Description
1930 Aston Martin International S48
3rd July 1930
Chassis: S48
Engine: S48
Aston Martin International S48 is offered for sale after 37 years in continuous family custodianship. This significant example of the marque’s pre-war sports car blends strong provenance, regular use, and specialist maintenance, making it a compelling proposition for any discerning Aston Martin enthusiast.
First acquired in 1988 from Trevor Peerless of Sussex, who had owned the car since 1963, S48 arrived as a dismantled restoration project. At that stage it was little more than a collection of parts, but with determination and expertise the vendor’s father began the rebuild. The ash frame was professionally repaired by The Vintage Carriage Company, the bodywork restored, and the mechanicals largely completed in-house. By June 1991 S48 returned to the road, with its running-in period completed by 1993.
The restoration was carefully documented, and the family also traced earlier owners, exchanging letters and postcards that remain with the car today. This unique aspect of S48’s provenance adds real character and depth to its extensive history file.
In 2006, custodianship passed to the next generation, who has continued to use the car regularly and entrusted its care to Ecurie Bertelli, recognised specialists in Aston Martin Internationals. Works have included a complete front axle rebuild, gearbox and clutch overhaul, rear axle rebuild and the fitting of new road wheels. The most recent major works were completed in 2018, and the car remains in fine mechanical health. The odometer currently records 37, 124 miles.
Unlike many contemporaries, S48 has never been left idle. It has averaged 1, 000–2, 000 miles per year on family tours, long-distance trips, and outings with the VSCC. Occasional speed events have also featured, always in the spirit of participation. The most recent VSCC buff confirms the car’s Standard classification, with no reason why this would not be maintained for the next custodian.
The Aston Martin International itself was widely regarded as one of the finest light sports cars of the early 1930s. Its very name was chosen to reflect the marque’s Works racing exploits at Brooklands and in rallies, hill climbs and sprints across the country. In period, its performance, braking and handling won praise from the motoring press, while the ability to seat four distinguished it from many rivals. It carried the spirit of Bamford & Martin’s earliest cars into a practical, stylish, and highly capable sports car.
Today, S48 presents in a highly usable condition—neither over-restored nor worn, but ready to drive and enjoy. It is offered with both a full windscreen and a pair of aero screens for versatility. The accompanying history file contains restoration records, maintenance invoices, and the personal correspondence with former owners, offering an unusually complete picture of the car’s life.
With long-term family ownership, documented restoration, continuous use, and professional maintenance, Aston Martin International S48 stands as a genuine and proven example of one of the marque’s landmark pre-war sports cars. Eligible for VSCC events, ideally suited to touring or long-distance rallying, and backed by a rich and engaging provenance, it is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian.
