Highlights

One of only approximately 73 DB2/4 Drophead Coupés believed to have been built
Detailed history file with documentation spanning from new, including original sales invoice and Aston Martin Lagonda correspondence
Part of a private European collection for over three decades
Sympathetically recommissioned and now running and driving
Charming survivor retaining authentic patina throughout

The Appeal

There's an old saying: "they're only original once".

While gleaming paint and chrome were once deemed the only way to go, the preservation of patina, and with it, originality, is a growing movement within the historic vehicle sector. And quite right too. If a car has survived seven decades and remains in usable order, it seems only right to keep it that way.

On that note, join us in savouring the delights of this gloriously original and beautifully patinated Aston Martin DB2/4. The Drophead Coupé commanded a premium of some 37% over the fixed-head version when new, and was produced in a run of only around 73 examples. Survivors are understandably rare and keenly sought.

This car benefits from a remarkably well-documented history stretching back to its first owner, Mr J. M. Potter of Bradford, to whom it was supplied new through Charles Sidney Ltd. Correspondence from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd records a comprehensive engine and gearbox overhaul during its early life, while the history file includes an original Exchange & Mart advertisement, the 1965 sales invoice recording its purchase by Mr E. J. Back for £550, and an AA inspection report from the same year. Mr Back's 26-year custodianship generated extensive correspondence with marque specialists Aston Service Dorset and Capt. Ivan Forshaw, all of which accompanies the car.

From 1991, the DB2/4 resided within a private European collection, seeing very limited use over the subsequent decades. Since its recent acquisition, the car has been sympathetically recommissioned with new brake lines, hoses, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, fuel pump, and a complete fluid change. The vendor reports that it now runs, drives, steers, starts, stops, and engages gears correctly.

Offered with an extensive history file, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the scarcest variants of a landmark Aston Martin.

History and Paperwork

Supplied new through Charles Sidney Ltd of Westgate, Bradford
Five former registered keepers
Documented chain of ownership from first keeper
Correspondence from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd recording engine and gearbox overhaul and additional mechanical works
Original Exchange & Mart advertisement on file
1965 sales invoice recording purchase by Mr E. J. Back for £550
Automobile Association inspection report dated April 1965
History file compiled during Mr Back's 26-year ownership, including correspondence with Aston Service Dorset and Capt. Ivan Forshaw
Part of a private European collection from 1991 until recent acquisition, with very limited use during that period
Exempt from road tax and MOT

The Condition

The vendor describes this as a charming survivor project
Offered as a candidate for sympathetic preservation or "survivor-style" restoration
Folding roof present and demonstrated in working order

As the photographs attest, this Aston Martin is a survivor. The paint is cracked, the brightwork is tarnished, and the leather is cracked. It looks its age, and we love it all the more for that reason. Crucially, the bodywork appears very straight and solid. Bidders should anticipate age-related challenges, but this car is very well preserved nonetheless. It sits well, the paint still shines, and the upholstery remains usable despite its wear. The vendor notes that the Aston would suit sympathetic preservation or "survivor-style" restoration. We wholeheartedly agree.

The Mechanics

2.6-litre W.O. Bentley-designed twin overhead camshaft straight-six engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Sympathetically recommissioned since acquisition from long-term storage
New fuel pump fitted
All fluids drained and replaced
Replacement wheel cylinders fitted
New brake lines throughout
Replacement master cylinder fitted
New brake hoses throughout

The vendor reports the car now runs, drives, steers, starts, stops, and engages gears correctly. Further recommissioning is to be anticipated, but this is a wonderful starting point for the new owner. All appears to be highly period-correct under the large clamshell bonnet, and the wire wheels appear in good shape.

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:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

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