1957 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII Fixed Head Coupe

Coachwork by Tickford

2,922cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
140bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Incredibly rare, factory left hand drive Fixed Head Coupe
*Two owners from new
*Includes original correspondence between Aston Martin and the first owner
*Great thoroughbred sports car from a golden era of motoring

Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

THE ASTON MARTIN DB2/4

The need to widen the appeal of the already-successful DB2 resulted in the launch in October 1953 of the 2+2 DB2/4. Extensive revisions to the car's rear end arrangements made room for two occasional seats and more luggage, the latter being accessed via a hatchback rear door, one of this now-common feature's earliest applications. In addition, a raised roofline, one-piece windscreen, larger bumpers and other detail styling changes differentiated the newcomer from its predecessor. Otherwise, the DB2/4 remained much the same as the DB2, employing the latter's rectangular-tube chassis, trailing arm independent front suspension and well-located live rear axle. The W O Bentley-designed, 2.6-liter, six-cylinder, twin-cam power unit came in tuned (125bhp) Vantage specification as standard for the 2/4. Despite this, the redesign's inevitable weight gain was not fully compensated for until the arrival of the 3-liter, 140bhp engine in 1954. The car's top speed was now 118mph (190km/h) with 60mph (97km/h) reached in around 11 seconds.

David Brown's acquisition of Tickford Ltd in 1953 led to bodywork for the revised MkII model, launched at the London Motor Show in October 1955, being manufactured by the Newport Pagnell coachbuilder. For the first time there was a third body type on offer: a fixed-head coupé in 'notch back' style. Very attractive, the latter afforded accommodation similar to that of the drophead version but was priced the same as the three-door sports saloon.

While mechanically very little different from its predecessor, the DB2/4 MkII was readily identifiable by its subtly altered lines, the most significant change being a ¾" increase in roof height that afforded greater headroom. Flashing indicators and discreet tail fins made an appearance, as did chromed trim strips running from the front wheelarch tops to the door shuts, below which the bonnet sides were now fixed, thus lightening the bonnet assembly. Interior improvements included better seats and a proper fly-off handbrake. The Aston six had been enlarged from 2.6 to 3.0 liters part way through production of the DB2/4 MkI and continued unchanged in the MkII, though a special series VB6J engine suffixed 'L' or 'L1' producing 165bhp was available as an option. Of the 199 DB2/4 MkIIs produced up to October 1957, saloons accounted for the majority with 24 built as drophead coupés, 34 as fixed-head coupés and four supplied as chassis only.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

One of the 34 fixed-head coupés made, 18 of which were made for the export market, '1272' was ordered new by Clifford Ray Patterson of Manhattan Beach, California. Completed in February of 1957, it was finished in two-tone Regal Red with a Steel Dust Gray top over Gray leather. An original letter dated May 28th, 1957 from Aston Martin Lagonda Limited to Mr. Patterson introduced the enclosed warranty information, which is also included with the car today. The company, having just changed names from The David Brown Corporation to Aston Martin Lagonda Limited had not yet printed new warranty information cards, so the one supplied included a black marker redaction over the old company name and 'Aston Martin Lagonda' typed by typewriter above the redacted text.

While some folks keep their car for a few years, Mr. Patterson was apparently quite enamored with his rare Aston as he kept the car for half a century. After a solid 50 years of enjoyment, the current owner acquired the car in 2007, making this machine a 2-owner from new machine. Pictures from when the car was acquired showed it to be a nice, but largely original machine needing a bit of love and care.

Upon acquisition, the car was repainted bright red, the wheels were restored and painted silver, and the interior and trunk were fully retrimmed in bright magenta leather with matching carpets and headliner. Additionally, power windows and mirrors were installed to complete this unique build. Under the hood, a modern air conditioning compressor was installed with the blower unit mounted under the dash—necessitating a bisecting of the hood release bar. Additionally, the engine block was repainted blue—but it is unknown if work was done internally.

Having covered only two miles in the present ownership, the '1272' has been on static display since its refurbishment over 13 years go. Given its inactivity, some recommissioning may be required prior to active use.