Key strengths

One of only 75 left-hand drive (LHD) DB2 Drophead Coupés
A remarkable history, with former owners including David McNeil, son of the painter Marc Chagall, and Alain Aziza, Aston Martin’s official importer for France
Engine rebuilt in 2008 with a new cylinder head manufactured in England and a 2.9-litre DB2/4 engine block
French ‘collection’ registration certificate

The appeal

As John Bolster wrote in *Autosport* in 1952: ‘Whether for racing, going to the theatre, long journeys or even competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it will be hard to find a more perfect car than the Aston Martin.’

The DB2 appeared at a pivotal moment in the brand’s history. Of the 411 DB2s produced before production ceased in April 1953, only 98 were Drophead Coupés, 75 of which were left-hand drive. This makes it one of the rarest Aston Martin convertibles from the immediate post-war period.

Our example, chassis LML/50/384, left the factory in July 1953 bound for the French market, where it was first registered in the name of Guy Schoelier, resident on Boulevard de Courcelles in Paris. Its successive owners have been no less prestigious. David McNeil, an American singer and son of the great painter Marc Chagall, notably entrusted its maintenance to British Motors, the Aston Martin dealership in Monaco. In 2014, the car joined the collection of Alain Aziza, then CEO of Auto Performance and Aston Martin’s official importer for France, before being acquired by its current owner – himself an Aston Martin enthusiast – following Aziza’s death in 2021.

Presented today in black with a red leather interior, this DB2 Drophead Coupé has been cared for by knowledgeable and passionate owners throughout its life. For collectors of classic Aston Martins, opportunities to acquire a genuine DB2 Drophead Coupé that is this rare and boasts such a distinguished provenance are particularly rare.

In 2008, the original 2,580cc engine was replaced with a 2,922cc DB2/4 engine, completely rebuilt with a new cylinder head manufactured in England. The entire operation was carried out at the Aston Martin Bordeaux workshops.

History and documentation

Originally delivered to the French market and first registered in September 1953
Chassis number LML/50/384
First owner: Guy Schoelier, in Paris
Subsequently owned by David McNeil, son of the painter Marc Chagall, who had the car serviced by British Motors, the Aston Martin dealership in Monaco
Sold at auction in 2014 to Alain Aziza, CEO of Auto Performance and official Aston Martin importer for France
Acquired by its current owner, a French Aston Martin enthusiast, following Aziza’s death in 2021
French collector’s registration document
Sold with a roadworthiness certificate
8,349 km on the odometer

Condition

Black exterior with red leather interior
Left-hand drive (LHD)
Soft fabric roof
15-inch painted spoked wheels

Presented in an elegant black and red colour scheme with a red leather interior, this left-hand-drive DB2 Drophead Coupé showcases the lines designed by Frank Feeley with real presence. This colour combination particularly emphasises the model’s understated elegance. It is fitted with a soft fabric top and 15-inch painted spoked wheels, in keeping with the spirit of the era. The car has been regularly maintained and has undergone a major restoration.

The mechanics

2,922 cm³ inline six-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts from the DB2/4
Four-speed manual gearbox
Powered by two SU carburettors
Hydraulic drum brakes at the front and rear
Engine rebuilt in 2008, including a new cylinder head manufactured in England
Brakes, clutch and engine components were also replaced during the 2008 rebuild

This DB2 is powered by a 2,922 cm³ twin-cam inline six-cylinder engine, fed by two SU carburettors and mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. A complete engine rebuild was carried out in 2008, using a DB2/4 2.9 block and notably including the fitting of a new cylinder head manufactured in England. The brakes, clutch and several engine components were also replaced at the same time.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic’s terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights under European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s terms and conditions.

✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the successful bidder or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is sold ‘as is’, on an ‘as seen, where seen’ basis and without warranty. Photographs and descriptions are provided for guidance only, and it is standard practice to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.

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

✓ We are as keen as you are for the transaction to go smoothly, which is why cars and motorbikes registered in theand listed for sale on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to verify that they have no insurance database flags for damage or theft, and that they are not subject to any financial charge, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written-off following a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic, and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to assist you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it is always advisable to carry out a full check of the vehicle’s history before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for collecting or arranging delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company to assist you. For further details and to speak to the team, please email auctions@carandclassic.com.