Description
The Millbrook Sale | Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire
Viewing: Saturday 9th May 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Sunday 10th May 2026
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JH
1955 Aston Martin DB2/ 4
Exhaustively restored to concours condition
Estimate
£80, 000 - £100, 000
Registration No: EJE 124
Chassis No: LML/ 881
MOT: Exempt
Highly desirable home-market example, having been delivered on 30th April 1955 to E. H. Organ & Sons Ltd
Finished in its factory colour combination of Blue Haze paintwork with Dove Grey leather interior upholstery
Exhaustively restored by Aston Workshop costing approximately £120, 000
Boasting matching engine and chassis numbers
1 of just 448 two-door examples produced
"The Aston Martin DB2/ 4 is a sports car with a very definite appeal. It has full saloon car comfort, coupled with performance and roadholding of a very high order" - Autocar Magazine
Introduced at the October 1953 London Motor Show, the DB2/ 4 represented a new breed of longer-legged, more accommodating Aston Martin. Some seven inches longer and a little taller than its predecessor, the fitting of a smaller seventeen-gallon fuel tank (still good for circa 300 miles) plus some minor platform changes liberated enough room for two small seats to be positioned above the back axle. Visually distinguished by a one-piece windscreen and rear hatchback, the new model boasted such niceties as a telescopic steering column and adjustable backrests. Panelled in lightweight aluminium over an advanced tubular frame chassis, its independent front suspension featured a sophisticated trailing link, coil-sprung set-up tempered by an anti-roll bar, while at the rear a Panhard rod assisted radius arms in keeping the coil-sprung beam axle firmly tied down. Initially powered by a 2580cc version of the famous Willie Watson / W. O. Bentley designed DOHC straight-six engine, the adoption of a larger 83mm bore size saw capacity rise to 2922cc in mid-1954. Thanks to its increased engine capacity, the 3. 0 litre unit was credited with developing some 140bhp - outputs sufficient for a quoted 120mph top speed. Overshadowed by its racing DB3 / DB3S siblings, the model still enjoyed a successful competition career winning the team prize on the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally (interestingly, the factory also fielded a pair of DB2/ 4s for the Mille Miglia). Of the 565 MKIs made, just 448 are thought to have been two-door saloons.
Few motor cars of the post-war era encapsulate the spirit of British grand touring quite so eloquently as the Aston Martin DB2/ 4, a model that masterfully unites refined comfort with spirited performance and assured road manners, as recognised in period by Autocar Magazine.
Chassis LML/ 881 represents an especially compelling example, having been the subject of a comprehensive and no-expense-spared programme of restoration and mechanical refinement under current ownership. Entrusted to the highly regarded Aston Workshop, the car has benefited from expenditure in excess of £120, 000 within the past year alone, the works undertaken with a clear philosophy of authenticity, mechanical excellence, and understated presentation.
The exterior has been treated to a finely executed repaint of exceptional quality, while the interior has been enhanced with a complete renewal of its carpeting, preserving the car’s elegant character. Beneath the surface, the mechanical components have received meticulous attention: the engine and gearbox have been expertly overhauled to deliver the smooth, assured performance synonymous with the marque. The SU carburettors have likewise been rebuilt, complemented by the installation of a lightweight aluminium fuel tank, together with new fuel lines and pump.
The braking system has been comprehensively restored, featuring a new master cylinder, renewed brake lines and wheel cylinders, relined shoes, and carefully refurbished drums. The electrical system has not been overlooked, with the fitment of a new wiring loom and full testing of all components. The result is a motor car that is said to perform as impressively as it presents—equally suited to discerning touring or exhibition at the highest level.
According to its accompanying Aston Martin Ltd build sheet, this desirable MKI 3. 0-litre example, chassis LML/ 881, was originally specified with Alfin brake drums and side jacks, both highly sought-after period features. Delivered new on 30th April 1955 to E. H. Organ & Sons Ltd, it was finished in the sophisticated colour scheme of Blue Haze over grey leather upholstery with blue piping. Notably, the car retains its original UK registration ‘EJE 124’, together with its matching-numbers 3. 0-litre engine, numbered VB6J 353.
Further enhanced since entering the current Aston Martin specialist ownership, the past year or so has seen chassis LML/ 881 treated to an estimated £120, 000 worth of expenditure by Aston Workshop. As well as a sympathetic repaint, the 2+2-seater has benefited from partial retrimming and a complete carpet overhaul. A large portion of the expenditure has been on returning the vehicle to top mechanical working order. The Engine and gearbox have been overhauled to continue the future driving experience of the vehicle. In matching fashion the SU carburettors have been overhauled and a new lightweight aluminium fuel tank fitted with new fuel pump and lines. The brakes have been thoroughly overhauled, a new master cylinder supplies pressure to new brake lines and cylinders all around, the shoes re-lined and drums treated appropriately. Electrically, a new harness has been fitted and all electrical components proved working. This decidedly smart DB2/ 4 is worthy of close inspection.
Offered with its UK V5C registration document, BMIHT certificate, original factory build documentation, and an extensive history file including numerous restoration invoices and photographic records, this outstanding DB2/ 4 presents a rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored and highly correct example of one of Aston Martin’s most elegant and historically significant early models.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
