Description
Plans for 2026? How about the Mille Miglia? Or maybe the Monaco Rally Historique? But what can you enter with I hear you ask? Well, I have an idea for you…
This stunning 1955 Aston Martin DB2 4, recently available from a large private collection is primed for a British themed plot twist on the famed Italian road rally, as well as almost any other historic motoring event for that matter.
The Feltham era of Astons are often overlooked in favour of later generations, but the pedigree of this era is compelling. The marque was truly on fine form, with the DB3S racer sweeping many podiums, battling the period’s greatest names in the International Sports Car Championships, as well as Le Mans. Meanwhile, factory prepared road cars also found competition success, with David Brown’s team of three DB2 4s entering the Monte Carlo Rally in 1955, returning home the prestigious Team Prize. Not content there, two of these Monte Carlo DB2 4s and a privateer entrant formed a trio that went on to compete in Italy, at that year’s Mille Miglia, the year infamous for Stirling Moss setting his unbroken course record with Mercedes. The DB2 4s did well one car finishing in a very respectable 16th place from a field of 534 starters and today providing DB2 4 owners a passport to relive this exclusive competition in their own time; opportunity not afforded to later generations of the DB lineage.
Born in 1953, following significant development of the DB2, the DB2 4 was initially launched with a 2. 6 litre, WO Bentley derived straight six, occasional rear seats and a rear hatch door for better access to the luggage compartment. From April 1954, a Vantage engine was fitted with larger “3. 0l” (2922cc) capacity. These engines were good for 140bhp and Aston proudly marketed the car as “the fastest car in the world capable of carrying two people with a months luggage” as seen in the original brochure contained in this cars document packs.
Registered new on the 6th October 1955 and presenting in remarkable condition, it wears the connoisseurs choice; a deep, lustrous British Racing Green, complete with body matched 72 spoke wire wheels and the correct complement of chrome brightwork. A theme of good taste continues indoors, with yet more green. Buttery soft, two tone Sage and Forest Green hide is beautifully trimmed with contrasting deep pile, dark green carpets and piping. A Fawn coloured headliner and glossy walnut instrument panel complete the interior appointments. This 3. 0l DB2 4 has a uniquely reassuring story to tell, delivered new via dealer Cyril Williams Motors, to R H Palethorpe Esquire of the well know industrialist family in Staffordshire. They were one of the largest producers of food products in the country, founded in 1852 and loved for their sausages which were on sale into the 1990s. Early service records for the car show it covering an impressive 18, 134 miles during it’s first 13 months (!), this and records of the families love for snow sports, are evidence of Palethorpe Esq. enjoying the car in the Grand Touring spirit David Brown envisioned for owners; no doubt some of these miles were amassed crossing the continent to ski.
A copy of the original record card shows the car was delivered in Moonbeam Grey over Blue hide as well as maintenance works through the late 1950s. Importantly it confirms the car to be an original, matching numbers example and details two further owners in Sussex and another in Lincolnshire following the Palethorpe family. There are some records through the 1990s, but MOT records starting with the odometer at 12 miles on 18th December 1997 are key. In 2002, the best parts of the history begin, with the car being sold through John Brown of Hertfordshire on the 5th July 2002. John Brown’s advertising details a £55, 000 (£127, 000 in today’s money!) restoration and it’s also the point at which one can assume it received the fabulous colour scheme the car wears today, with the works likely completed during 1996/ 7.
From 2002 the history really gets going, with subsequent years seeing the car lavished with attention from some of the best names in Feltham era Aston preservation; Vantage Engineering, Trinity Engineering and Aston Service Dorset. Invoices add up to almost £120, 000 to the present day. A detailed run through of these works can be provided upon request as there simply isn’t room to detail its 2 folders of history here. Some highlights in more recent years have included a major mechanical overhaul at Trinity Engineering in 2013 (£49k), a replacement twin stainless exhaust (£8k), a polished Alperform head (£6. 5k) and the practical addition of power steering and upgraded headlamps.
The current lady owner acquired the car in 2020 via Byron International to use for Goodwood and after doing so, she stored the car for 4 years. Recommissioned in 2024 for her use, the considerable prior investment has paid dividends today, resulting in an imminently useable DB2 4 that wants for nothing. It is ready to be driven and enjoyed as Palethorpe Esquire did, back in 1955.
Recent miles put on the car confirm it runs superbly, with smooth powerful, performance accompanied by that trademark Aston Martin straight six snarl. It rides comfortably, cruises happily at the national speed limit and would certainly make a fine companion on any long distance tour or rally.
This fine motor car is available for viewing now, by appointment, in South Kensington, London. The car will of course be treated to a fresh service prior to delivery to its new keeper.
TERZONI offers a range of bespoke services for collector cars, helping clients curate, manage and enjoy their collection anywhere in the world. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
MOT Date Odometer
18. 12. 97 00, 012
06. 07. 99 01, 482
06. 02. 01 01, 513
04. 02. 02 02, 394
11. 07. 02 02, 878
18. 06. 03 02, 984
31. 07. 04 05, 709
01. 07. 05 07, 143
16. 09. 06 08, 242
24. 07. 08 08, 790
29. 07. 09 10, 433
19. 07. 10 10, 897
22. 07. 11 11, 879
27. 07. 12 12, 534
11. 09. 13 12, 952
