1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupé

• One of approximately 102 DB2/4 drophead coupés made
• In-period Targa Florio competition history
• Long-term ownership 1970-2010
• Professionally restored between 2010 and 2017 (bills available)
• Multiple AMOC concours winner

One of approximately 102 DB2/4 drophead coupés made, 'LML/839' was first registered on 28th October 1954 and retailed via Brooklands to first owner Mr C H Kleinwort Esq of Gloucestershire. The car left the Newport Pagnell factory finished in Polychromatic Light Red with grey Connolly leather interior, and was equipped with Alfin brake drums; its first registration was 'PLE 848'. Only one subsequent owner is listed: Gordon Sudworth of Huddersfield.

In October 1961 the Aston was acquired by Andrew Wray Roberts, who raced the car in 1962 and 1963 in the Targa Florio. He later wrote an article for the AMOC magazine, A Tale of Two Targas, about his experiences. In 1970 the DB2/4 was chosen to represent the year 1954 at the Aston Martin Silver Jubilee celebrations at Crystal Palace and in November '70 was acquired by the immediately preceding owner.

An extensive rebuild was commenced in 1976 with the chassis being shot blasted, the front suspension rebuilt with modified seals, re-chroming wherever necessary, a new hood, a stainless steel exhaust and a re-spray, while the interior was completely re-trimmed using Connolly hides. In addition, the braking system was completely rebuilt and filled with silicon brake fluid. A Jaguar S-Type engine had been fitted prior to the Aston's acquisition in 1970 and this was replaced with a 3.0-litre Aston Martin engine of the correct type - 'VB6J/340' - during the course of the restoration, a photographic record of which is on file.
In 1996 an engine rebuild was undertaken by the renowned marque specialist, Rex Woodgate, a total of approximately £7,000 being spent on various works that included new pistons and cylinder liners; solid crankshaft 'cheeses'; a modified rear seal; new timing chains and oil pump; and a cylinder head rebuild.

Sold to the current vendor at Bonhams' auction at Aston Martin Works Service in May 2010, 'SVH 66' was extensively restored between 2010 and 2017 by marque specialists Pugsley & Lewis and Prestige Paintworks, which included a new body and new interior and cost an eye-watering £580,000! Fewer than 300 miles have been covered since the rebuild. Related bills and two photographic records are on file and the car also comes with a V5C document, current MoT and a comprehensive file of history containing every receipt accumulated during the previous 40 years' ownership together with old tax discs and expired MoTs (close inspection recommended). A multiple AMOC concours winner, this is probably the best DB2/4 drophead in the world.