1953 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage
Offered from the late Jens Pilo collection

Registration No: VDV 418
Chassis No: LML50322
MOT: Exempt

• A rare and desirable DB2 Vantage
• Thought to be Mille Miglia eligible
• In current ownership for over 35 years
• Prepared for competitive rallying at the highest level
• Incredibly well-maintained
• Large history file

"In sum, this latest Aston Martin is a car of superlatively high performance, great docility, comfortable suspension, and unusual road-holding powers which must lend lustre not only to the name of Aston Martin and David Brown, but also to the British automobile industry as a whole" (The Motor magazine).

The Aston Martin DB2 stands as a distinguished icon in the world of sports cars. Its journey began with the inaugural prototype, which bravely took on the Le Mans circuit in 1949. Soon after, the production version made its grand entrance at the 1950 New York International Auto Show, capturing hearts and imaginations alike. Under the hood, the DB2 boasted a potent 2.6-liter straight-6 engine, originally conceived by the legendary W.O. Bentley. But this particular model had the fortune of being in "Vantage" specification, elevating its performance with a higher compression ratio and larger carburettors, cranking up the power from 105 to 125 horsepower. Aston Martin's prowess with the DB2 was further demonstrated on the racetrack, where it clinched both 1st and 2nd positions in its class at the gruelling 24-hour Le Mans race in the same year. Compared to its prototype, the production model provided occupants with more headroom. In the words of The Autocar from that era, "the DB2 will appeal to the connoisseur who relishes long-distance, high-speed driving or the businessman seeking to minimize travel time. And when called upon, it's still ready for competitive action."

This DB2 Vantage made its debut in the hands of its first owner, H.L. Quartermain of East Virginia Water, Surrey, in April 1953. Quartermain had acquired it from a Brooklands dealer, and the car originally featured a Deep Carr Green exterior complemented by a Beige interior. A well-documented history reveals meticulous service work, including a near-full engine rebuild in 1965, complete with new parts and a fresh clutch assembly, propshaft, and exhaust pipes. Under Jens Pilo, the late owner, VDV 418 boasts an impressive 35-year history, detailing major and minor maintenance and restoration work up to the present day. In 2001, the car even conquered the Classic Marathon Rally, a challenging 3000-mile journey from Belgium to Croatia. As a testament to its enduring legacy, A. Archer of Great Dunmow was entrusted with a comprehensive mechanical rebuild in 2003, with meticulous records chronicling every step of the process. Having been lovingly preserved throughout its journey, this remarkable car offers its new owner a classic sports car experience that combines the style and performance one expects from a 1950s Aston Martin.

For more information, please contact:
Julian Pinkster
julian.pinkster@handh.co.uk
07889 223 904