1934 Aston Martin 1½-Litre Mark II Short-chassis Tourer

• Ex UK Registration no. 'BLU 417'
• Very desirable short-chassis model
• Matching numbers
• Well known to the AMOC
• Extensive mechanical refurbishment
• Registered in Belgium

Introduced in January 1934 and built until December 1935, the Mark II version of Aston Martin's 1½-Litre model boasted a stronger chassis with relocated Hartford friction dampers for an improved ride, while the engine received a counter-balanced crankshaft. Short- and long-wheelbase versions were built.

The lovely example offered here is a highly desirable and very original short-chassis Mark II from 1934. This car is presented in very good condition mechanically, runs smoothly and powerfully, and is said to handle very well. In short: it is a really pleasurable drive for lovers of pre-war cars. Finished in black with red leather interior, this Aston Martin has a charming patina and shows some minor signs of usage; as the French say, the car remains 'dans son jus', showing the kind of ageing that one would expect of a car over 90 years old.

This example remains original and has been very well serviced and maintained throughout. An overhaul was carried out by previous owner. According to accompanying documentation: the engine was rebuilt with a new block, crankshaft, pistons, timing gear, camshaft and starter gear, while the inlet ports were enlarged from 1⅛" to 1¼". The compression ratio is now 9.0:1 and 2.5 kilograms has been removed from the flywheel (making it very light). In addition, the starter motor and water pump have been overhauled, and the magneto replaced with coil ignition.

A previous owner converted the brakes from cables to hydraulic and changed the position of the pedals to conventional (throttle on the right instead of in the middle). This is a very helpful adaption which makes driving, certainly in daily traffic, so much easier. The car comes equipped with a hood, side screens and tonneau cover, making it well-prepared for touring in any weather conditions.

'BLU 417' has a history with the AMOC going back nearly 40 years; the car was exported to Australia in the early 1970s and re-imported into the UK in 2013. For its more than 40 years in Australia it was owned by Mr Bill Ewing, who was an enthusiastic member of the Australian AMOC, participating in VSCCA and AMOC events and winning the AMOC National Meeting Concours in 1976. Very few cars stay with an owner for longer, and so the provenance and continuity of this particular Aston Martin can be accepted with confidence. This car is well known to the Aston Martin Owners Club and the Aston Martin Heritage Trust, and is a correct and very original short-chassis Mark II as confirmed and certified by a letter from the AMOC's Andy Bell.

In 2013 the Aston was sold via renowned marque specialists Ecurie Bertelli to a Belgian car collecting family, passing to the current Belgian owner in 2023. This lovely beauty is registered in Belgium on Belgian numberplates. The old registration book is present, with all previous owners recorded.
Ideal for rallies, tours or any other classic car event, this well documented Aston Martin is looking for further adventures and is certain to delight its fortunate next custodian.