A ‘lost’ 1958 Aston Martin DB 2/4 MKIII drophead coupé, originally owned by David Brown, has emerged from beneath the tarpaulin which concealed it for the last 30 years. It will now be auctioned by Barons at the upcoming British Heritage sale at Sandown Park on 7 September.

This drophead coupé, one of just 84 built, was first registered to David Brown himself, before passing into his wife’s ownership – and then being sold on to a Yorkshire mill owner who had the car regularly serviced by Aston Martin. It was then acquired by a London-based architect, who sold it to the current vendor in 1974. The car now offers the chance of a “fascinating rolling restoration project” for the right sort of buyer – one who is willing to meet the estimate of £80,000-£100,000.

Says Laurence Sayers-Gillan, MD of Barons, “It is amazingly sound, and complete with its 2922cc engine, original buff logbook and workshop manuals and a comprehensive history file. ‘Lost’ cars of such importance come along very rarely and, with the direct association with such a pivotal figure in Aston Martin’s history, it should be a hugely rewarding project.”

Also among the entries are a 1934 Talbot 75 Sports Saloon with coachwork by Darracq, the car displayed on the Talbot stand at that year’s motor show and in one ownership from 1936 till 2009 (estimate: £34,000-£40,000); a 1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Limousine (£43,000-£48,000); and a fully restored and upgraded 1958 XK150 (£75,000-£95,000). There’s also ‘KUU 33D’, the 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina used as the model for the Corgi Classics model of the 1980s and 90s (£35,000-£45,000).

For details on these, and all other entries, see www.barons-auctions.com, email [email protected] or call +44(0)8454 30 60 60.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Barons