Highlights

Beautifully presented FHC in Connaught Green
Vast history file of maintenance by well-regarded specialists
Older engine rebuild with few miles covered since
Bodywork restored and repainted in 2002
Eligible for Mille Miglia and used regularly for European events
One of only 199 improved MkII cars and amongst the last built

The Appeal

The firm’s later cars may be better known, thanks largely to selling in higher volumes, but it was with the DB2 and DB2/4 that Aston Martin set the template for its post-war cars. Light, beautifully styled and equipped with that torquey W.O. Bentley-designed Lagonda straight six, these exceptionally rare cars are now in high demand.

This car is a gem. Combining classic Connaught Green with a tan Connolly leather cabin, it is a beautifully presented car with an older restoration showing a hint of characterful patina. The car has been used regularly in recent times for European classic car rallies and events and is said to be eligible for the Mille Miglia. To suit those trips the mechanicals and interior have been lightly improved.

Beyond the condition, the history file is a key draw for this car. It is extensive, covering various documents that record maintenance and servicing - by specialists like Post Vintage Engineers, Davron and XRN - dating back to the car’s earliest days. It was restored by Post Vintage in 1980 - including a colour change - and then again in 2002. The engine was been rebuilt in 2008 and the clutch converted to a lighter and more usable DB5 set up by Davron in 2009.

With just 199 MkII cars built and even fewer FHC leaving the factory, the chance to buy a very good DB2/4 doesn’t come along often. With its history, provenance and condition, this one is exceptionally tempting.

History and Paperwork

First registered 4th July 1957
One of the last MkII cars built - chassis number 1264, last chassis being 1299
Four registered keepers but this may be higher due to DVLA records
Car has spent time overseas registered in the Netherlands according to history file
Current keeper since April 2022
Previous keeper for 19 years who used car for European tours and events
Restored in 1980 by marque specialist Post Vintage Engineers wish colour change
Huge history file as shown with photographs, invoices and valuation report
These documents detail the maintenance from car’s early days and are worth checking
The car has been regularly serviced and maintained over the years by Davron
Additional work was carried out by XRN Ltd
Detailed history file dating back to the car’s earliest days
Supplied with a V5C registration document
Always garaged by the current keeper
MOT exempt with last MOT to May 2019 with no advisories
3,855 miles since engine rebuild (odometer reset)
99,690 miles showing on last MOT and now showing 99,701 miles
FIVA identity documents
Factory guarantee paperwork
Photographic record of older restoration
Restored in 2002, including repaint in Connaught Green
Engine rebuild in 2008 and clutch replaced with DB5 unit in 2009
Some modifications to accommodate its touring role as detailed in photos
Said to be eligible for Mille Miglia
Old service records and tax discs
Factory handbook
Workshop manuals

The Condition

Beautiful Connaught Green paintwork in good condition with light signs of use
Bodywork and paintwork restored in 2002 and shows light patina of age
There are some minor paint chips to the paintwork but not unsightly
Smart MWS wire wheels fitted in 2009 and remain in very good order
Exterior chromework, glass and badging present well
Underside reported to be in very good order with no advisories on last MOT
Very smart Connolly leather tan interior with light patina of age to note
Interior presents very well with beautiful veneer trim and smart brown carpets
Cabin fittings such as headlining and door cards in good order

For a design penned by a particularly youthful Aston Martin employee, the DB2/4 FHC is a remarkable feat. It incorporates some clever features too, like that side-levered ‘hatchback’ rear deck that would only return on an Aston project car many decades later.

Combining pretty Connaught Green paintwork and a tan Connolly leather interior, this car carries the light patina of use that you would expect of a car restored some years ago but very carefully curated since. It adds character to this most stylish of cars.

The Mechanics

2,922cc W.O. Bentley-designed straight-six ‘Lagonda’ engine developing 145bhp
4spd manual gearbox
Lightened DB5 clutch system fitted by Davron
Extensively maintained car with history dating back to its earliest days
Converted to run on unleaded fuel
Stainless steel exhaust system
Engine rebuilt in 2008

The DB2 and DB2/4 were the first fruits of David Brown’s vision. By bringing together two illustrious pre-war marques - Aston Martin and Lagonda - he conceived a range of cars that would trounce the European GT competition.

Key to that goal was Lagonda’s silky-smooth straight-six engine, designed by none other than WO Bentley. In the DB2/4 MkII this was enlarged to 2.9L to deliver 145bhp at the wheels - heady stuff in 1957.

This car’s mechanical provenance is hugely impressive. The history file dates back to its earliest days and shows regular maintenance by well-regarded specialist like Post Vintage, Davron and XRN. The engine was rebuilt in 2008 - it has covered few miles since - and a DB5 clutch fitted by Davron. This is lighter than the original to make the car considerably easier to drive - perfect for those long distance tours.

Regular maintenance and servicing means that the car arrives on the market with no known faults and ready to use.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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