In 1959 Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori brought Aston Martin their first victory at the 24 hours of Le Mans race. Aaron’s father, Patrick, was about 11 at the time and attended the race with Carroll. The day after the race and the formal trophy presentation, both Carroll and Roy were presented with the Patek Philippe time pieces. Over the years, Carroll, rarely, if ever wore his. He gave it to Patrick many years ago, who has kept it without wearing it.
The 1959 Aston Martin DBR1 as used at the 24 Hours of Le Mans:
Engine: inline 6 cylinder, 2,992 cc with Weber carburetors
Horsepower: 260 bhp
5 speed transmission
Disc brakes – 12 inch front and 11.5 inch rear
1,890 lbs total weight
The David Brown Aston Martin Factory team brought 3 cars for the top class of the race.
Car #4 – Sterling Moss & Jack Fairman
Car #5 – Carroll Shelby & Roy Salvadori
Car #6 – Maurice Trintignant & Paul Frere
Car #4 did not finish
Car #5 1st Place
Car #6 2nd Place
There are only 4 original DBR1 cars in existence. The last one to sell traded hands for more than $20 million at auction in 2017. The car on display is a replica, or tribute, car of the first place finishing DBR1.
The project was commissioned by Patrick Shelby, Carroll’s youngest son, around 2014. The car was completed and delivered in October of 2018. Patrick was about 11 years old when Carroll won the race and he spent the summer in Europe with Carroll that year and so was present at the race. Of the many trophies that were handed out, each of the winning drivers received a gold Patek Philippe watch.
