LOT 11 *

1953 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Drophead Coupé Chassis no. LML/50/289 Engine no. VB6B/50/1149

Sold for €264,500 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 11^*

1953 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Drophead Coupé
Chassis no. LML/50/289 Engine no. VB6B/50/1149

The Zoute Sale|10 October 2021, 14:00 CEST|Knokke-Heist, Le Zoute

1953 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Drophead Coupé
Chassis no. LML/50/289
Engine no. VB6B/50/1149

• Rare drophead coupé model
• Delivered new to the USA
• Matching numbers factory VB6B Vantage engine
• Believed to be one of only 28 left hand drive DB2 Drophead Coupés built

Please note this motor car is subject to the reduced local import tax should it remains in the EU.

Bonhams is the guarantor of the customs duties and taxes clearance: consequently, this motor car cannot be released to the buyer or his transporter immediately after the sale.

Footnotes

This lot is offered with copies of the purchase invoice dated May 2007; BMIHT Certificate of Factory Record confirming the car was delivered new to the USA in silver green with a beige interior; AMOC Registry. No original Title / registration documents are offered with the car.
Aston Martin owner David Brown's 1947 acquisition of Lagonda made the latter's Willie Watson-designed, twin-overhead-camshaft, 2.6-litre six available for a new sports car: the DB2. (This power unit is commonly referred to as 'the Bentley engine', W O Bentley having been Lagonda's Chief Engineer at the time.) Announced in April 1950, with production commencing the following month, the DB2 owed much to the Claude Hill-designed DB1, using a shortened and modified version of the latter's chassis and identical suspension. Italian-inspired, the timelessly elegant GT bodywork was the creation of Frank Feeley, and with more power (105bhp at 5,000rpm) and less weight, the sleek DB2 comfortably out-performed its predecessor.

Writing in 1952, Autosport's John Bolster enthused: "The DB2 is a very fast sports car of immense stamina, as a long list of racing successes has proved. (The) model is remarkable for its comfort and luxury and is also about the easiest thing there is to drive, outside of the 'automatic transmission' carriages." Bolster enjoyed the DB2's outstanding performance, particularly that of the 120mph Vantage version, and remarked on the car's inherent safety and versatility: "Whether one would go shopping, to the theatre, on a long-distance tour, or even race at Le Mans, one could have no more perfect companion than the Aston Martin."

The body of the DB2 afforded its two occupants a generous amount of interior space and the considerable convenience, from the maintenance and accessibility point of view, of a forward-hinging entire front section. DB2 bodies were coachbuilt in the traditional manner, a situation that resulted in numerous differences between individual examples, most obviously in the treatment of the front grille. A drophead coupé version was announced towards the end of 1950. When production ceased in April 1953, a total of 411 DB2s had been made: 98 of them dropheads.

This DB2 drophead's guarantee form (copy on file) shows that it was built with the more powerful (125bhp-plus) VB6B 'Vantage' engine and left the factory in left-hand drive configuration. The original colour scheme was Silver Green with beige leather interior. The DB2 was destined for the USA, being delivered to the Arnolt distributorship in February 1953. Its first owner was J.J. Calvillo, Esq of Ferndale, Michigan. Offered today from long-term storage, and subject to EU import taxes, this rare and highly desirable British classic will require an element of recommissioning prior to road use.

Saleroom notices

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
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If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
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*	Import low rate
	VAT on imported items at a reduced rate of 6% on the hammer price and the prevailing rate on buyer's premium if the car remains in EU. TVA sur les objets importés à un taux réduit de 6% sur le prix d'adjudication et un taux en vigueur sur la prime d'achat dans le cas où la voiture reste dans l'Union Européenne.

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