Highlights
- Exceptionally original interior
- Matching numbers
- Powerful W.O. Bentley designed straight-six engine
- 2+2 coupé with plenty of luggage space
The Appeal
The Aston Martin DB2/4 is an alluringly rakish sports car, which injected a flash of flair into the postwar British automotive scene.
It combines a beautifully sculpted body with a powerful straight-six engine to create a car which was able to reach 120 mph. This, in the mid ‘50s, was a remarkable speed for a road car.
It combines a beautifully sculpted body with a powerful straight-six engine to create a car which was able to reach 120 mph. This, in the mid ‘50s, was a remarkable speed for a road car.
This particular DB2/4 is believed to have had only three previous owners, one of whom is said to have owned the car between 1966 and the early 2000s and used it regularly. We are told that the car was last run around five years ago before being laid up for storage.
Originally finished in two tone Silver Gun over Bottle Green, the car is now wearing a coat of primer, awaiting finishing. But we are particularly taken by the fantastically original interior, which shows its age with pride. Every crease in the well worn leather has a story to tell.
Clearly this Aston Martin is a project worth completing. It oozes character and cries out to be seen in its original colour combination once more.
A mechanical overhaul will be necessary, alongside the cosmetic work, but we’re sure that it will make a fine specimen of an automobile once complete.
A mechanical overhaul will be necessary, alongside the cosmetic work, but we’re sure that it will make a fine specimen of an automobile once complete.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in April 1957
- Three reported former keepers
- Original owner’s manual
- Matching numbers (Engine No. VB6J/869)
- Historic invoices and hand written corrspondence
- Road Tax and MOT exempt
- Reportedly in single ownership from 1966 until the early 2000s
- Stored and unused during the past five years
- Originally painted Silver Gun over Bottle Green — photograph on file
- Original build sheet on file
The Interior
- Stunningly original leather
- Veneered dashboard
- All beautifully crafted and well preserved
Opening the long, low door of this Aston Martin reveals a marvellous sight: the original leather upholstery is proudly on display with its nearly seven decades of patina and wear.
This car makes no apologies for its age, which is nice to see occasionally among the abundance of over restored vehicles out there. The leather is probably quite delicate by now, but with the right specialist care it is remarkable what can be preserved and revived.
This car makes no apologies for its age, which is nice to see occasionally among the abundance of over restored vehicles out there. The leather is probably quite delicate by now, but with the right specialist care it is remarkable what can be preserved and revived.
The driver is presented with a purposefully large wood-rimmed steering wheel, which affords excellent visibility through to the gauges on the veneered dashboard.
The anti-clockwise tachometer is given pride of place in the driver’s eye line, next to a large gauge containing dials for amps, oil pressure, water temperature and fuel level.
Then on the left side of the dash is the speedometer, with subsidiary dial for the clock and finally the ignition and lamp switches. The switches are pleasantly worn and very tactile.
The anti-clockwise tachometer is given pride of place in the driver’s eye line, next to a large gauge containing dials for amps, oil pressure, water temperature and fuel level.
Then on the left side of the dash is the speedometer, with subsidiary dial for the clock and finally the ignition and lamp switches. The switches are pleasantly worn and very tactile.
Beige carpets cover the floors and transmission tunnel and appear to be in good condition, while the headlining is secure and exhibits only minimal staining.
The spacious boot area is lined with rubber trim strips to protect luggage.
The spacious boot area is lined with rubber trim strips to protect luggage.
The Exterior
- Originally finished in Silver Gun over Bottle Green
- Now presented in primer
- Chrome trim gently pitted, just enough to show its age
At first glance, you may be forgiven for thinking that this car is finished in an unusual colour choice.
But rest assured that it is currently painted only in primer: its original colours are shown in an accompanying photograph on file, the silver over green colour scheme suiting this car very well.
But rest assured that it is currently painted only in primer: its original colours are shown in an accompanying photograph on file, the silver over green colour scheme suiting this car very well.
The 2+2 body was coachbuilt by Tickford and features a large rear tailgate, allowing for transportation of plenty of luggage. The panels are unashamedly hand built and we’re sure they’ll look even better once fully painted. Some areas of repair have been reported on the sills.
The chrome fittings are in a state of excellent patination. They have mellowed just enough to reveal their age without appearing to be damaged. And the car runs on wire wheels, which appear to be presentable, although a proper inspection would be advisable. The tyres will need to be replaced.
The Mechanics
- 2.9 litre 140 hp straight-six engine
- Unused used for five years
- Thorough recommissioning recommended
Originally designed by W.O. Bentley, the Lagonda straight-six engine had been enlarged from 2.6 to 2.9 litres by the time this Mark II DB2/4 was produced. It now produced 140 hp and could push the car to an impressive 120 mph.
Lifting the front-hinged bonnet — which is the entire front end of this car’s body — reveals all the mechanical components with ample surrounding room to view and work on them. The twin cam engine is proudly on display, and even the coil-sprung suspension is easily observed.
Having been unused for the past five years, the mechanical components will need to be inspected and recommissioned before use. But this will be a rewarding task to carry out on such a fabulous motorcar.
A pair of spare ‘Alfin’ brake drums are included, along with a starter motor.
A pair of spare ‘Alfin’ brake drums are included, along with a starter motor.
Summary
With fewer than eight hundred produced, the DB2/4 is among the rarer models in the Aston Martin stable, but it is an important link in the company’s evolution.
A capable sporting motorcar with sleek styling and advanced mechanicals, it’s certainly an alluring model.
A capable sporting motorcar with sleek styling and advanced mechanicals, it’s certainly an alluring model.
This Aston Martin will be a thoroughly rewarding project for somebody to bring back to roadworthy condition.
It is clearly very original, which is part of its charm, and we’re sure it will make a great addition to any collection.
It is clearly very original, which is part of its charm, and we’re sure it will make a great addition to any collection.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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