1952 Aston Martin DB2

A.C. Bertelli was an Anglo-Italian racing driver, designer, mechanic, and businessman. He works as a consultant for companies such as Armstrong Siddeley, Coventry Simplex, and Rover. While working at Armstrong Siddeley he had met William Renwick, an engineer who had inherited a large amount of money. The two formed a company called Renwick & Bertelli Ltd in Birmingham in 1924 and produced a car called the R&B. It was powered by a four-cylinder 1.5-liter overhead camshaft engine installed in an Enfield-Alldays chassis. The car performed well and came to the attention of the Hon. John Benson whose mother Lady Charnwood had recently bought Bamford and Martin. In 1926, Bertelli and Renwick both joined the board of what became Aston Martin Motors Ltd., with the R&B providing the basis for a new range of cars.

The Aston Martin Company went through a succession of owners and in 1928 was acquired by Sidney Whitehouse who also bought Renwick & Bertelli and merged the companies. Bertelli remained with Aston Martin until 1938.

By the late 1930s, the company had turned its attention from producing racing and sports cars to building road-going cars. The Atom prototype was built in 1939 and had a steel spaceframe chassis designed by Claude Hill and clothed in four-door sedan bodywork. The car impressed gearbox manufacturer David Brown and convinced him to buy Aston Martin. The push-rod engine in the Atom was inadequate, so David Brown bought Lagonda, specifically for the W.O. Bentley-designed twin-cam six-cylinder engine. Soon, a small series of two-liter sports cars based on the Atom design had been built. Although commonly referred to as the DB1, they were officially called the 2-Liter Sports.

After World War II and at the New York Auto Show in April of 1950, Aston Martin introduced the six-cylinder DB2. The Lagonda straight-6 with dual SU carburetors produced just over 100 horsepower. It was placed within a shortened version of the tube-frame chassis designed by Hill for the 2-Litre Sports, with a fastback coupe body designed by Frank Freeley.

Three pre-production examples had been previewed even earlier, as they raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949. One of those three became the development car for the production DB2. It had the Lagonda straight-6, while the other two were powered by four-cylinder 2-liter engines. The six-cylinder car, driven by Leslie Johnson, retired after six laps due to overheating caused by a broken water pump. One of the 2-liter cars was in 4th place when it crashed two hours short of the finish, fatally injuring driver Pierre Maréchal. The remaining car, driven by Arthur Jones and Nick Haines, finished 7th overall.

The following month, the six-cylinder car raced at the Spa 24-Hour race where Leslie Johnson and Charles Brackenbury finished 3rd. Nick Haines and Lance Macklin drove one of the 2-liter cars to a 5th place finish.

For the 1950 season, all three of these cars were fitted with the larger Lagonda engine. George Abecassis and Lance Macklin finished 5th at the 1950 LeMans race. Brackenbury and Reg Parnell finished in 6th, which won Aston Martin 1st and 2nd in the 3-liter class. A DB2 driven by Briggs Cunningham finished 2nd in class at the inaugural Sebring race meeting in December of 1950.

At the 1951 LeMans, Macklin and Eric Thompson finished 3rd overall, with Abecassis and Brian Shawe-Taylor 5th.

Production of the DB2 would continue until April of 1953 with 411 examples being built. At least 102 examples were Drophead Coupes. The first 49 examples had a different grille and larger large rectangular cooling vents in the front wings than the subsequent cars. The later cars had a one-piece grille with horizontal chrome slats while the early cars had a chrome-framed front grille in three separate parts.

Originally, the only body style available was a fixed-head coupe. It had a spare wheel located at the rear in a small compartment, and luggage space was located behind the front seats. In the front was a single-piece hood that was hinged at the front. The Drophead Coupe became available near the close of 1950.

The Vantage engine upgrade was introduced in April of 1950, and it came with larger SU carburetors and a higher compression ratio, boosting power to 125 bhp. Briggs Cunningham received the first DB2 Vantage, LML 50/21.

by Dan Vaughan

FastBack Coupe

The Aston Martin DB2 is a sports car that was sold by Aston Martin from May 1950 through to April 1953. The DB2 was the successor to the 2-Litre Sports model that uses an advanced dual overhead cam 2.6-liter straight-6 cylinder engine in place of the previous pushrod straight-4. It was offered in a variety of body styles including a closed 2-door, a 2-seater coupe called a sports saloon, and later also as a drophead coupe which accounted for a quarter of the model's total sales. The closed version was known to have considerable success in racing.

The DB2 debuted at the New York Auto Show in April 1950 and continued in production until April 1953 with a mere 411 produced. The first 49 had a chrome-framed front grille in three separate parts, and large rectangular cooling vents in the front wings. Subsequent cars such as this example had a one-piece grille with horizontal chrome slats, and no side vents.

Under the direction of David Brown, Aston Martin would be the first manufacturer to team up directly with a tire manufacturer on a production car. Dunlop would work with Aston Martin with the sole purpose of achieving and promoting superior ride and handling. The relationship worked, and they were able to convince both Phil Hill and Briggs Cunningham to purchase DB2's.

This car was purchased new 12/31/1952 by Schneider Motors Inc, St. Paul, Minnesota, from S. H. Arnolt of Chicago. As the story goes, Mr. Schneider was cooped up all winter and just had to have the 'super car' of the era.

Luckily, David Brown had answered an anonymous ad in February of 1947 which led him to purchase Aston Martin and later Lagonda. Members of the outstanding staff included Claude Hill, the brilliant chassis engineer, W.O. Bentley, designed a 2.6-liter DOHC hemi-head and hemi-piston cross flow six-cylinder engine and Frank Freely who penned the brilliant slippery aluminum body.

Aston's competition record is legendary. It includes total distance and class wins at Le Mans and elsewhere.

FastBack Coupe
Chassis number: LML 50-193

This 1952 Aston Martin DB2 Coupe was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. It was offered without reserve and estimated to sell between $40,000 - $60,000. It is powered by a 2922cc double overhead cam six-cylinder engine and produces just over 160 horsepower. There are four-wheel drum brakes and a four-speed manual gearbox.

Keeping in the sprit of owner, David Brown, the first DB2 vehicles were Factory Works cars intended for racing competition. At the 1950 24 Hours of LeMans, the DB2s finished 5th and 6th overall and 1st and 2nd in class. A year later, they finished 3rd, 5th, and 7th overall, as well as sweeping the top three positions in their three-liter class.

The engine that lay under the graceful bonnet had been originally designed by Willie Watson for Lagonda under the supervision of Lagonda's Chief Engineer W. O. Bentley. It is a 2.6-liter DOHC inline six-cylinder unit with hemispherical combustion chambers and produced an impressive amount of horsepower. It was also reliable, which made a fierce competitor in endurance racing.

The 12-inch drum brakes aided in keeping the car in the driver's control. The handcrafted alloy coachwork was rigid, yet lightweight. The interior was rather accommodating with leather and wool trimming. There was even ample luggage space with seating for two. Production totaled over 400 units.

This example shown was first owned by a Agustin LeGretta who purchased the car via the Mexican dealer Autos Europeos on November 11th of 1952. After a short stint in Mexico, it was sold to a New Yorker who was an active member of the Aston martin Owner's Club. He campaigned the car extensively in numerous vintage rallies including the 1988 Carrera Panamericana, the Colorado Grand, the Copperstate 1000 and numerous New England 1000s.

One of its owners entered the DB2 in the Carrera Panamericana. In later years, the car was treated to a mechanical restoration which included a complete engine rebuild.

At auction, the car sold near the high value of the estimated value. It found a new owner for $56,100.

by Dan Vaughan

Chassis number: LML/50/95

This example was entered into the Aston Martin Owners Club Concours d'Elegance at Waddesdon in 2001. The car won its class by a very large margin. As a result it was promoted to the AMOC winners' class, the 'Elite Class'. Purchased in 1985 by R.S. McCouat from Tim Gregory in Norfolk. McCouat then did a complete body off restoration, using factory records and period photographs to ensure the vehicle was restored exactly as when it left the Aston Martin Factory. Martin Rayner painted and assembled the body to the chassis. The trimming and fitting of the car was done by McCouat and was completed in September 2000. Complete copies of records from log book and all receipts.

by Blackhawk Collection

FastBack Coupe
Chassis number: LML/50/102
Engine number: VB6B/50/553

This Aston Martin was originally delivered via Denver Imported Motors in Colorado and to its original (unknown) owner. It was delivered in Post Office Red over a red-piped black interior and was uprated to Vantage specification prior to delivery. The second owner was G.S. Toll, Esq. of Norwalk, California. It was eventually sold and made its way to Malaysia where it was converted to right-hand drive. In the early 2000s, it was acquired by an individual living in Kuala Lumpur, who subsequently treated the car to a comprehensive mechanical restoration which focused on a full engine rebuild. It later returned to the United States and into an East Coast collection. In 2016 and 2017, the suspension, brakes, rear axle, wiring looms, and numerous other details were overhauled.

by Dan Vaughan

FastBack Coupe
Chassis number: LML/50/102
Engine number: VB6B/50/553

This largely original DB2 was the design before the DB2/4 and was raced in Malaysia for decades before is was sold in the U.S.

This Aston Martin is powered by a 2,580 c.c. twin-overhead-cam 6-cylinder engine developing 107 horsepower. It has a 4-speed manual transmission and is capable of 0 to 60 mph in 12 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph.

This car has its original frame rails and the engine is the only part that has been restored.

DropHead Coupe
Chassis number: LML/50/296
Engine number: VB6R/50/1122

The DB2 helped revolutionize the postwar sports car boom. It sported elegant Italianesque styling, and it won races with its innovative coil springs, space frame, and tilt bonnet.

This DB2 is one of 100 drophead coupes and 10 authentic left-hand drive examples. The car was first owned by Herbert Turner Matson of Victoria, British Columbia, who was a war correspondent for the Canadian Army during World War II and then a newspaper publisher. Educated in England, Matson had a penchant for all things English, and the magnificent DB2 with its English panache fit the bill. Upon receipt of the car in Victoria, Matson and his third wife cruised high society and the car became something of a celebrity. It was eventually sold to a fellow Canadian in Toronto and then in 1987 it was repatriated to England and entered a prestigious collection. Today, in the care of its current owner, the car wears its original colors and interior palette.

The Aston Martin DB2 was introduced to the public at the New York Motor Show. This was not the vehicle's first appearance as it had been raced at the grueling 24 Hours of LeMans where one of the drivers, Pierre Marechal, had been involved in a fatal accident. The DB2 was designed by Frank Freeley and configured as a two-seater touring vehicle. It was Aston Martin's first real production vehicle. The name was derived from the initials of the company's founder, David Brown. The production designs were very similar to the vehicles raced at LeMans, offering LeMans performance and touring comfort. Power was supplied by a twin-cam, W.O. Bentley-designed Lagonda six-cylinder engine capable of producing 115 horsepower. With the 'Vantage' option that became available in 1951, the output increased to 125 horsepower, thanks in part to SU HV6 carburetors and high-compression pistons.

During the DB2's lifespan lasting from 1950 through 1953, 411 examples were produced.

In 1953 Aston Martin introduced the DB2/4 MK1. This version was available in 2+2 Saloon Coupe configuration or as a Drophead Coupe. The Saloon version featured a hatchback rear window, an uncommon design at the time. There were only 73 Dropheads created.

The DB2/4 had been modified both mechanically and aesthetically from its predecessor. The front received updates that gave it a 'cleaner' design. The 2.6 Liter Vantage engine was placed under the hood and provided power for the rear wheels. Due to the extra weight of the DB2/4 MK1, a more powerful 3.0-liter engine capable of producing 140 horsepower was used in 1954.

During the DB2/4 MK1 lifespan lasting from 1953 through 1955, 565 examples were produced.

In 1955 Aston Martin introduced the successor to the MK1, the MK2. There was little to distinguish the MK2. It had the same mechanics as its predecessor and only minor exterior modifications. The main differences were a square rear wing and the addition of the notchback-hardtop that was added to the body-style configurations. There were only thirty of these created. Nearing the end of the MK2, the power was increased to 165 horsepower from the six-cylinder engine.

During the DB2/4 MK2 lifespan lasting from 1955 through 1957, 199 examples were created.

In 1957 Aston Martin introduced the MK III. It was available as a coupe or convertible, both were two-door and capable of seating four individuals. This was the final installment of the DB2 family. It received several mechanical updates including Girling disc brakes, hydraulic clutch, automatic, and overdrive transmission options. This marked the first time that Aston Martin offered disc brakes as standard equipment on a vehicle. Al-Fin drum brakes were used in the rear. Aesthetically, it was similar to its predecessors but had received modifications to the front, including the DB3S grille. The modifications were enough to make the MKIII the most beautiful of all the DB2 models.

The zero-to-sixty time was now rated at 9.3 seconds with the top speed at 120 miles per hour. In standard form with the optional dual exhausts, horsepower was raised to 178 horsepower. By adding Webers, high-compression pistons, and an oil cooler, the horsepower rating skyrocketed to an astonishing 220. These improvements were courtesy of the knowledge Aston Martin had ascertained on the racing track.

During the DB MK III lifespan lasting from 1957 through 1959, 551 examples were produced.

by Dan Vaughan

The first Aston Martin was built in 1913 by London Singer dealers Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin. It was comprised of a Coventry Simplex engine and an Isotta Fraschini chassis. They were later joined by Count Louis Zborowski, who provided finical backing and was an avid racer. Under the patronage of Augustus Bertelli, the legacy of Aston Martin continued to grow in motorsports throughout the years. Motorsports were expensive, and by 1925 the company had entered into receivership, a trend common to the company throughout its lifetime.

In 1926 the Aston Martin Motors Ltd. was incorporated with A.C. (Bert) Bertelli as one of the new directors. With the help of Bertelli, the company weathered the run years and the various financial backers. To many, Bertelli is the father of Aston Martin and some of the greatest pre-War era cars were created under his guidance. Their Ulster and 1.5-liter cars enjoyed much success including at the 24 Hours of LeMans.

A.C. Bertelli left Aston Martin in 1937, soon after the arrival of the new 2-liter car. This car was a shift in the way the company did business, as it was less sporty and marketed more towards civilized driving. In 1939 the company introduced a prototype designed by Claude Hill dubbed the Atom. It was comprised of a steel spaceframe chassis and given a four-door sedan body. When gearbox manufacturer David Brown was given the opportunity to drive the Atom in 1947, he decided to buy the company.

The Atom was a slightly odd-looking vehicle but possessed many modern features which would become the starting point for many new models in the years to come. Aston Martins's push-rod engines, however, were deemed inadequate by Mr. Brown. Rather than creating a new engine design he simply purchased Lagonda and the rights to produce the W.O. Bentley-designed twin-cam six-cylinder engine. This engine would become the basis for Aston Martin engines in the years to come and would give the company many podium finishes.

While negotiations were still in process with Lagonda, a small number of two-liter Aston Martins were created based on the Atom design. At the time, they were called 2-Liter Sports; in modern times they are commonly referred to as the DB1.

A six-cylinder Aston Martin racer made its racing debut at the first 24 Hours of LeMans in the post-War era. The production version was shown in April of 1950 at the New York Auto Show. It was called the DB2 and powered by a 2.6-liter Lagonda six clothed in a two-door coupe body designed by Frank Freely. The design was well received by the public and it appeared as though financial stability would soon become part of the company's lineage. The small factory struggled to keep pace with the demand for the new coupe as more interest was created by the Works DB2s as they scored several important victories including first and second in class at LeMans in 1950.

The first fifty cars created had large grilles that were later removed. In 1951, the Vantage model was introduced which was an upgraded version of the DB2. The DB3 became the company's racing entrant while the DB2 was their road-going model.

The two-seater DB2's first major update came in 1953 when it was given two rear seats and a name change to DB2/4. This, as was the DB2, was available in either fixed or drop-head configuration. Several chassis were delivered to custom coachbuilders to be fitted with unique creations orchestrated by customer's desires and demands. Among them were the 'Wacky' Arnolt commissioned Bertone Spiders which were very attractive and equally as popular.

Though meant for the road, the DB2/4 models were used by privateers in many various sporting events with much success. This inspired the Works to prepare three examples for the Rallye Monte Carlo in 1955. Their efforts were rewarded with a first in class and a Team Prize.

Another major revision occurred in 1956 with the introduction of the DB2/4 MKII featuring a three-liter version of the six-cylinder engine producing 140 horsepower. An even more powerful version was available, featuring a high-lift camshaft, larger valves, and 165 horsepower. Coachbuilders were still given the opportunity to create their versions of the car. The most memorable was a Touring created Spyder shown at the 1956 Earls Court show in London. Three additional orders were placed but never materialized. Nevertheless, this would be the start of a relationship between the British-based Aston Martin Company and the Touring Coachbuilding firm, resulting in spectacular creations throughout the years.

The fourth and final update to the DB2/4 was the MKIII, also known as the DB MK III, introduced in 1957. The basic design of the prior DB cars was retained, as it had proven to be very popular and versatile. The most noticeable change was to the front which received a revised frontal region. The big changes occurred elsewhere, with the vehicle's mechanical components, including the standard 162 horsepower engine and front disc brakes. Both of these changes greatly improved the vehicle's performance and handling capabilities.

In 1958 the DB2 Series was replaced by the DB4 which was powered by a 3.7-liter version of the six-cylinder engine.

by Dan Vaughan