1937 Aston Martin 15/98 Short-Chassis Drophead Coupe

Coachwork by E.D. Abbott Ltd.

1,949cc SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
98bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Desirable, racing-derived 2-liter Sports Aston Martin on short-chassis
*One of just 25 examples bodied by E.D. Abbott
*Part of a famed Aston Martin collection for decades
*Comprehensive, award-winning restoration by the Aston Martin specialists at Steel Wings

THE 2-LITER 15/98 SPORTS

Manufactured by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, the first Aston-Martins (the hyphen is correct for the period) rapidly established a reputation for high performance and sporting prowess in the immediate post-WWI years. The foundations were laid for the commencement of proper series production with the formation of Aston Martin Motors Ltd in 1926 under the stewardship of Augustus 'Bert' Bertelli and William Renwick. Built at the firm's new Feltham works, the first 'new generation' Aston Martins were displayed at the 1927 London Motor Show at Olympia. Like his predecessors, 'Bert' Bertelli understood the effect of competition success on Aston Martin sales and the 1928 season sanctioned the construction of two works racers. Based on the 1½-Liter, overhead-camshaft road car, the duo featured dry-sump lubrication and this feature was carried over to the International sports model, newly introduced for 1929. The new Aston was soon making its mark on the racetrack, 'Bert' Bertelli and Pat Driscoll winning the Biennial Cup at Le Mans in 1932, one of many competition successes achieved before the International was superseded by the Le Mans and Ulster models.

Racing was still at the forefront of company policy under the stewardship of new owner R G Sutherland, and the 1936 Le Mans race was chosen for the new 2-Liter model's public debut. Basically, the same as the existing 1½-Liter model, two works cars were produced only for the '36 Le Mans to be cancelled as a result of strikes in France. However, Speed Models did subsequently compete at Le Mans, the Ulster TT, Spa Francorchamps, the Mille Miglia, Brooklands and Donington Park, as well as speed events and hill climbs all over Europe, proving to be fast, reliable and competitive.

Although sold in strictly limited numbers, the Speed Model did provide the basis for the more successful '15/98', some 125 of which were sold between 1937 and 1939. The 15/98 maintained the policy of developing a more refined and luxurious product that had begun with the preceding 1½-Liter Mark II. A new 2.0-liter version of Aston's overhead-camshaft, four-cylinder engine - first seen in the 1936 Speed Model - powered the 15/98. The model took its name from the long-stroke engine's RAC-rated horsepower (15) and the actual output at the crankshaft (98), and could touch 85mph flat-out. Short and long-chassis models were built, both featuring a Moss synchromesh gearbox, Girling rod-operated brakes, and Luvax hydraulic rear dampers. Early examples were bodied by E Bertelli, subsequent chassis by Abbey or Abbott. Aston Martin's well-documented trials and tribulations of this period kept production disappointingly low - a mere 176 2.0-liter cars of all types were completed between 1936 and 1939 - and today the 15/98 is both rare and highly sought after.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Offered here is an extremely rare and sporting Aston Martin. According to the highly detailed factory build sheet on record, this 1937 Aston Martin 15/98 Short-Chassis Drophead Coupe, chassis number A9/825/SC was most likely maintained by the factory through 1950 and no fewer than seven owners have been recorded. All 25 of the Drophead Coupes built were bodied by E.D. Abbott of Farnham, in a style then referred to as a Doctor's Coupe. Beautifully designed, the DHC, as exemplified by chassis A9/825/SC, shows the characteristic fixed windscreen and a touch of luxury with real roll-up windows and a fixed convertible top that folds onto the rear panel, which opens to showcase a fully upholstered dicky seat.

This 15/98 is one of the very few vehicles with a known history during the war years and beyond. By the time of its passing to the current owner in 1993, a past Chairman of the Aston Martin Owners Club (North America), the vehicle was acquired with a concours-quality renovation in mind. Renowned Aston Martin specialists Steel Wings of Ivyland, Pennsylvania, undertook a documented, no-expense-spared restoration over a five-year period. This included an engine rebuild utilizing a new engine block supplied by Ecurie Bertelli, while the original unit is included in the sale. This 15/98 was first shown at the 1998 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it was notably awarded 2nd in Class. This sporting Aston Martin 15/98 was also shown at The Manhasset Concours d'Elegance in October 2017, where it placed 1st in Class.

With an excellent ownership history, this rare Aston Martin 15/98 offers comfort and reliability in a sporty, yet classy user-friendly form. It has enjoyed a regular program of maintenance and detailing and remains in show condition. This 15/98 is most certainly one of, if not the very best example of the few Drophead Coupes known to exist today and would be eligible for a host of driving and rally events.