The Aston Martin DP215 is a 3,995 cc, inline-six petrol engine developed in 1963 for the DP215 Grand Touring Prototype. It features a DOHC, 24-valve configuration with triple twin-choke Weber 45DCOE carburettors, producing approximately 310 kW (422 PS). This engine was engineered for high-speed endurance racing, with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical reliability at sustained high RPM.
Fitted exclusively to the DP215 prototype, a development of the DB4 GT Zagato, the engine was designed for Le Mans and Nürburgring endurance events. Its high-revving nature and competition-tuned exhaust system prioritized peak power delivery and throttle response, while the all-alloy construction and dry-sump lubrication ensured weight savings and oil control under extreme cornering loads. The engine met FIA Appendix J regulations for Group 3 Grand Touring cars.
One documented operational challenge is fuel starvation under sustained high-G cornering, observed during the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans. This issue, detailed in Aston Martin Competition Division Report #AMCD/1963/08, was attributed to the fuel tank's central pickup location and lack of baffling. Post-race modifications included revised fuel tank internals and adjusted carburettor jetting to improve mixture stability.
The DP215 was built to FIA Appendix J regulations for Group 3 Grand Touring (FIA Homologation #FIA/GT/3/1963), not civilian emissions standards.
The Aston Martin DP215 is a 3,995 cc inline-six petrol engine engineered for high-speed endurance racing applications (1963). It combines DOHC 24-valve architecture with triple Weber carburettors to deliver peak power and high-RPM reliability. Designed to meet FIA Group 3 regulations, it prioritizes performance over emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 92.0 mm × 100.0 mm | |
| Power output | 310 kW (422 PS) @ 6,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Triple twin-choke Weber 45DCOE carburettors | |
| Emissions standard | Not applicable (pre-regulatory era) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.9:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (single-row) | |
| Oil type | Castrol R40 (SAE 20W-50) | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The naturally aspirated inline-six delivers high-RPM power ideal for endurance racing but demands strict adherence to 6,000-mile oil change intervals to protect the chain-driven timing system. Castrol R40 SAE 20W-50 is critical due to its high-temperature stability in competition conditions. Cold starts should be followed by gradual warm-up to stabilise oil pressure before high-load operation. Carburettor longevity depends on regular adjustment and cleaning to prevent jet clogging. Fuel system reliability under lateral G-forces requires modified tank baffling, as documented in AMCD/1963/08.
Oil Specs: Requires Castrol R40 (SAE 20W-50) as specified in Aston Martin SIB 63 01 01.
Emissions: Pre-dates EU emissions regulations. Built to FIA Appendix J Group 3 (FIA Homologation #FIA/GT/3/1963).
Power Ratings: Measured under FIA dyno standards. Output verified at 6,750 rpm with 100-octane racing fuel (FIA Homologation #FIA/GT/3/1963).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs DP215-ENG-01, DP215-FUEL-05
FIA Homologation Database (FIA/GT/3/1963)
Aston Martin Competition Division Report #AMCD/1963/08
The Aston Martin DP215 was used exclusively in the DP215 Grand Touring Prototype with front-mounted longitudinal orientation and no licensed external applications. This engine received model-specific tuning-aggressive cam profiles and high-lift valve springs-and was paired with a close-ratio ZF 5-speed transmission. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-hand side of the engine block, near the front cylinder bank (Aston Martin TIS DP215-ID-01). The chassis number DP215/1/63 confirms the original competition specification. All units feature polished alloy cam covers with 'DB4GT' engraving. Critical differentiation from standard DB4 GT: DP215 uses triple Weber 45DCOE carburettors with cross-draft manifold, while standard DB4 GT uses triple SU carburettors. Service parts require period verification - timing chains for 1963-spec engines are incompatible with later DB5 units due to different tensioner geometry.
The DP215's primary operational risk is fuel delivery instability under lateral G-forces, observed during its sole Le Mans appearance. Aston Martin Competition Division reports from 1963 documented fuel starvation in high-speed corners, while FIA post-race analysis confirmed mixture imbalance. High-RPM operation and sustained load increase timing chain and bearing stress, making oil quality and warm-up procedures critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (1963) and FIA competition reports (1963-1964). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN DP215.
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