1953 Aston Martin DB2 – Project Profile

The term “race bred luxury sports car” is a highly evocative phrase. It’s also one that perfectly describes the Aston Martin DB2. Not only was the DB2 the second post-war Aston to be produced but it was also the second car to be built under David Brown’s ownership after the British engineer and industrialist had bought both Lagonda and Aston Martin and merged them together in a move akin to putting battered cod on a plate next to some chips or introducing Lennon to McCartney.

With this new endeavour underway Brown set about producing the Aston Martin 2-Litre Sports model, a two-seater roadster with a peppy 2.0-litre in-line four engine. A mere 15 were sold before Brown moved on to car number two, the aptly monikered DB2, a move that would subsequently cause the previous car to be unofficially known as the DB1.

What made the DB2 so different to its predecessor was its engine. This new two-seater coupé was fitted with Lagonda’s 2.6-litre, twin cam, straight-six engine – a powerplant designed by W. O. Bentley and one that greatly inspired Brown to purchase the company that built it. With 105bhp it was distinctly more powerful than the four-pot and would help secure Aston Martin 1st and 2nd places in the three litre class at Le Mans in 1950 – racing kudos that would prove priceless when it came to shifting road-going versions of the car.

Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show the very same year the DB2 was a smash hit and 411 were built during the model’s three year production run – a distinct increase from the 15 DB1s that left the factory. 307 of these were coupés and 102 were produced as dropheads.

What is it? 

This particular car is a late model, matching number coupé (known by Aston Martin itself as a sports saloon). Not only is this DB2 one of the aforementioned 307 fixed head cars but it’s also one of approximately 10% were delivered as left-hand drive, making it a very rare car indeed. Starting its life in the USA as a factory Moonbeam Grey example with blue interior and grey piping the car was subsequently repainted in metallic racing green and fitted with black interior before being imported to the Netherlands where it currently resides.

Why is it a project? 

Having been kept in long term storage the car will need recommissioning before it can get back out on the road where it belongs. The paintwork has aged and carries some light patination and the engine will need some attention as it currently doesn’t run but this is by no means a basket case and with a little light restorative finessing could be back in action in next to no time.

What should you look for? 

Engine
The big Lagonda motor is a pretty hardy unit and generally unstressed in the DB2 but head gasket issues can be a problem so do the usual checks to ensure water and oil haven’t become bedfellows. Mayonnaise in the filler cap will be a sure sign of failure.

Rust
The body of the DB2 is aluminium which is great as far as rust is concerned. The chassis, however, is made of steel so check for any corrosion here as well as wherever the two metals meet.

Suspension
The independent, coil spring and trailing arm front suspension requires frequent servicing and lubrication. Without regular attention it’s no doubt on the way out and will require an expensive rebuild.

Interior
This car’s trim has been replaced so check if it was a professional install carried out by a marque specialist. Make sure it’s complete too as sourcing certain replacement parts can be next to impossible.

History
Double check that the original factory build sheet shows matching numbers for the chassis and engine. The car has obviously had restoration work in the past so make sure this has all been carried out to the highest standard and documented. Carry out your due diligence – most cars will be known within AM circles.

What should you do with it? 

This is an easy one. Get that sweet 2.6 Lagonda purring and treat the car to either a professional, top tier paint correction or a full respray, depending on what is realistically required. With its beautiful design, wonderful engine and sporting provenance this Aston Martin DB2 coupé is an incredibly attractive proposition that can be a show winner, historic competition hero or practical classic. Or why not all three?