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LOT 143A *N

1952 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Saloon Registration no. not UK registered Chassis no. LML/50/72 Engine no. LB6V/50/510

Estimate: £100,000 - £150,000
Lot 143A*,N

1952 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Saloon

1952 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Saloon
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. LML/50/72
Engine no. LB6V/50/510

• Delivered new to Texas, USA
• Restored in the UK circa 1996
• Converted from right- to left-hand drive
• Registered in Belgium

Aston Martin owner David Brown's 1947 acquisition of Lagonda made the latter's W O Bentley-designed, twin-overhead-camshaft, 2.6-litre six available for a new sports car. 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 sportscar 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 120mph 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 entire front section. DB2 bodies were coach built 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.

This DB2's accompanying copy build sheet reveals that it was built in Vantage specification and delivered new in the dry state of Texas, USA to first owner E W Harrison of South Bend. Imported from Texas in 1989, the car was fully restored by marque specialist Timothy Stamper of Penrith, Cumbria circa 1996, and had covered only some 1,300 miles by 2012. Converted from right- to left-hand drive, the car is finished in pale blue metallic (possibly Alpine Blue as per the car's original colour) with grey leather interior and is currently registered in Belgium. Accompanying documentation includes a FIVA Passport; the aforementioned copy build sheet; and an illustrated expertise (condition report) dated 28th November 2019 (in Dutch).

Saleroom notices

Please note that this lot was added after the physical catalogue went to print.

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*Import low rate
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
NNOVA declaration
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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