Description
History:
The Aston Martin DB2 started the era of car manufacturing under the leadership of David Brown. The body of the DB2 was built at Mulliner, which served as a model for the following series up to the DB6. With the DB2/ 4, a hatchback coupé body was created, offering seating for 4 people. From October 1953 to October 1955, around 400 coupés and 165 cabriolets were produced. The handcrafted aluminium body is an automotive work of art. The Aston Martin DB2/ 4 is one of the most collectible automobiles. After 54 years in original ownership and an exciting history at Bonhams in London, this virtually untouched DB2/ 4 came into the possession of the Goodtimer owner via a private relationship in the summer of 2016, where it was restored over 4 years and at a cost of over CHF 200, 000.
Body and paintwork:
The aluminium body was repainted in its original colour before Goodtimer took possession. The paintwork is still as good as new with a perfect shine. The chrome parts were completely refurbished from the nickel plating to the chrome bath. Only the slim door handles are still untouched. The doors close perfectly, the bonnet closes correctly, although due to the size of the bonnet the locking mechanism has to be corrected now and then to achieve nice gaps. The side-opening tailgate and the spare wheel well are immaculate.
Interior:
Despite the initial desire to preserve the first leather, time has left its mark and a restoration of the leather did not produce the desired result. After almost a year of searching, Goodtimer was able to acquire an original Connolly stock in the colour tan of the time and, in addition to the seats, has also renewed the door panels and covers according to original drawings. The headlining and carpet landscape were also refurbished to a high standard and custom made. The wooden panel on the dashboard and the original wooden steering wheel were manually restored by the wood specialist Brambilla in Italy. The entire interior is presented in new condition through and through.
Engine and mechanicals:
The long period of disuse between the demise of the original owner and the acquisition by Goodtimer has left its mark on the engine and mechanical assemblies. With new parts from Aston Service Dorset LTD the engine was completely overhauled, the gearbox revised and all mechanical and electrical components reworked. The engine has amazing running characteristics, the acoustics are breathtaking and thanks to a kerb weight of just 1100kg, the DB2 is a fast sports car.
Chassis:
The chassis, brakes and springs were completely overhauled. During the restoration, the original spoked wheels were replaced with high quality chrome spoked wheels and fitted with Michelin Pilote X Racing. The underbody is very clean and intact. The restored substance was treated with a fresh wax preservation.
Driving Experience:
The engine, sporty in every respect and acoustically stunning, displays amazing propulsion for an almost 70 year old automobile. That an Aston Martin is a must for an automobile collector is impressively demonstrated by this early DB2/ 4. The gearbox is crisp and precise to shift and the non-servo-assisted brakes give every millimetre of pressure on the pedal a confident braking feel. The steering is challenging (firm) and lets the driver feel the road. This Aston Martin DB2/ 4 has already proven itself at two historic rallies in Switzerland, taking 3rd and 7th place once. If you like it sporty at the historic events, this is the car for you.
Recommendation:
The 3rd place at the Concours d'Elégance in Zurich was not only achieved because of the fantastic original and respectfully restored overall condition. The documentation begins with Form No. 06/ 586/ 0 dated 2 June 1954, the Aston Martin warranty certificate, which is supplemented by the warranty work, an engine overhaul dated 31 January 1956. The Bonhams report dated 9 May 2015, a Heritage Trust Certificate, and the FIVA ID card complete the extensive documentation of this very fine Aston Martin DB2/ 4. The DB2 was the iconic British sports car of its day and still delights a wide audience today. This example can be a valuable addition to a collection as well as continue to be used at public events or historic rallies such as the Mille Miglia. One of the must-haves among historically valuable automobiles.
