1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk II
Highlights
- In superb condition throughout
- Impeccably maintained with a ‘no expense spared’ approach to servicing
- Matching numbers
- Accompanied by a substantial history file, which also documents past restoration work
- Believed to have been purchased new by band leader, radio/television personality and racing driver Billy Cotton, who placed fourth at the 1949 British Grand Prix
The Appeal
The unification of Aston Martin and Lagonda under David Brown proved instrumental in the revival of the ailing companies’ fortunes. Brown saw potential in Aston Martin’s prototype ‘Atom’ design, yet felt its 2.0-litre four-cylinder pushrod engine lacked the performance the firm would need if it were to be a post-war commercial success.
That’s where Lagonda comes in. It was in as bad a state as Aston Martin, yet Lagonda had an ace up its sleeve in the way of W.O. Bentley. Yes, the great man had joined the company as Technical Director in 1935 and oversaw the development of a quite brilliant 2,580 cc twin-came straight-six called the ‘LB6’.
With the rights to Lagonda’s revolutionary new engine in the bag, Aston Martin’s Feltham workshop set about replacing its ‘DB1’ 2.0-litre Sports with what would become the legendary DB2 and later DB2/4.
Prior to its acquisition by the previous keeper in 2021, this 1956 DB2/4 MkII was in the same family for 37 years. They invested countless hours and a significant amount of money to bring the car up to the immensely high standard in which it is resplendent today.
It was believed to have been purchased new by band leader, radio/television personality and racing driver Billy Cotton. While previous owners have been unable to substantiate this, it’s certainly the sort of car such a person would drive in period. We’re sure this car’s next custodian will revel in the opportunity to research this further.
For those seeking a competent classic grand tourer, the DB2/4 was years ahead of its time and this matching numbers MkII is among the finest restored examples in existence. Superbly presented, reportedly running well and ready to enjoy, this car represents an unmissable opportunity for Aston Martin enthusiasts.
The History and Paperwork
- Dry-stored and garaged when not in use
- Seldom used in wet weather following the restoration
- With the antepenultimate registered keeper for 37 years
- V5C certificate in current keeper’s name
- Numerous invoices for restoration and servicing work
- The original owner was said to have been Billy Cotton
This DBII/4 MkII is one of just 144 built at Aston Martin’s Feltham factory in southwest London. Little is known of the car’s early life but there are a few owners listed from 1959 on a period logbook pictured in the gallery.
The car was acquired by the antepenultimate keeper in 1984 and subsequently changed ownership to his wife in 1993. At that time it was felt that this DB2/4 MkII was in need of refurbishment, so accordingly, during the mid-1990s, both a mechanical and body overhaul was carried out by Classic Coachbuilders of Sittingbourne, Kent. Respecting car's authenticity, many original parts and body panels were retained, restored and refitted where possible.
By 2020 it was deemed that further improvements were necessary and Aston Martin specialists Prestige Restoration, of Chertsey in Surrey were entrusted to carry out a comprehensive list of mechanical and cosmetic enhancements, the details of which are noted under ‘Mechanicals’ below.
A couple of tell-tale signs suggest this might have been a left-hand drive model at some point in its early life, perhaps destined for export, but never shipped. The passenger door handle is the one with the keyhole lock and the lever for the fuel filler flap is mounted on the B-pillar behind the passenger.
The Condition
- Presented in gleaming British Racing Green
- Brightwork is in exceptional order
- Blemish-free exterior
- Presents in remarkable condition.
- Sympathetically re-trimmed nearly two years ago.
- Tidy rear seating area and smart, adaptable boot.
This beautiful four-seater, two-door coupé is regarded by many as one of the ultimate classic grand tourers from the middle of the last century and represents a throwback to an altogether different automotive era when cars were less complex.
The flowing contours of this Aston Martin DB2/4 are simply stunning. This example has obviously been well cared for following restoration while ensuring this is still very much a ‘driver’s car’ to be enjoyed – and not just on Sundays.
The aluminium body rides straight with no obvious evidence of collision and the shut lines all look good. Remembering that the body was fully repainted in the late 1990s (with some more recent attention to the sills, for example), it still looks hugely inviting with no visible blemishes.
The brightwork around the car is very presentable with just a few minor blemishes here and there and the glass and replacement rubbers are in good order. The period-correct Lucas lights are all in good working order.
Upon first inspection, the chassis and floor looks very clean, well painted and undersealed and lastly the painted wire wheels appear to be in good condition and the specialist Brockley tyres appear in particularly rude health.
The simplistic but elegant interior presents in exceptional order and was the subject of a re-trim around two years ago which included new door cards and carpets. The original classic wood-rimmed steering wheel and burr walnut dashboard were retained and the colour co-ordinated dash trim and leather upholstery have a great patina with no visible rips or tears other than a couple of quite minor areas of wear atop the driver's seat.
Of interest is the fact that the front seats are not the usual smaller bucket seats, but are wider and the door armrests are a welcome GT addition, possibly derived from Lagonda.
The rear load area is very smart and the clever fold-down rear seatback adds considerably to the available luggage space for those historic weekends away. The headlining is pristine along its full length and the original, complete and rather quaint hand tool set still resides in the centre armrest.
The instrument gauges were re-calibrated several years ago and a new, complete wiring loom was installed in 2020, which promises modern and reliable electrics. The internal door handles and window winders both operate well.
The Mechanics
- Electronic ignition a rare nod to modernity
- Fully-maintained, no expense spared
- Driven very sparingly during recent years
- 3.0-litre, straight-six Lagonda engine recently overhauled
Having methodically been treated to an overhaul during the 2020 ‘Lockdown’, this original Lagonda VB6E 3-litre, straight six, twin overhead cam engine is eager to fire into life. It was a very fast car in the 1950s with 140bhp on tap and a top speed of around 118mph.
The Aston reportedly starts reliably, settling into an even six-pot burble that only a well-tuned and maintained historic engine can muster. The four-speed manual gearbox is said to operate smoothly the clutch engaged with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The engine compartment appears exceptionally clean and contains a new but original jack, spare spark plugs and unusually, the original grease gun.
Relatively few miles have been covered since the improvements carried out by Prestige Restoration, which included the following:
- New valve seals and gaskets
- SU carburettor refurb kits
- Electronic ignition conversion
- New coil and HT leads
- New fuel sender and fuel tank cleanse
- New rear suspension swing arms and springs
- New brakes and hoses
- New steering rack
- Re-cored radiator
Vehicle specification
- Year 1956
- Make Aston Martin
- Model DB2
- Colour Dark green
- Odometer 162 Miles
- Engine size 3000
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Armagh
- Location Northern Ireland
- Country United Kingdom
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