One of only 75 left-hand-drive DB2 Drophead Coupés ever produced
Remarkable history, including former owners such as David McNeil (son of the painter Marc Chagall) and Alain Aziza (official Aston Martin importer for France)
Engine rebuilt in 2008 with a new cylinder head manufactured in England
French ‘Carte Grise’ (registration document)
The appeal
As John Bolster wrote in *Autosport* in 1952, “Whether for racing, going to the theatre, long journeys or even competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it will be hard to find a more perfect car than the Aston Martin.”
The DB2 arrived at a pivotal moment in the brand’s history: the union of David Brown’s ambition with the brilliant 2.6-litre twin-cam six-cylinder engine that W.O. Bentley had commissioned Willie Watson to design for Lagonda. Of the 411 DB2s built before production ceased in April 1953, only 98 were Drophead Coupés, and of these, only 75 were left-hand drive, making it one of the rarest Aston Martin convertibles of the immediate post-war period.
Our example, chassis LML/50/384, left the factory in July 1953 destined for the French market, where it was first registered in the name of Guy Schoelier of Boulevard de Courcelles, Paris. Its successive owners have been no less prestigious: David McNeil, the American singer and son of the great painter Marc Chagall, entrusted its maintenance to British Motors, the Aston Martin dealer in Monaco, whilst he owned it. In 2014, the car became part of the collection of Alain Aziza, then CEO of Auto Performance and Aston Martin’s official importer for France, before being acquired by the current owner – himself a devoted Aston Martin enthusiast – following Aziza’s death in 2021.
Presented today in black with red leather, this left-hand-drive Drophead Coupé has been cared for by knowledgeable and passionate owners throughout its life. For collectors of classic Aston Martins, opportunities to acquire a genuine DB2 Drophead Coupé of this rarity and with this provenance are indeed very rare.image.png1.56 MB
History and documentation
Originally delivered to the French market and first registered in September 1953
Chassis number LML/50/384
First owner: Guy Schoelier of Paris
Subsequently owned by David McNeil (son of the painter Marc Chagall), who had the car serviced by British Motors, the Aston Martin dealer in Monaco
Sold at auction in 2014 to Alain Aziza, CEO of Auto Performance and official Aston Martin importer for France
Acquired by the current owner, a French Aston Martin enthusiast, following Aziza’s death in 2021
Presented in striking black with a red leather interior, this left-hand-drive DB2 Drophead Coupé showcases the lines designed by Frank Feeley with real presence, a colour combination that has always highlighted the model’s understated elegance. Fitted with a soft fabric hood and period 15-inch painted spoke wheels, the car has always been well maintained and has undergone a major restoration.image.png1.21 MB
Mechanics
2,922 cm³ six-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts
Four-speed manual gearbox
Powered by two SU carburettors
Hydraulic drum brakes at the front and rear
Engine rebuilt in 2008, including a new cylinder head manufactured in England
Worn brakes, clutch and engine components were also replaced during the 2008 rebuild
Power comes from Aston Martin’s 2,922 cm³ twin-cam inline six-cylinder engine, fed by two SU carburettors and transmitted via a four-speed manual gearbox. A complete engine rebuild was carried out in 2008, featuring a new cylinder head manufactured in England, as well as the replacement of the brakes, clutch and worn engine components.image.png1.4 MB BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to Car & Classic’s terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
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