Description
The A presents the ultimate benchmark Aston Martin DB2/ 4 Sports Saloon: LOU222.
In the early 1950s, competition among makers of prestigious sports cars was fierce. David Brown, owner of the British marque since 1947, felt the need to improve the performance of his DB2.
The Aston Martin DB2/ 4 retains the 6-cylinder engine designed by Tadek Marek, inherited from the DB2, with power now up to 126 bhp. Distinctive for its rough, metallic note, it’s immediately recognisable. It combines exceptional agility with a rare level of comfort for a high-performance car. The DB2/ 4 easily tops 200 km/ h, placing it among the most capable sports cars of its era.
Also, with the launch of the DB2/ 4 “2+2” in October 1953, Aston Martin broadened the appeal of the DB2 by targeting a market that had previously been untapped but was rapidly growing: sports-car enthusiasts with a family. Changes to the rear of the chassis, along with a reduction in fuel tank capacity from 19 to 17 gallons, freed up enough space to fit two occasional rear seats. What’s more, the backs of those seats could be folded down, creating a load area that more than doubled the capacity for luggage. This space could be accessed via an upward-opening rear door, effectively foreshadowing the concept of the “tailgate” that’s common today. This transformation gives the Aston Martin DB2/ 4 an exceptional load capacity—unmatched in a car that, in optimal conditions, could reach a speed of two miles per minute,” reported The Motor. “The DB2/ 4 can legitimately claim the title of the world’s fastest car capable of carrying two people with a month’s worth of luggage.”
Production of the first DB2/ 4 run—later known as “Mark I”—ran from October 1953 to October 1955, with chassis numbers ranging from “LML/ 501” to “LML/ 1065”, totalling 565 examples.
Our example, truly remarkable, is described as being in excellent condition. It benefits from carefully chosen improvements, such as an electric cooling fan, a discreet electric power steering system, an aluminium fuel tank, and a dual-exhaust setup—this last option originally offered from the factory. This exceptional vehicle is presented with a V5C registration certificate as well as the historical documents mentioned earlier.
The bodywork, originally designed by Mulliners Limited in Birmingham, together with the engine, have been restored with rare precision and outstanding craftsmanship by Wren Classics.
This exceptional Aston Martin, in perfect condition, proudly displays registration number LOU 222 and factory chassis number LML/ 539.
This legendary Aston Martin—globally recognised and regarded as the definitive reference for the DB2 model—has shone at numerous concours d’elegance events, winning very significant awards. A success confirmed by twenty years of uninterrupted competition victories at international shows.
In 2002, LOU 222 took part in the AMOC Spring Concours at Waddesdon Manor, where it was awarded first prize in the Feltham class. Four full pages, recto-verso, detail every event it has attended over the past 22 years, packed with so many details that it’s impossible to mention them all here. Among the highlights are five wins in the AMOC Feltham class and four high placements in the AMOC Elite class. The years haven’t dented this car’s concours success, as it again won the Feltham class at the AMOC Autumn Concours in 2016, followed by another victory in 2017. And the story continued in 2005, when LOU222 was selected by Aston Martin to be shown in Italy for the launch of the new V8 Vantage… The most recent event was the Bentley Driver’s Centenario at Blenheim Palace, in September 2019. It’s eligible for the Mille Miglia as well as for all of the most prestigious international competitions. Today, it is on French historic vehicle registration.
Major dossier, photographs and video available.
The A Paris
