LOT 153
1953 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Drophead Coupe Chassis no. LML/50/364 Engine no. VB6B/50/1192
Estimate: US$325,000 - US$400,000
Lot 153
1953 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Drophead Coupe
1953 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Drophead Coupe
Chassis no. LML/50/364
Engine no. VB6B/50/1192
Chassis no. LML/50/364
Engine no. VB6B/50/1192
2,580cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
125 BHP at 5,000 RPM
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front Independent Suspension and Rear Live Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*One of only 75 left drive DB2 Dropheads
*Retains its matching numbers engine
*Desirable high-performance Vantage specification
*Older restoration still in well-presented form
*Widely eligible for pre-1957 tours and motoring events
*Delivered new to the USA
*Landmark Aston Martin model
*Accompanied with its history file and build sheets
THE ASTON MARTIN DB2
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 200km/h 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 clamshell 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, of which 75 were of left-hand drive configuration.
THE CAR OFFERED
This DB2 drophead's guarantee form (copy on file) shows that it was built with the more powerful (125bhp) VB6B 'Vantage' engine and left the factory in left-hand drive configuration bound for Aston Martin importer J S Inskip in the USA. The car left the factory finished in Crushed Strawberry with Grey interior trim with red piping and a black convertible top. A rear seat, Purolator filter and a manual choke and ignition are among the items of non-standard equipment listed. The Aston's first owner is recorded as Mr. Richard W. Stoney ESQ. of Montclair, New Jersey.
Purchased in 1998 by collector Don Marsh of Ohio, the car would stay with Mr. Marsh until 2020 when his family trust sold the car to its current owner. It is reported that Mr. Marsh kept this Aston Martin as well as his Jaguar on display inside his home next to his Steinway piano. During Mr. Marsh's ownership, the car was serviced regularly and kept in excellent running order. Under its current ownership, the car has also been serviced and approximately 1,500 miles have been added since being purchased.
Copies of invoices on file for maintenance dating back to 1999 will accompany the car. The car also comes with a copy of the Aston Martin build sheet extract from the records, an Aston Martin Owners Club documentation as well as other documents from its history file. This is a wonderful opportunity to own and enjoy one of these desirable and quintessentially British sports cars in rare open-top, Vantage configuration. For those seeking open-air motoring adventure, this swift and beautiful Aston Martin would undoubtedly shine on any number of prestigious rallies and tours. Bonhams recommend close inspection of this beautifully presented motorcar.
Additional information
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