1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupé

• Delivered new in the UK
• Present ownership since 2014
• Well maintained
• Offered from a distinguished private collection
• Substantial history file

"The Aston Martin DB2/4 is an expensive car designed to cater for the connoisseur of sports cars who is not limited by financial considerations." - Autocar, 2nd October 1953.

With the introduction of the '2+2' DB2/4 in October 1953, Aston Martin extended the model'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-litre 140bhp 'VB6J' engine was installed, providing 118mph top speed and 60mph in around 11 seconds. This was one of the fastest cars then built in Great Britain - with l00mph achievable in third gear and around 120mph maximum - possessing impeccable handling plus a level of comfort rare in any high-performance car.

One of approximately 102 DB2/4 drophead coupés made, 'LML/1056' was delivered via Cyril Williams Motors Limited to its first owner, Eric Warman Esq, a director of Andrew Dakers Ltd of London, NW5. According to the copy guarantee form on file, the original colour scheme was Orient Blue with green-piped blue leather interior and a blue hood. The service notes show that a replacement engine was fitted by Aston Martin on 27th August 1959, while in 1962 the car was re-cellulosed in the original colour, again mentioned in the notes. The fitting of a DB Mark III bonnet and bucket seats are noted also. Evidently the car was well looked after by the factory, as their entries continued until 1964 when the mileage was recorded as 55,336. In total, no fewer than 48 entries for servicing and repairs are noted!

Subsequently registered in France in 1988, '1056' was offered in 2008 by Bonhams for sale at our Goodwood Festival of Speed auction. At that time it was stated that the car had benefited from considerable recent mechanical refurbishment, including an engine rebuild carried out by marque specialists Davron in 2005. Bills on file for the period 2003-2007 from Davron and other specialists total in excess of £40,000; indeed, the accompanying history file is most substantial and perusal is highly recommended. The history file also documents the modification of the bonnet to resemble an Aston Martin DB MkIII.

Since 2014 the car has formed part of an exclusive private collection of Aston Martins and other high quality classic cars in the North of England. Representing a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine, right-hand drive DB2/4 drophead, '1056' is offered with a FIVA Passport (expired 2014), a current V5C Registration Certificate, and the aforementioned history file. This stunning Aston Martin DB2/4 drophead is worthy of the closest inspection. A full length, custom-made tonneau cover is included in the sale.