1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 MK III Fastback Coupe

Aston Martin's rich heritage stretches back 100 years to 1913 when Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford opened Bamford & Martin Ltd. The iconic brand, today synonymous with elegance and performance was soon renamed Aston Martin; a nod to the popular Aston Hill Climb. But the outbreak of WWI put a halt to their dreams and they sold their machinery to Sopwith Aviation. Business resumed after the war and Aston enjoyed a growing reputation for engineering and design prowess, soon fielding cars in the LeMans 24 Hour race and even sweeping the podium in 1933.

After another world war and another production halt, industrialist Sir David Brown (DB) purchased the automaker and introduced the DB1, the first in a distinguished line of DB models. It featured advanced engine, chassis and suspension designs that were second to none.

The DB Mark III was introduced in 1957. It featured several refinements over its predecessor, including a reshaped front grille and optional dual exhaust outlets. The instrument cluster was relocated-directly in front of the driver.

The 2922cc DBA inline six-cylinder developed 162 horsepower (178 horsepower with the optional dual exhaust outlets). The motor features dual overhead camshafts as well as dual SU carburetors.

The engine is mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The chassis features independent front suspension with coil springs, trailing arms, anti-roll bar, trailing link and Armstrong lever dampers.

This Aston Martin was purchased new by Eugene M. Smith, who designed the 1949 Ford coupe. En route to order the car, Mr. and Mrs. Smith stopped at a Gucci store to shop. Later, at the dealership they asked if the interior could be matched to their new Gucci shoes. It could and it was.

The car was acquired by the current family in 1962 and driven daily until 1976. Ohio winters eventually took their toll, resulting in considerable rust, save for areas protected by 'English undercoating', AKA a very leaky six-cylinder motor. Every nut, bolt and body panel was faithfully restored or reproduced during its eventual 2010 restoration, including even the badly faded Gucci leather.