• Year of manufacture 
    1958
  • Car type 
    Coupé
  • Drive 
    RHD
  • Condition 
    Restored
  • Interior colour 
    Red
  • Number of doors 
    2
  • Number of seats 
    4
  • Location
    Netherlands
  • Exterior colour 
    Purple
  • Gearbox 
    Manual
  • Drivetrain 
    2wd
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

- Superb driving example
- Disc brakes at the front
- Nice history with a variety of rallies
- A real drivers example

When industrialist David Brown rescued Aston Martin after World War II, he first introduced the baroque 2-Liter Sports in 1948, powered by a wheezy four-cylinder motor, which found a mere 14 buyers, but the DB2 of 1949 changed everything.

With an all new engine, a development of W.O. Bentley’s Lagonda twin-cam six-cylinder unit, in an elegant handmade aluminum-bodied coupe and with handsome convertible coachwork, Aston Martin set its sights on competition success and, at the same time, sales “across the pond.” Proceeds from the 1950 New York Auto Show totaled $70,000, and the company was launched in America.

Meanwhile, David Brown had hired John Wyer to enter three cars for the 1950 Le Mans 24 Hours. Two of which finished 5th and 6th overall and 1st and 2nd in their class. Aston Martin advertised this stunning success in motoring publications, and “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” proved true once again, as future F1 world champion Phil Hill and Briggs Cunningham each bought early DB2s.

The next model was deemed the DB2/4, descriptive of the occasional rear seating found below a folding panel.
By 1957, only 1,175 DB2’s and DB2/4’s had been sold. It was still a boutique operation and then the final and most sophisticated version of the line, sometimes just called “DB Mark III,” added 551 units to the total through 1959.

The Mk III was the first Aston Martin to perfect the now ubiquitous, trademark grille, with this iteration most reminiscent of the DB3S sports racers.
In the Mk III, that shape was mirrored in the dashboard for the first time, as the instruments were moved directly in front of the driver.
With a stiffer block, stronger camshaft, and bigger valves, the three-liter DBA engine was the ultimate development of the W.O. Bentley design.
As a further advancement, it was the first Aston Martin model to offer disc brakes, albeit on the front corners alone.

The MkIII is the swan song of the DB2/4. Both technically and esthetically these series evolved over time, making them clearly distinctive. Initially, DB2s feature a 2.6 litre straight-six engine. The more powerful 2.9 litre engine had become optional from 1954 for the DB2/4, and was the only option for later models. Externally, plenty of changes were going on. The MkII showed a taller roof than its predecessor. Also, the side body panels on the front were fixed to the body, making access to the engine easier. The rear lights were now mounted on small rear fins, a style element making a big difference. During production of the DB MkIII – the name “DB2/4” was ditched – more modern tail lights also found on the Humber Hawk were mounted. This interchangeability was very common in that time. More obvious was the new radiator grille design, resembling the one used on the DB3/S racer built for racing in the earlier fifties. The DB MkIII was also raced with. On the one hand, it had become heavier than previous DB2s. On the other hand, the engine was tuned to a maximum power of 180 bhp, 38 more than standard available for previous models. A top speed of 200 km/u was possible now.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

This is a car which gives you a fantastic feeling when you enter and start the car.
Easily recognizable to be a driver and not a concours car which looks fantastic but is driving less as it looks.

This is a car which gives a smile on the face when you drive it because she is always prepared to drive.

This specific DB 2/4 MKIII is a car which has been owned for at least 25 years by the former owner.

He has really used the car for a variety of trips and rallies and an overview is available and will come with the car.

The Aston Martin has been always maintained by the same English car specialist in the south of Holland. A company with a huge amount of knowledge and because of the regular use of this car also a lot of knowledge about this car.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

This Aston is not a trailer queen but a very nice driver.

Here and there one can find some spots on the car but this belongs to the impressive history of the car and off-course to the price.

One can just see that this is a classic automobile in the condition as it should be if it is driven with a lot of care.

The chrome work on the car is nice but shows here and there some pickling.

CONDITION INTERIOR

The interior of the Aston is absolutely amazing and the seats seems to be completely original and might not be renewed in our opinion. Off-course the interior shows a patina but it is always possible to renew but it will be never possible to get back the originality what this car is showing. It is amazing to have the thought that the first owner has taken a seat in 1958 on the same leather.

The carpets have been renewed but on the period correct way with the rubber parts on the exact location.

The dashboard is in a very nice condition and all the meters are in working order. Due to the fact that this Aston is a UK example, the car is fitted with a miles indicator.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

When the key of the Aston is turned, the engine starts easily and it become immediately clear that the engine is running very strong.

The handling is excellent. One can put a row of Aston Martin DB2’s next to each other and all of them will drive a bit different but this specific example is driving extremely well.

The engine sounds great and is tractable.

The suspension and brakes are also in perfect order.

In short, this is a very reasonable priced and very nice driving example.

This car will be sold on commission base in the condition as seen and inspected.

Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.