Lot 067: 1953 ASTON MARTIN DB2 SALOON

Born out of a Le Mans prototype racer, the sensational new Aston Martin DB2 was first shown at the April 1950 New York Motor Show. Somewhat Italianate, its gorgeous two-door fixed head coupe bodywork was penned by the renowned pre-WW2 Lagonda stylist Frank Feeley. Based around a sophisticated tubular chassis frame that boasted independent trailing-link front suspension and a coil-sprung beam rear axle (located via trailing arms and a Panhard rod), the new model was powered by a 2580cc DOHC straight-six engine. Designed by Willie Watson (with input from W.O. Bentley), this advanced powerplant was initially credited with developing 105bhp @ 5,000rpm (a figure which had risen to 125bhp by 1953). Equipped with four-speed manual transmission and large-diameter drum brakes as standard, the DB2 provided ample room for two people plus luggage. A refined yet quick grand tourer (Motor magazine extracted 117mph from a 1953 car), the DB2 was only in production from 1950 until 1953 during which time just 411 are thought to have been made. Finished in dark silver with black / red leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, interior trim, electrical equipment, chassis and wheels / tyres. Though, he rates the bodywork as "fair" and considers that the car would benefit from a respray. Entering the current ownership as a barn stored and partially dismantled restoration project in 1992, the Aston apparently took some ten years to rebuild. Reportedly treated to an engine rebuild by TT Motors of Dorset, it is said to have covered 3,000 miles since then and just 85,000 miles from new. Seemingly first registered in London (or so its 'NLO' sequence number plate would indicate), this inexpensive DB2 is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until June 2006 and historic class (free) road tax.