1938 Aston Martin 2.0-Litre 15/98 'Short Chassis' Sports Tourer

• Desirable short-chassis model
• Rare 2/4-seater sports tourer variant
• Known ownership history
• Restored by Ecurie Bertelli
• Present ownership since 2021
• Maintained and improved with no expense spared

Manufactured by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, the first Aston-Martins (the hyphen is correct for the period) rapidly established a reputation for high performance and sporting prowess in the immediate post-WWI years. Unfortunately, the management's concentration on motor sport, while accruing invaluable publicity, distracted it from the business of manufacturing cars for sale, the result being just 50-or-so sold by 1925 when the company underwent the first of what would be many changes of ownership.

Come 1933 and racing was still at the forefront of company policy under the stewardship of new owner Robert Gordon Sutherland, and the 1936 Le Mans race was chosen for the new 2-Litre model's public debut. Basically the same as the existing 1½-Litre model, two works cars were produced, only for the '36 Le Mans to be canceled as a result of strikes in France. However, Speed Models did subsequently compete at Le Mans, the Ulster TT, Spa Francorchamps, the Mille Miglia, Brooklands and Donington Park, as well as speed events and hill climbs all over Europe, proving to be fast, reliable and competitive. Known as the 'Type C', the last examples were bodied immediately prior to WW2 by Enrico Bertelli and given aerodynamic coachwork.

Although sold in strictly limited numbers, the Speed Model did provide the basis for the more successful '15/98', some 125 of which were sold between 1937 and 1939. The 15/98 reflected Sutherland's policy of developing a more refined and luxurious product that had begun with the preceding 1½-Litre Mark II. A new 2.0-litre version of Aston's overhead-camshaft, four-cylinder engine - first seen in the 1936 Speed Model - powered the 15/98, albeit with the flow through the cylinder head reversed. The model took its name from the long-stroke, wet sump engine's RAC-rated horsepower (15) and the actual output at the crankshaft (98), and could touch 85mph flat-out. Short and long-chassis models were built, both featuring a Moss synchromesh gearbox, Girling rod-operated brakes, and Luvax hydraulic rear dampers. Early examples were bodied by E Bertelli, subsequent chassis by Abbey or Abbott. The overall design of the chassis and particularly the front suspension endowed the 15/98 with exceptionally good handling and a very smooth ride. Aston Martin's well-documented trials and tribulations of this period kept production disappointingly low - a mere 176 2.0-litre cars of all types were completed between 1936 and 1939 - and today the 15/98 is both rare and highly sought after.

Built on the short 15/98 chassis, 'C8/852/SO' carries a 2/4-seater sports tourer body made by Abbey Coachworks Ltd of Acton, West London. It is believed that only some 20 cars were completed with this type of body. Laid down in 1937 and first registered in March 1938 as 'CWU 11', the Aston was first owned by Thornton Engineering (Barraclough) of Mirfield. Copies of original factory paperwork on file list the second owner as P L Jackson of Knottingley (1947) and the third as F E Jarvis of Norwich (1949). Other documents list subsequent owners as a Mr Sanderson of Norfolk (1955-1982); K A Middleditch of Dorset (1992); Peter Smith of Dorset (1995-2000) and then the current vendor, who purchased the Aston from marque specialists Ecurie Bertelli. The AMOC Register notes that a 2.4-litre Riley engine was in the car during Peter Smith's ownership. (The unnumbered engine currently installed is a correct 15/98 unit.)

This particular car has had a complete restoration to a high standard and has been looked after by Ecurie Bertelli for many years. Ecurie Bertelli have upgraded the car in numerous ways including the installation of hydraulic brakes, alternator electrics, 'Speed Model' clutch system, an electric cooling fan and a more modern Moss gearbox with helical gears. While in the vendor's care the Aston has benefited from an extensive programme of maintenance and improvements at a cost of circa £32,000, with the works shared between Ecurie Bertelli and J Taylor of Derby (detailed list available). 'CWU 11' has covered only relatively few miles since restoration and is in immaculate condition throughout.
Our vendor is fulsome in his praise for the 15/98: "This is the perfect car for touring, rallying or concours, and is extremely comfortable and swift over long distances. The 2-litre engine has significant torque allowing effortless cruising, rapid hill climbing and high-speed driving. The handing is superb and the upgraded hydraulic brakes give great feel and stopping power. The upgraded Moss gearbox is a pleasure to use, and having helical gears is much quieter than the straight-cut 'boxes fitted to earlier models." Better for racing and perfectly useable, the old straight-cut gearbox is included in the sale together with the front bumper (removed for aesthetic reasons). The car also comes with a history file; hood; side screens; aero screens; bunch of keys (fuel filler and concealed rear storage); mesh radiator grille cover; miscellaneous spares; V5C document; and a page of notes on the starting procedure and driving hints and tips. Representing an exceptional opportunity to acquire a very rare example of a prestigious and highly desirable model, this beautiful 15/98 would make an important addition to any serious Aston Martin collection.