LOT 163
1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 'Mk I' 3.0 Liter Sports Saloon Coachwork by Mulliners of Birmingham Chassis no. LML/946 Engine no. VB6J/470
Estimate: US$140,000 - US$180,000
Lot 163
1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 'Mk I' 3.0 Liter Sports Saloon
1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 'Mk I' 3.0 Liter Sports Saloon
Coachwork by Mulliners of Birmingham
Chassis no. LML/946
Engine no. VB6J/470
Coachwork by Mulliners of Birmingham
Chassis no. LML/946
Engine no. VB6J/470
2,922cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
140bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Rare, factory left hand drive configuration
*Residing in Southern California since new, in current ownership for 35 years
*Well kept, high-quality six-year restoration in a beautiful color combination
*Great numbers matching sports car from a golden era of motoring
*Multiple award winner, perfect for showing or vintage rallies
THE ASTON MARTIN DB2/4
The need to widen the appeal of the already-successful DB2 resulted in the launch of the 2+2 DB2/4 in October 1953. 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 being accessed via a hatchback rear door - one of this now-common feature's earliest applications. In addition, a raised roofline, one-piece windscreen, larger bumpers and other detail styling changes differentiated the newcomer from its predecessor.
Technically, the DB2/4 remained much the same as the DB2, employing the latter's rectangular-tube chassis, trailing arm independent front suspension and well-located live rear axle. The W.O. Bentley-designed, 2.6-liter, six-cylinder, twin-cam power unit came in tuned (125bhp) Vantage specification as standard for the 2/4. Despite this, the redesign's inevitable weight gain was not fully compensated for until the arrival of the 3.0-liter, DB3S-derived, 140bhp engine in 1954. The car's top speed was now 118mph, with 60mph reached in around 11 seconds.
DB2/4 production had amounted to 565 cars by the time of the MkII's introduction in October 1955. Today, these smart-looking, hand-built Aston Martins are high on collector's lists worldwide, prized for their enviable blend of elegance, performance and usability.
THE CAR OFFERED
A truly great sports car, the Mulliners sports saloons on these chassis provide an enjoyable motoring experience for easy touring or even spirited drives on the most demanding circuits. Evidenced by this fantastic example, the long-term custodian of this Aston Martin proved its performance capabilities after shipping the car from California to Le Mans in 1999 to participate in the Aston Martin Owners Club 40th Anniversary Victory Tour. This tour took place at the 24 Heures du Mans race week where he proceeded to clock over 100mph on the famous Mulsanne straight in this very car. As such they make wonderful sports driving vehicles or ideal road touring cars and are blessed with the fabulous heritage of the brand.
As a collectible automobile the limited production run of around 565 cars is bettered still when one divides out those that were built for non-domestic countries and in Left Hand Drive. This rare example is noted on its build sheet as being delivered in this form and was sold through U.S. Agent Satori 68 years ago in April of 1955. Originally finished in Moonbeam Grey with red hides, it was supplied new to J.A. Easton of Long Beach, California. It is reported that Mr. Easton was a member of a Hollywood orchestra, who then sold the car to a Mr. James Gonzales around 1965. The car was believed to have been kept in the city of Orange, CA before it met its next caretaker. It wasn't until around 1980 that Gonzales would then sell the car to Robert Henry. Fast forward to 1987, the car was sold to Art Nisson of British Motor Services.
After acquiring the car in 1988, the current owner began a ground up restoration, which took approximately six years to complete. During this restoration, the color was changed to a wonderful hue of Medium Regatta Blue over Grey Leather interior and carpeting. The car still presents terrifically, and the restoration was well preserved. This DB2/4 has received its fair share of awards; and rightfully so. These awards include a First Place at the Palos Verdes Concours in 1997, First Place and People's Choice at the AMOC of Southern California Concours in 2006 and 2014, Second in Class at the San Marino Concours in 2012 and again in 2017, Second place in the Palos Verdes Concours in 2003, and many more. This car was even shipped to England in the summer of 1999 where it also won awards at AMOC events in Woburn Abbey as well as at Silverstone.
This Mk I DB2/4 has an available history file documenting much of the restoration process. The main part of the restoration was carried out by Brian Anderson at Classic European Restorations in Oceanside, CA. The mechanical work was carried out by the previous owner Art Nisson of British Motor Services. Documented by a copy of its original build sheet and showing beautifully today, this Aston is ready to be toured and enjoyed. This original engine and transmission equipped DB2/4, mated with a painstakingly executed older restoration, this would be a wonderful candidate for multi-faceted events. Whether it is for a show, vintage rally, or special engagement, there are few more elegant and sporting ways to participate than in this wonderful Aston. Surely a wonderful opportunity to acquire this California car, both well sorted and beautifully presented.
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