Lot details Registration No: GYG 896 Chassis No: C7/746/65 Mot Expiry: Aug 2010
"Use has not been made of the bigger engine now fitted necessarily to give a higher maximum speed than the famous 1.5 Litre provided. The figure is about the same. Instead, the unit has been rendered softer, quieter and more flexible, whilst acceleration and general suitability for everyday purposes have increased out of all knowledge. These, it will be agreed, are points of real appeal, even to the more hardened enthusiast, when in any case, there still go with them the stability and accuracy of handling for which Aston has always been noted" (Autocar Road Test, July 23rd 1937).
Introduced at the 1936 Olympia Motor Show, the Aston Martin 2-Litre 15/98 reflected an increasing bias among the buying public towards comfort and sophistication. Notably more refined than its predecessors, the newcomer sat on a 9ft 8in wheelbase. Initially available with a choice of four-seater saloon or four-seater tourer coachwork, its rigid cross-braced chassis frame featured all-round leaf-sprung suspension, Andre-Hartford shock absorbers and four-wheel drum brakes. An impressive unit that would later earn the marque victory in the 1938 Tourist Trophy and 1946 Belgian Grand Prix, the model's 1950cc SOHC four-cylinder engine was credited with developing 98hp (the `15' in its 15/98 designation being a RAC HP rating). Fitted with a positive throw four-speed manual gearbox, the Feltham machine was reputedly capable of over 85mph. Handbuilt the 2-Litre encountered various teething troubles which saw Aston Martin slash its sales expectations. Priced at £595 and £575 respectively, total 15/98 Saloon and Tourer production is thought to have amounted to just 74 cars (split 50:24 in favour of the `tin roof' option).
According to information supplied by the vendor, this particular 2-Litre 15/98 began life as a saloon. The subject of an older restoration during which it was converted into a two-seater tourer, more recent work has apparently included an engine overhaul. Styled after one of the marque's earlier International models, its well-executed body tub incorporates a curved back, dual cowl scuttle and cut-away doors. While details such as the quick-release radiator filler cap, mesh grille, rear-mounted spare wheel, slab fuel tank, cycle wings and bonnet straps help it look every inch the 1930s sports car. Finished in blue with light grey leather upholstery, the Aston Martin carries a large diameter Jaeger speedometer and matching rev-counter to its wooden dashboard. Nicely fabricated, the non-standard exhaust manifold shares underbonnet space with a Kenlowe fan and twin SU carburetors. Riding on `knock off' wire wheels, this handsome post-vintage tourer is offered for sale with sundry paperwork.
PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been informed by the vendor that it was Cheshire-based restorer Roy Ashton who was responsible for converting this vehicle from a 2-Litre 15/98 Saloon into an International / Le Mans-style Tourer. Rumoured to have cost circa £30,000 the transformation involved shortening the chassis as well as fitting a new body panelled in aluminium over an ash frame, while Norman Isles was apparently responsible for the paintwork. Treated to an engine overhaul (including new cylinder block) and other ministrations by renowned specialist Chris Shenton Engineering during 2003 at a cost of £11,912, more recent fettling at the hands of Trevor Farrington has seen the Aston Martin benefit from attention to its oil pump, water pump, rear axle, steering wheel, ignition system, wheel bearings, engine mounts, carburettors and leaf spring gaiters etc plus the installation of a Kenlowe fan. Mr Farrington's work is understood to have totalled approximately £12,500 but to have resulted in a car that "drives fifty percent better than before".
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until August 2010.
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