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1954 Aston Martin DB2-4 Mk1
Highlights
- Matching numbers example
- Same owner for almost 40 years!
- One of only 125 Mk1 DB2-4s powered by the high-performance 2.9-litre engine
- Since purchasing the car in 1987, the present owner has spent more than £65,000 on restoration and maintenance
- Excellent panel alignment and door fit and solid all-round
- Accompanied by a substantial, detailed and carefully curated history file
- Includes original bill of sale from November 1954 and an engine rebuild in the 80s
The Appeal
During the early post-war period, the once-thriving British sports car industry was in trouble. The economy was in tatters, raw materials were in short supply and much of Britain's industrial heartlands had been flattened by the Luftwaffe. Sports car manufacturers were hit particularly hard, as this was not a time to be making frivolous purchases. Several would sadly close their doors for the last time, while others were put up for sale like Aston Martin and Lagonda.
While such firms smelled distinctly of financial ruination, entrepreneur David Brown recognised an opportunity. Aston Martin had the promising ‘Atom’ design but lacked a competitive engine. Whereas Lagonda had recently developed a superb twin-cam straight-six under the supervision of one Walter Owen Bentley.
With both companies secured, Aston Martin’s Feltham workshop began work on the replacement for its ‘DB1’ 2.0-litre Sports, and Lagonda’s Frank Feeley was tasked with designing the coachwork. The result was a line of fabulous, high-performance sports cars starting with the DB2. They were faster than pretty well anything else on the road, and later DB2-4 versions offered more space, 2+2 seating, further improved performance and a rear hatch window making it the world’s first sports hatchback.
This 1954 DB2-4 Mk1 is one of just 125 examples to feature the high-performance 2.9-litre version of W.O.’s LB6 engine. The Aston Martin has been in present ownership since 1987 and has received copious skilled work with a focus on originality rather than over-restoration. The vendor has carefully totalled the various invoices amassed during their tenure and found £65,482.01 has been spent. The work is extensively documented and photographed in the accompanying history file.
We’re delighted to bring such a fine and historically significant sports car to market.
The History and Paperwork
- Matching numbers
- Supplied by Berkeley Motors in November 1954
- Accompanied by an exceedingly rare leather-bound copy of the original instruction book
- The present keeper acquired the Aston Martin from Sotheby’s in 1987
- The auction catalogue and the sales invoice are included in the history file
- 92,967 miles indicated
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- This example was supplied new to Great Britain in right-hand drive
- Three former registered keepers recorded
- A workshop manual, parts catalogue, all the tax discs, all the MOT test certificates, all the bills, a book of road tests from contemporary motoring magazines and a wealth of articles accompany the car
Prior to purchase, Deddington Garage of Oxford fully rebuilt the engine and gave the car a mechanical overhaul. Since the present owner acquired it in 1987, specialist body shop Newman and Jones of London completed a chassis-up rebuild, incorporating the latest anti-corrosion measures not available when the car was built. They also completed a full rewire.
Every stage of the restoration by the Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin-trained craftsmen is documented and photographed. Their reports include the comment, “We would like to think that we are going to achieve the best gaps on an Aston of this type.” And it certainly looks that way today. Any metal with a hint of corrosion was cut out and replaced and all corrosion points were treated to prevent any recurrence.
Every stage of the restoration by the Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin-trained craftsmen is documented and photographed. Their reports include the comment, “We would like to think that we are going to achieve the best gaps on an Aston of this type.” And it certainly looks that way today. Any metal with a hint of corrosion was cut out and replaced and all corrosion points were treated to prevent any recurrence.
More recent work by Four Ashes in Stratford-on-Avon has involved rebuilding the distributor, replacement of a rear wheel cylinder, tuning of timing and mixture, important improvements to the carburettors and the replacement of the exhaust manifold flanges.
Work in the past few weeks by Tomorrow’s Classics of Charfield includes replacing all inlet and exhaust valves and valve guides and installing new petrol pumps, battery, coil and heater valve. They also recently replaced all the carpets with top-quality leather-trimmed Wilton.
The Condition
- The vendor points out that this car exhibits the patina of a favourite classic which has been well-kept and cared for
- The lustrous cellulose finish accurately recreates the original finish and presents beautifully
- Resplendent in Deep Carriage Green - (often referred to as British Racing Green)
- Exceedingly smart bodywork with excellent panel alignment and door fit
- The car retains many original features including the ribbed floor in the boot area, the fitted hydraulic jack and tyre pump, the unusual drop-down spare wheel carrier and the spanner for the centre wheel nuts
- The authentic Lucas “Tripod” headlights have been restored and re-silvered by Vintage Headlamp Restoration of Sheffield
- The car shows no signs of corrosion and we’re informed that no additional work on the body is needed
- The Mazak metal door handles which often corrode over time, have been replaced with stainless steel items
Here we have one of those rare occasions where a car’s condition perfectly treads the line between presentation and usability. The sheer quality of the restoration work is everywhere to be seen, while it has since been properly exercised, accruing a gentle patina of a car that’s enjoyed as its makers intended.
The bodywork is a particular highlight as seldom do you see a coachbuilt car of this vintage where all the panels align so well and the doors shut so neatly. The paintwork is spot-on too, replicating a period-correct finish and now sporting a light patina. The interior is a little more worn and eminently usable. We’re not informed of any known issues with the cabin electrics and instrumentation and inside, all appears original and in lovely order.
The Mechanics
- 2,922 cc LB6 DOHC straight-six fuelled by twin SU carburettors
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Original-looking and well-presented engine compartment
- A full engine rebuild was carried out prior to current ownership
- Kenlowe cooling fan fitted
Recent work includes:
- Rebuilding the distributor
- Replacing a rear wheel cylinder
- Timing and mixture adjustment
- Important improvements to the carburation
- Replacement of the exhaust manifold flanges
- Replacement of all inlet and exhaust valves and valve guides
- Installing new fuel pumps, battery, coil and heater valve
Benefiting from regular judicious maintenance throughout current ownership and several recent important jobs, we’re informed that this Aston Martin is a pleasure to drive. Within the past few weeks, specialists Tomorrow’s Classics of Charfield have sent the DB2-4 on its way with a clean bill of health following the completion of several important jobs, and we’re informed that it’s now ready to enjoy as its owner has for the past 37 years.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1954
- Make Aston Martin
- Model DB2/4
- Colour Green
- Odometer 92,967 Miles
- Engine size 2922
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Charfield
- Location Gloucestershire
- Country United Kingdom
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