1934 Aston Martin MK II Tourer

Having been established in 1913, Aston-Martin had survived bankruptcy and the economic depression of the 1930s to build some of Britain's finest sports cars. Now operating as Aston Martin Ltd., of Feltham, Middlesex, the company was guided by technician Cesare Bertelli, who designed a new 1.5-liter model. It was available on two lengths of chassis and could be clothed in a variety of sporting bodywork. It did not sell quickly or in large numbers, but the few that were built were very successful in competition, including the French Grand Prix at LeMans.

The first Aston-Martins (the hyphen was correct for the period) were manufactured by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin. In the years that immediately followed the Great War, they quickly established a reputation for sporting prowess and high performance. The concentration on motorsports brought publicity but it distracted it from the business of manufacturing cars for sale. The result was that around 50 examples had been sold by 1925 when the company underwent the first of what would be many changes of ownership.

In 1926, Aston Martin Motors Ltd was formed under the stewardship of Augustus 'Bert' Bertelli and William Renwick. Bertelli had experience as an automotive engineer and had designed cars for Enfield & Allday. He had also designed an engine; it was an overhead-camshaft four-cylinder unit with a displacement size of 1492cc. Built at the firm's new Feltham works, the first 'new generation' Aston Martins were displayed at the 1927 London Motor Show at Olympia.

Understanding the importance of motorsports, 'Bert' Bertelli sanctioned the construction of two works racers for the 1928 season. They were based on the 1.5-liter road car and featured dry-sump lubrication. This was carried over to the International sports model, newly introduced for 1929. Produced from 1929 to 1932, two wheelbase lengths were avaialble, including an 8 foot 6 inch and 9 foot 10 inch size. Most of the bodies were built by Augustus's brother Enrico 'Harry' Bertelli.

The competition version of the 1st Series International was the first to receive the 'LeMans' label, after Aston's class win and 5th place overall at the 1931 Le Mans race. In the 1932 race, the model placed 5th and 7th and collected the Rudge-Whitworth Biennial Cup. Many other cars have been given the name 'Le Mans,' but Aston use may have been the first car named after the race.

The economic recession of the early 1930s resulted in sales of expensive quality cars falling off. Feltham made the prudent decision to redesign the International chassis using proprietary components to reduce cost. The worm rear axle was replaced by an ENV spiral bevel, and a Laycock gearbox was adopted, mounted in unit with the engine. Many other modifications including a redesigned chassis frame made it virtually a new car, although it carried the same coachwork and was sold as the 'New International.' The original line-up of what would become known as the '2nd Series' did not last long, the two-seater LeMans and the New International disappearing from the lineup before the close of 1932. The 1932 Motor Show had introduced the Le Mans 2/4-seater, which was also available on the long chassis as the Le Mans Special four-seater.

The replacement Mark II model was introduced in 1934. It had a new, strong chassis and a revised engine with counter-balanced crankshaft. Two wheelbase versions were available (8-foot 7 inches and 10 foot), with the larger available with four-seater sports saloon coachwork by Enrico Bertelli.

This particular Aston Martin 1½-Litre Mk II Sports by Bertelli was originally delivered to a Mr. Hadfield, of Watford in the United Kingdom. It left the factory finished in black with a red leather interior. A few years later, it was in the care of Mr. Garner of Sutton Coldfield.

The car later came to the United States and was purchased by the Harrah's Automobile Collection of Sparks, Nevada. In the 1960s it was acquired by comedian Bill Cosby. While in his care it was given a restoration in a auburn hue. It was subsequently on 'permanent loan' to Harrah's Automobile Collection until the collection was closed in the early 1980s. It then moved to an East Coast collection, and remained there until its sale several years ago.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2018