Lot details
Registration No: 430 DMH
Chassis No: VB6J361
Mot Expiry: None

"The Aston Martin DB2/4 is a sports car with a very definite appeal. It has full saloon car comfort, coupled with performance and roadholding of a very high order, yet in spite of its very good performance the fuel consumption was not excessive" (Autocar)

Introduced at the October 1953 London Motor Show, the DB2/4 represented a new breed of family friendly Aston Martin. Some seven inches longer and marginally taller than its predecessor, the fitting of a more compact seventeen-gallon fuel tank (still good for circa 300 miles) plus some minor platform changes liberated enough room for two small seats to be positioned above the back axle. Visually distinguished by a one-piece windscreen and rear hatchback, the new model boasted such niceties as a telescopic steering column and adjustable backrests. Panelled in lightweight aluminium over an advanced tubular chassis frame, the model featured all round coil-sprung suspension (independent front / beam axle rear) and four-wheel drum brakes. Initially powered by a 2580cc version of the famous Willie Watson / W.O. Bentley designed DOHC straight-six engine, the adoption of a larger 83mm bore saw capacity rise to 2922cc in mid 1954. Credited with 140bhp and 178lbft of torque in standard tune, the DB2/4 3-litre was reputedly capable of 120mph. Overshadowed by its racing DB3 / DB3S siblings, the model still enjoyed a successful competition career winning the team prize on the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally. Only available in two-door saloon or drophead coupe guises, a mere 565 DB2/4 MKIs are thought to have left the Feltham Works.

Finished in green with beige leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good overall" condition (while, he rates the paintwork as "fair / good"). Although the Aston's first few years are a mystery it would appear to have had just four keepers since 1960; a number substantiated by the accompanying continuation logbook and Northern Irish V5 registration document. Also, on file are various service / repair invoices dating back to December 1969 at an indicated mileage of 41,000 (the current unwarranted odometer reading is 68,800 miles). However, the paperwork trail peters out around 1997. Little if at all used for a decade, the DB2/4 was recommissioned earlier this year and is said to be "driving reasonably well". The seller adding that: "Engine is lively and holds recommended oil pressure. Exhaust is clean. Transmission is in good working order. No MOT is available. Tyres need replacing. Brake relining and a limited amount of suspension work will be necessary (no doubt among other things)".