Footnotes

With the introduction of the '2+2' DB2/4 in October 1953, Aston Martin extended the DB2's appeal to the hitherto untapped yet increasingly important market comprised of 'sports car enthusiasts with a family'. Modifications to the rear of the chassis plus a reduction in fuel tank capacity from 19 to 17 gallons liberated sufficient space within the existing design for two child-sized occasional rear seats. Alternatively, the rear seat backs could be folded down, thus creating a load-carrying platform that more than doubled the luggage space. The latter could be accessed via the 2/4's opening rear door, a pioneering example of the now commonplace 'hatchback' concept.

'This transformation gives the Aston Martin DB2/4 an unrivalled luggage-carrying capacity in a car which should be capable in favourable circumstances of achieving two miles a minute,' reported The Motor. 'The DB2/4 can truthfully claim to be the fastest car in the world capable of carrying two people with a month's luggage.'

Standard specification included the 2.6-litre 'VB6E' engine in 125bhp Vantage tune, but from early in 1954 the 3.0-litre 140bhp 'VB6J' engine was installed. Equipped with latter, the DB2/4 was one of the fastest cars then built in Great Britain - with 100mph achievable in third gear and around 120mph maximum - possessing impeccable handling plus a level of comfort rare in any high-performance car.

Accompanying copy despatch records show that this 3.0-litre 'Mark I' DB2/4, chassis number '989', was delivered new to S H Arnolt Inc in the USA and left the factory finished in Imperial Crimson with beige interior trim. According to the AMOC, the Aston was still in the USA 1987. In 1995 the DB2 was brought to Switzerland by a Swiss enthusiast, who had it maintained by the highly respected local marque specialists, Roos Engineering. When offered for sale at auction in 2007, the car was said to have 41,160 kilometres showing on the odometer, believed to be the distance covered since a major renovation. Copies of the auctioneer's description, the purchase invoice and an old Swiss Carte Grise are on file.

Please note this Great British GT sports-car has been on static display since acquisition and will require recommissioning prior to road use.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within the Netherlands the reduced rate of Import VAT at 9% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.