LOT 216

1935 Aston Martin 1½-Litre Mark II Short-Chassis Tourer Registration no. CHX 35 Chassis no. L4/528/S

Estimate: £200,000 - £250,000

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Lot 216

1935 Aston Martin 1½-Litre Mark II Short-Chassis Tourer
Registration no. CHX 35 Chassis no. L4/528/S

Goodwood Festival of Speed: Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia|9 July 2021, 14:30 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1935 Aston Martin 1½-Litre Mark II Short-Chassis Tourer
Registration no. CHX 35
Chassis no. L4/528/S

*Purchased from the Pate Museum Collection in Cresson, Texas
*Restored by marque specialists Ecurie Bertelli between 2010 and 2020
*Only 2,000 miles since an engine rebuild
*Restoration bills available
*Ready to enjoy

Footnotes

Partners Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin registered the first Aston Martin in March 1915, the name's first part deriving from success gained by the duo's earlier cars at the Aston Clinton hill climb, near Tring. Resuming its activities at the end of WWI, the firm devoted most of its time to racing, with very little energy being expended on building cars for sale to the public. Financial crisis was the inevitable result, and in November 1925 the company was in the hands of the Official Receiver, having sold less than sixty cars.

In October 1926, the firm of Aston Martin Motors Limited was formed by new owners John Renwick and A C Bertelli. The latter was an experienced automobile engineer, having designed cars for Enfield & Allday, and an engine of his design - an overhead-camshaft four-cylinder unit of 1,492cc - powered the new 11.9hp Aston. More ruggedly built than the Bamford & Martin cars, the newcomers, with coachwork by Bertelli's brother Enrico, debuted at the 1927 Motor Show.

A firm that owed its reputation to competition success could not turn its back on the racetrack however, and while greater emphasis was placed on building cars for sale, the racing programme continued. One of the firm's early developments - dry sump lubrication - would stand them in good stead in long distance sports car events, and this innovation duly appeared on the International sports model of 1929. The latter was so successful that the Standard models, which retained a wet-sump engine, were dropped, their place being taken by long-wheelbase versions of the sports chassis.

Aston Martin's next phase of development - the Series II cars - commenced in 1932. Extensively revised, the Series II abandoned two of the marque's hitherto characteristic, if rather old-fashioned, features: the separate gearbox and under-slung worm back axle. Instead, the gearbox was mounted in unit with the engine, and the differential now contained spiral bevel gears.

Introduced in 1934, the Mark II sported a new, stronger chassis, and a revised engine with a counter-balanced crankshaft. Short (8' 7") and long (10') wheelbase versions were built. Motor Sport magazine had this to say of the Mark II: "Big-car enthusiasts are apt to think that effortless, fast touring is a quality exclusive to vehicles of high horsepower rating, but their views will be considerably altered after they have taken the Aston Martin over a 300 mile journey."

Chassis number 'L4/528/S' is recorded in the AMOC Register as winning the Sutherland Trophy at the Banbury Concours in 1957 while owned by someone called White. The Aston was purchased by the current vendor from the auction sale of the Pate Museum Collection in Cresson, Texas in June 2010. Upon its return to the UK the Aston was entrusted to marque specialists Ecurie Bertelli, who stripped the car and inspected it. Subsequently, the engine was rebuilt with a hardened steel crankshaft; shell bearings; and new con-rods, pistons and valve seats, the latter compatible with unleaded fuel. A stainless steel exhaust system was fitted and the silencer rebuilt and re-chromed.

Also rebuilt was the front axle; steering box; braking system; kingpins; shock absorbers; dynamo and regulator (both synchronised); magneto; and the speedometer and its drive cable and reduction gear. In addition, the radiator was leak-tested, flushed and repaired where necessary, and an electric fan fitted to prevent overheating. New correct headlamps were fitted and the entire electrical system overhauled to original specification using fabric-covered wiring. All brightwork was re-chromed where necessary and the bodywork restored by Aston Martin specialist Roger McCouat, who carried out a bare-metal re-spray in the car's original Claret livery. A new windscreen was installed and two relatively minor sill timbers replaced; otherwise, the body's timber framing is in good original condition. The interior was re-trimmed to original specification in brown Connolly leather with matching carpets, and the steering wheel rebuilt. New tyres were fitted also.

After a decade's work the restoration was finally completed in 2020, and only some 2,000 miles have been covered since the engine rebuild. Offered with a V5C document and all bills relating to its restoration, this expertly rebuilt Aston Martin will surely reward its fortunate new owner with a delightful driving experience as well as the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of prestigious historic motoring events.

Saleroom notices

Interested parties should note that Ecurie Bertelli carried out mechanical works on this Lot. Bills on file from Ecurie Bertelli total almost £50,000 and are dated from 2011-2014. The car has covered just 2,000 miles since these works. The bodywork restoration was undertaken by Roger McCouat with bills available on file.

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