1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 MK II
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Highlights
- Original and unrestored right-hand drive, UK supplied car
- Desirable MK II variant with DOHC 2.9-litre VB6J engine developed by Willie Watson and W.O. Bentley
- In present ownership for a third of its life
- Delightfully patinated inside and out, making it particularly usable
- Well maintained and reportedly driven regularly during present ownership
The Appeal
Seeing vintage exotica wrapped in cotton wool and paraded around the concours lawn is all well and good, but it’s also rather refreshing to see one of these very special cars actually being driven as their makers intended. Despite being increasingly sought-after, this Aston Martin DB2/4 MK II remains original, unrestored and in regular use. It proudly wears scuffs, worn upholstery and a little corrosion as befits a car of its age and we wouldn’t change a thing.
The vendor has owned this right-hand drive, UK supplied DB2/4 with their brother for the past twenty years or so and have thoroughly enjoyed using it. Well maintained and MOT tested despite its exemption, this is a well sorted driver’s example that’s reportedly in rude health.
The DB2/4 was essentially a refinement of its predecessor the DB2. Penned by seventeen year old draughtsman John Turner and still powered by the twin-cam straight-six developed under the watchful eye of the great W.O. Bentley, it proved to be a capable grand tourer, beloved of the rich and famous. When Ian Flemming first gave his fictional secret agent an Aston Martin in the novel Goldfinger, it wasn’t the DB5 we later see on screen, but a MKIII version of the DB2/4.
We hope this Aston continues to be used in the same fashion to which it is accustomed.
The History and Paperwork
- Acquired by the vendor and their brother from Aston Martin specialist Peter Smith around twenty years ago
- Last V5C change of ownership recorded as February 2018
- Advisory-free MOT valid until 23rd August 2024 - although exempt
- V5C present
- Mileage is a 5 digit reading and is possible that it has gone round the clock or reset when J. Exley Engineering Ltd did some work on the vehicle
- Maintained in recent years by Yardley Hastings Garage Limited
- A selection of recent servicing and repair invoices accompany the car
- Most recent annual service dated 05/09/2023
The Interior
- Largely original and unrestored
- 2+2 arrangement
- Green leather upholstery exhibiting a delightful patina
- The driver’s outer seat bolster is quite worn, yet there don’t appear to be any tears
- The door cards both appear in excellent order
- The carpeting is quite discoloured and worn in places, having become threadbare along the driver’s sill plate
- Some discolouration to the headlining, although it remains eminently serviceable
- Charming light patina to the three-spoke wooden steering wheel
- Large, attractive Smith instruments supplemented by an additional fuel gauge due to the original item now being defective
- The dashboard veneer has delaminated and faded
- All the switches appear in good order with some slight wear
This Aston Martin’s interior is in just the right condition for those who want to enjoy their car without worrying about flawless carpets and crease-free upholstery. Climbing aboard is akin to slipping on your favourite pair of old shoes in that everything feels nicely worn in. The tactile controls are now gently accruing a satin finish with use, and the supple seats now perfectly sculpted to the human form.
Some would replace the carpet and refinish the dashboard, but we really like how everything has been left alone, carrying out repair and replacement over the years only when strictly necessary. This leaves a blank canvas for the next owner, who can either decide to enjoy everything as is or carry out some sympathetic restoration.
The Exterior
- Handsome green paintwork
- Sitting upon wire wheels shod with Goodyear tyres
- Complete with its chrome bumpers - still in fantastic condition
- Straight bodywork with no accident damage apparent
- Recent driver’s door repair and respray (September 2023)
- Some signs of corrosion beginning to appear in the sills both fore and aft, although nothing which appears excessive at present
- All the trim, badging and glass appears in good order
- All appears sound underneath
The MKII version of the DB2/4 is is characterised by its curved screen, horizontal split line changing the hinge point of the bonnet and the dainty tail fins tipped by rear lights from a Morris Minor of all things!
This one looks fantastic in green and remains in very good condition. There are of course a number of superficial blemishes with the odd scuff, scratch and some small quantities of corrosion beginning to break the paint at sill level. None of this detracts from its overall splendour and this car’s svelte loans are amongst our favourites from Aston Martin’s back catalogue. All four wire wheels present well, with some slight pitting and they’re shod with period appropriate, high quality Goodyear tyres.
The Mechanics
- Powered by the Lagonda DOHC straight-six in 2.9-litre form
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Last serviced in September 2023
- Advisory-free MOT valid until September 2024
- Well presented engine compartment
- Recent new spark plugs, HT leads and battery
- New king pin assemblies fitted and wheel bearings adjusted accordingly
- New wiring to the rear lamps
- Windscreen washer pipe replaced and new indicator relay fitted
- 4 spare wheels and many other spare parts that will be coming with the car
With an engine designed by Willie Watson and overseen by the great W.O. Bentley, this was the straight-six which put Aston Martin on the map. In 2.9-litre from, it provided approximately 140 horsepower - plenty to make this a very quick car for its day.
Having been regularly maintained throughout current ownership, this DB2/4 is reportedly in very good running order. All presents well and looks to be very original under the bonnet. Having been driven a great deal over a number of years, the vendor has been able to work through this car’s foibles, resulting in it becoming a thoroughly sorted example.
Summary
This is a proper driver’s example of a classic Aston Martin. These cars are rare and so highly prized now that there are few remaining examples in such usable order.
If you’d like a classic GT you to use as its makers intended, this is the one you’ve been looking for.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1956
- Make Aston Martin
- Model DB2/4
- Colour Green
- Odometer 3,369 Miles
- Engine size 2922
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Olney
- Location Buckinghamshire
- Country United Kingdom
3
bids
from 2
bidders
- Zippyxx £50,000 24/09/23
- Andrew!•••• £35,000 24/09/23
- Zippyxx £30,000 24/09/23
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