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1932 Aston Martin Le Mans

Tourer

This is one of the four LeMans model Aston Martins produced in 1932; it has four cylinders with dry sump lubrication. The body is hand-formed aluminum over an ash frame. This example came to the United States in the 1960's and fell on hard times with the body and engine separated. In a derelict state, the body was once traded for a load of dirt. The body and engine were later reunited and passed through several owners and abortive attempts at restoration until acquired by the present owners in 1982. The car had been totally disassembled with many of the parts literally stored in fruit baskets. Following a complete rebuild by the owner and Montane Engineering in London, the car was made road-worthy and joined the Aston Martin Owners Club Golden Jubilee Tour of Europe in 1985 for 2,000 trouble-free miles. It has since toured in several outings in Ireland and the UK.

The car has been exhibited at Pebble Beach and Amelia Island. This car was the factory exhibit car at the Olympia Motor show in 1932 in London.

The car was driven 2000 miles through Europe by the owner's wife in 1985. The car has raced at Silverstone as well as done several solo tours of Ireland in the UK.

LeMans Prototype Roadster by Bertelli
Chassis number: 112 E/207
Engine number: 112 E/207

In 1926 the Aston Martin Company was taken over by Renwick & Bertelli and the new company of Aston Martin Ltd was formed. During the next 14 years some 617 cars were produced, including 24 works racing cars that campaigned in national races at Brooklands and Donnington, and at international events such as Ulster TT, Mille Miglia, Targa Abruzzo, Spa and, of course, Le Mans, establishing a good competition record.

In 1932, Jim Fisher contacted Mr. Bertelli of E. Bertelli Ltd, a coachbuilder next door to the Aston Martin factory, wanting an Aston Martin with features found on the racing Bentleys of the period. E. Bertelli wasn't interested in the job, so Mr. Fisher 'continued to drop 20 pound notes on his desk' until Mr. Bertelli decided otherwise. It became the prototype for the Le Mans model. This car ran in the Shelsey Walsh hill climb in Worcestershire, England in 1932, driven by Mr. Fisher. The car changed hands two more times before being purchased by William Jackson of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. Mr. Jackson, being a vintage car enthusiast, entered it in the Hershey hill climb in 1960. The current owner just completed its restoration.