1955 Aston Martin DB 2/4

The Aston Martin DB2 - the 'DB' representing David Brown (later Sir David Brown) who had purchased the Aston Martin Company - was built from 1950 through 1953 with 411 examples created. The DB2 was Aston Martin's first all-new model created under the company's ownership by David Brown. Power was supplied by a W.O. Bentley-designed Lagonda six-cylinder engine that was capable of producing 116 bhp and could propel the car to a top speed of 117 mph. The zero-to-sixty time was around 11.2 seconds. The Vantage series received an engine that offered 125 bhp.

The Aston Martin DB2 was available in two body styles, the coupe, and drophead.

Aston Martin introduced its 2+2-seater DB2/4 in 1953 at the London Motor Show. Like its two-seater DB2 predecessor, the whole front body section is hinged forward to provide access to the engine and front suspension. Body styles included a saloon or drophead coupe, and its design incorporated minor changes with the most notable changes appearing in the front of the vehicle. The early versions of the vehicle featured a hatchback rear window.

While the DB2 was intended for the sports car enthusiast, the DB2/4 with its 2+2 seating was perfectly suited for the sports car enthusiast with a family. The additional +2 seating was accommodated via modifications to the rear of the chassis plus reducing the fuel tank size from 19 to 17 gallons. The rear seats could accommodate two small childer or alternatively, the rear seat back could be folded down, more than double the luggage space. This rear load-carrying platform could be accessed via the 2/4's opening rear door.

The front suspension used coil springs and trailing links while the rear had a live axle with parallel radius arms and coil springs. Braking was by 12-inch Girling drum units all round. The chassis continued to be the rectangular-tube platform of the DB2. The straight-six DOHC 2,580cc 'VB6E' engine, sourced from the DB2 Vantage, was designed by Willie Watson under the watchful eye of W. O. Bentley. Within a year this high-performance unit had been enlarged to 2922cc. Christened 'VB6J', the revised powerplant offered 140bhp and 178lbft, endowing the DB2/4 with a zero-to-sixty mph time of 10.5 seconds and a top speed of nearly 120 mph. With the VB6J engine installed, the DB2/4 was one of the fastest cars built in Great Britain (at the time).

The DB2/4 MK1 series ended in 1955 with 565 examples being produced, 73 being dropheads. The DB2/4 MK2 series began in 1995 and would continue until 1957. During this time frame, 199 examples were produced. There were two body styles available; a coupe and a convertible. Both had 2 doors and 4 seats. A hardtop-style saloon was also available although less than 35 were produced.

Most MK2's were mechanically similar to the MK1's, however, later versions received engine modifications that included larger valves and different camshafts. The horsepower output was increased to 165 bhp.

In 1957, Aston Martin introduced the final derivation of the DB2 series, the DB MK III. It would continue production until 1959 and amass a production total of 551 units. It was offered in Saloon or Convertible body styles and consisted of 4 seats. The base engine produced 162 horsepower, propelling the vehicle to a top speed of 120 mph.

by Dan Vaughan

Mark I FastBack Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: AM3001103

By 1953 the DB2 had grown into a four-place saloon, and receiving the name DB2/4. The standard configuration was the fastback bodywork, and essentially giving the world its first modern hatchback. In the mid-1954s a 3.0-liter engine block was developed generating 140 horsepower and carrying the car to speeds of 120 mph.

In 19555 the MKII version of the DB2/4 was introduced. It featured a redesigned bonnet and dashboard, and two individual bucket seats replaced the bench of the earlier cars.

This vehicle was chassis number AM3001103 was the first of just 34 production MKII Fixed Head Coupes (FHC), also known as notchback coupes, built by Aston Martin. The idea for the FHC had come about through a 1954 MKI with chassis number LML/515. It had been sent to Mulliner of Birmingham to be fitted with a fixed 'hardtop' roof with similar roof lines to that of the convertible. The result was aesthetically pleasing plus it added additional headroom for the rarely used rear seats. This vehicle, AM3001103, was based on the prototype LML/515 and completed in October of 1955. It was created from aluminum alloy at the Tickford works in Newport Pagnell. It is believed to have been the factory demonstrator and possibly the London Motor Show Car.

After its show tour the car was sold to its first owner, J. Kennedy of Ealing. It was later purchased by M.H. White of Ealing who later brought the car to North America. It was bought by an individual from Toronto in 1978. Under this new ownership the car was extensively restored during a ten year time period. It was finished in its original two-tone color scheme of Bayard Crimson with Devon Stone and accented nicely with its beige Connolly leather and Wilton carpets.

Upon complete the car was brought to the UK Aston Martin Owner's Club's Britsmorton Court Concours in 1993 where it took top class honors. In the mid-1990s the car was purchased by London dealer Andre Bloom on behalf of a well-known collection where it remained until the summer of 2005 when it was purchased by another individual and imported to California.

In 2007 it was brought to the Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $125,000 - $175,000. It was offered without reserve and sold for a high bid of $121,000.

by Dan Vaughan

Drop Head Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: LML/829
Engine number: VB6J/384

This Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe was completed at Newport Pagnell in May of 1955. It was a left-hand drive car from new, and was fitted with the larger and more powerful 3.0-liter Vantage-spec engine. It was finished in a Blue Haze exterior color over a red interior, and fitted with a beige convertible top. The car was soon exported to the United States, where it entered the care of Mr. R. W. Cooper of Washington, DC. The subsequent history remains vague, however it is believed to have had just three owners until being purchased by its most recent owner. Comprehensive restoration work has been performed in recent years.

It is currently finished in light blue metallic, believed to be a close match to the car's original applied Haze Blue. It has a dark blue soft top, chrome wire wheels with Vredestein tires, a set of period fog lights, Smith gauges, and the interior is trimmed in red, just as when it left the factory in 1955. There is a wood-rimmed steering wheel, a period radio, and the trunk is equipped with leather straps, along with a period suitcase.

The 2922cc dual overhead cam six-cylinder engine is fitted with 2 SU carburetors and offers 140 horsepower. There is a 4-speed manual transmission and 4-wheel drum brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Drop Head Coupe by Mulliner

One of the three Aston Martins entered in the 1955 RAC Monte Carlo Rally, this particular car was driven by Maurice Gatsonides. The car was in the lead when it missed a checkpoint, eventually coming in seventh overall but first in class. Later that same year the car drove in the Mille Miglia, retiring early due to clutch failure.

Mark II DropHead Coupe

This is one of approximately 75 Drop head Coupes built. The subject of an extensive and well-researched restoration, the car has been shown at the Radnor Hunt and Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. It is identical to the car made famous in Alfred Hitchcock's movie, 'The Birds'.

by Aston Martin

Mark I FastBack Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: VB6J468

David Brown acquired Aston Martin in 1947 and soon after applied his initials to a series of luxury and expensive Grand Touring cars that brought the company fame on the silver screen and the car of choice for James Bond 007. Additionally, Aston Martin would win the Sports Car World Championship and Le Mans in 1959 with Carroll Shelby providing the victories.

The Aston Martin DB2 of 1950 used W.O. Bentley's 2.6-liter twin-cam powerplant, his last engine design. It was given a tubular steel chassis and dressed in hand-formed aluminum bodywork. The DB2 evolved further in 1953 into an even more refined and modern vehicle, with the DB2/4 saloon receiving two occasional rear seats, without requiring a change to the wheelbase. The styling was updated, the roof was raised, and a large side-hinged tailgate was added creating the hatchback.

The DB2/4 received a larger 2.9-liter engine in 1954, helping the car achieve a 120 mph top speed. In 1955, the DB2/4 won Class and Team Prize in the Monte Carlo Rally.

This particular example is a left-hand drive DB2/4 and one of approximately 139 DB2/4 hatchback coupes produced with the larger 2.9L engine. The engine is fitted with twin SU carburetors and helps produce 165 horsepower. The exterior of the car is finished in maroon with a biscuit hide interior, wood-rim steering wheel, Smith's instruments and chrome wire wheels, and the optional bumper overriders.

Total production of the DB2/4 MK1 reached 564 units, roughly half that of the DB5.

by Dan Vaughan

Mark II FastBack Coupe
Chassis number: AM300/1114
Engine number: VB6J/656

Aston Martin introduced the DB2/4 in October of 1953. It offered additional room over its predecessor, the DB2, by having a slightly higher roofline and reducing the fuel tank capacity by two gallons. Other changes included larger front and rear bumpers, the addition of a hatchback, and a wraparound rear windscreen. Power was initially provided by a 2.6-liter engine that was first seen in the DB2 in Vantage specification, but eventually a 3.0-liter was introduced in 1954. In this guise, top speed was achieved at 118 mph.

761 examples would be produced by the time production came to a close in 1957.

This particular example is a MK II variant, of which just 199 were made. It is powered by the larger 3.0-liter engine, has a slightly raised roofline, and a modern-looking fly-off hand brake. Originally delivered via Tice & Son Ltd., it was finished in Dark Grey over Green, with engine no. VB6J/656.

This car is currently finished in blue over a tan combination. It has leather upholstery, dashboard with proper Smiths instrumentation. There is chrome hardware, chrome spokes, blue rims, and blackwall Avon Turbospeed tires. It has front and rear bumper overriders, Lucas amber-lensed driving lamps, and a dashboard-mounted radio with rear-mounted aerial.

by Dan Vaughan

Mark I FastBack Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: LML617
Engine number: 14C147344

The Aston Martin DB2/4 '2+2' was introduced in October 1953 and was based on its predecessor, with modifications made to the rear of the chassis plus a reduction in fuel tank capacity from 19 to 17 gallons, freeing space within the interior to accommodate child-sized occasional rear seats. When not in use, the rear seat backs could be folded down, creating a load-carrying platform that more than doubled the luggage space. This space could be accessed via the 2/4's opening rear door.

The 2.6-liter 'VB6E' engine produced 125 horsepower in Vantage guise, and from early in 1954, the 3.0-liter 'VB6J' engine was installed, boosting output to 140 horsepower. Zero to sixty mph was now accomplished in around eleven seconds, and the top speed was 118 mph.

This particular 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MK1 Saloon was ordered new by Thomas D. Neelands, Jr of Sands Point, New York, through local agents Inskip. He took delivery of the car on October 8, 1955. The car was delivered with the 3-liter unit, which had just been introduced as standard. The engine was fitted with twin SU carburetors and paired to the rear axle with a 3.73 ratio. It had a left-hand drive configuration, and its Mulliners coachwork wore a 'Blue Haze' paint scheme while the interior was trimmed in Grey and Blue piped Connolly hides, with matched Grey carpets.

At some point in this car's past, the straight six engine was replaced with a Chevrolet 283 cubic-inch V8 with 245 horsepower from a 1958 Corvette. It was given a modern alternator and a 3-speed manual transmission. The exterior has been finished in silver with a matching silver/grey interior.

For the past nine years of its current ownership, this Aston Marton has been on static display. It retains its 4,638cc overhead valve Chevy V8 engine and three-speed manual transmission. It has four-wheel drum brakes, an independent front suspension, and a live rear axle.

by Dan Vaughan

Mark I FastBack Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: LML/946
Engine number: VB6J/470

This 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 'Mk I' 3.0 Liter Sports Saloon wears coachwork by Mulliners of Birmingham. It is equipped with a 2,922cc dual overhead camshaft inline six-cylinder engine with two SU carburetors and delivers 140 bhp at 5,000 RPM. There is a four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel drum brakes, an independent front suspension, and a live rear axle. It is a factory left-hand drive model that was given a high-quality six-year restoration.

This Aston Martin was sold through U.S. Agent Satori in April 1955. It originally wore a Moonbeam Grey exterior with red hides, and was supplied new to J.A. Easton of Long Beach, California. Around 1965, it was sold to a Mr. James Gonzales. The car was believed to have been kept in the city of Orange, CA, before it met its next caretaker. Around 1980, Gonzales sold the car to Robert Henry. In 1987, it was acquired by Art Nisson of British Motor Services. The current owner purchased the car in 1988, and a ground-up restoration soon followed, taking approximately six years to complete. During this restoration, the color was changed to Medium Regatta Blue over Grey Leather interior and carpeting.

This car's long-term owner had it shipped from California to Le Mans in 1999 to participate in the Aston Martin Owners Club 40th Anniversary Victory Tour. This tour took place at the 24 Heures du Mans race week, where the Aston Martin was driven to speeds in excess of 100 mph on the Mulsanne straight.

Among the awards won by this Aston Martin include a First Place at the Palos Verdes Concours in 1997, First Place and People's Choice at the AMOC of Southern California Concours in 2006 and 2014, Second in Class at the San Marino Concours in 2012 and again in 2017, Second place in the Palos Verdes Concours in 2003, and many more.

by Dan Vaughan

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