Description
The Aston Martin DB2 garnered tremendous interest on both sides of the Atlantic, which explains why the first owner of LML/ 50/ 256 resided in Mexico—a fascinating start to the car's journey.
Gilles De Leschevin De Prévoisin Legorreta, born in Mexico City to a French father and a Mexican mother, was not only a talented watercolourist but also a fervent car enthusiast. Alongside his artistic pursuits, he founded the racing stable St Gilles, amassing a collection of over 40 race cars. Photographs depict him racing his Aston Martin DB2 and alongside a D Type Jaguar, surrounded by a treasure trove of trophies. He shared the track with esteemed figures like the Rodríguez brothers and earned admiration from enthusiasts such as "El Buitre," who extensively chronicled his racing career. Gilles contributed to the triumphs of the Jaguar Motorsport Gala squad, served as a test driver in Coventry, England, and even designed three racing cars under the name "Pian" for the Jr. formula.
After dedicating himself to motorsport for many years, Gilles retired from racing at the age of 60, but having played pivotal roles in events like the Pan American Race and the Superbike World Championship in Mexico. He remained a loyal collaborator of the Jaguar Automobile Club. His extensive racing background underscores the substantial racing pedigree of the car.
For those contemplating participation in prestigious events like the Mille Miglia, or others of its calibre, it's essential to recognize that this car boasts a significant racing heritage.
We owe much gratitude to the current owner, who meticulously researched the car's history. In addition to the original Aston Martin Build Sheet, the owner unearthed crucial Mexican administrative documents, including the original import papers from Autos Europeos.
Gilles retired from racing in the 1970’s, before that, he stopped racing LML/ 50/ 256 in 1962 and took the car of the road (official de-registration document on file), and later, on the 19th July 1965 sold LML/ 50/ 256 on to Francisco Cortes Velez, presumably after its trials on the tracks the engine was well worn as we see in 1966 that Moss motors supplied new pistons, liners, piston rings and bearings and other parts. Subsequently, the Aston Martin Build Sheet picks up the next owner registered with Aston Martin as WC Walton Junior, who registered the car under his company, Intercontinental Marketing Services of Mexico City. The car was acquired by Leandro Gurza de Jonghe, who retained ownership for over three decades. It was during this period, that the engine removed and dismantled. However, due to Leandro's commitments as a High Court Judge in Mexico City, the car remained untouched for many years until its eventual sale.
In 2008, the car changed hands and was purchased by the present owner in 2010 from Don Rose, who is renowned in Aston Martin circles for specializing in auctioning Astons, with AMOC America recognizing his expertise in this domain.
While in the USA, the car was stored with Kevin Kay, one of the foremost restorers globally for Feltham Astons based in California, who is said to have described it as a "restorer's dream" due to its lifelong residence in Mexico City. Presently located in mainland Europe, the car was initially imported to the EU in 2015, with import duties paid in the UK, before later bringing to mainland Europe, declaration with customs completed, in 2018, before Brexit.
Since, it has remained largely untouched and stored in air-conditioned facilities to prevent deterioration, awaiting a full restoration—an endeavour that promises to fulfil any restorer's dream.
