps — 4347.9 km — to take the outright win, with the sister DBR1/4 (No. 6, Trintignant and Frère) finishing second. It was Aston Martin's only Le Mans victory, achieved in the final year of the works programme at the top level. The result, combined with other championship rounds, secured the 1959 FIA World Sportscar Championship. Carroll Shelby, who retired from driving shortly after due to a heart condition, later founded Shelby American and led the Ford GT40 programme.
IXO Models: Die-Cast Precision at 1:43
This replica is made by IXO Models in die-cast metal at 1:43 scale. The livery reproduces the British Racing Green worn by the David Brown Racing Department cars in 1959 — a satin finish consistent with period race preparation rather than a modern metallic coat. At 1:43, the model represents the DBR1/2 as raced, with race number 5 correctly applied.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the No. 5 Aston Martin DBR1 at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans?
Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby drove chassis DBR1/2 to an outright win, completing 323 laps (4347.9 km) over the 24-hour race on 20–21 June 1959. A sister car, No. 6, finished second, giving Aston Martin a 1–2 result.
Did this Le Mans win have any broader championship significance?
Yes. The victory contributed to Aston Martin clinching the 1959 FIA World Sportscar Championship, making it the decisive result of the season.
Who were the drivers of the winning car?
Roy Salvadori, a prominent British sports-car racer, shared the drive with American Carroll Shelby, who later founded Shelby American and developed the Shelby Cobra and the Ford GT40 programme.
What material is the IXO Models replica made from?
The model is constructed in die-cast metal by IXO Models at 1:43 scale.
