Description
Founded in 1913, Aston Martin quickly established a reputation as one of the most prestigious sports car manufacturers of its day. In February 1932, the marque launched the second series of its 1. 5-litre models, the short-chassis Le Mans, which was presented at the 1932 London Motor Show. Although it retained the exterior styling of its predecessor, the short-chassis Le Mans was extensively redesigned, featuring a new 102-inch chassis, a race-inspired dry-sump lubrication system and an improved 1. 5-litre overhead cam four-cylinder engine. The engine produced 70bhp at 5, 000rpm and was mated to a short-ratio four-speed spur gearbox. A new Laycock transmission was also introduced, now mounted directly on the engine, further enhancing performance. The short Le Mans chassis quickly became the preferred choice for racing and fast road driving. Given Aston Martin's notable presence at Le Mans in the 1930s, naming this model after the legendary race seemed an obvious choice. When it was launched, the Aston Martin Le Mans was widely acclaimed. In a 1932 road test, The Autocar described it with praise: "This state-of-the-art Le Mans model is as near to a racing car as can be bought for practical and general road use. Speed is expected and assured, and the car delivers truly spirited acceleration in all gears, but what is truly remarkable about its design is that the engine is both extremely docile and manoeuvrable. It should be stressed that the Le Mans model is not a touring car prepared for sporting performance; it is a true individual speed model, capable of doing virtually everything a touring car can do. What is immediately striking is the car's astonishing handling. Its stability is beyond reproach. Steering, handling and braking, that essential trinity, are as close to perfection as one can imagine - and perfection is a word rarely used by motoring connoisseurs. This 1933 Aston Martin Châssis Court Le Mans bears the same chassis and engine number: L3/ 325/ S (the suffix S standing for Châssis Court). Only 106 cars were built by Aston Martin that year, of which only 69 were the Châssis Court Le Mans, an undeniable rarity. The L3/ 325/ S remained remarkably authentic, retaining much of its original bodywork, windscreen and wings as it left the factory. Aston Martin's sporting heritage is reflected in the understated interior, with its leather-wrapped racing-style bucket seats, leather-wrapped door panels, simple carpeting and few other details, highlighting the two large-diameter speedometers and rev counter, prominently displayed on the dashboard. Around 8, 000 km ago, the engine underwent a major rebuild to Ulster competition specification. The rebuild included a new steel crankshaft and connecting rods with bearings, Cosworth pistons, an upgraded Aston Martin Ulster camshaft and 1. 5" carburettors. The engine now develops 80 bhp at 5, 200 rpm and revs steadily up to 5, 500 rpm. Despite its increased performance, the engine remains perfectly suited to dynamic road use and has proved exceptionally reliable. In addition, the braking system, shock absorbers and kingpins have been overhauled, and the car comes with four new wheels fitted with new Blockley tyres. The original bronze-bodied carburettors and the original wheels follow the car naturally. The history of the L3/ 325/ S goes back to its first delivery to Dr A. Gray in Bangor, UK. Dr Gray kept a full service history, documented in copies of the original service notes dating from 1934 to 1948 and showing a mileage of 38, 379 km. In 1940, the L3/ 325/ S was featured and road tested in the June 1940 issue of Autocar magazine. From 1949 to 1952, the L3/ 325/ S Mans was owned by a certain L. Napier, who used it extensively in rallying and trials. In 1952, Mr Napier went a step further by fitting a compressor. In 1982, the L3/ 325/ S passed into the hands of Mr Shepherd in Salisbury, UK. Mr Shepherd carried out extensive mechanical work, as evidenced by the numerous invoices on file. Following this work, Mr Shepherd used the car in competition, rallying and hill-climbing, and continued to enjoy the L3/ 325/ S until 2000. In 2000, the Aston Martin changed ownership and moved to Denmark, where it has remained in the hands of the same owner ever since, taking part in a variety of...
