PROVENANCE
A. Durot, Anvers, France (acquired new in 1953)
Glenn Schuebrein, West Linn, Oregon (acquired in 2005)
Luca Maciucescu, Santa Fe, New Mexico (acquired from the above in 2007)
Private Collection (acquired from the above in 2011)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

THIS CAR
Introduced in 1950, the Aston Martin DB2 showed such immediate promise that the earliest prototypes of the model were raced at that year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, resulting in a 1st and 2nd in Class. With an advanced chassis, aerodynamic fastback coachwork, and powerful 2.6-liter twin-cam straight six, the DB2 became Aston Martin’s best-selling model to date, but demand for an expensive two-seat GT car was limited. In 1953, Aston Martin unveiled the DB2/4, which incorporated a number of improvements, as well as modifications that allowed for two rear seats and a lift-up rear hatch to be fitted.

As per the factory build sheet that accompanies it, this DB2/4 Vantage was finished in Moonbeam Grey over a red leather interior with grey piping, and additionally equipped with heavy-duty shock absorbers, and a speedometer that read in kilometers. Delivered to its first owner, A. Durot of Anvers, France, in November 1953, records show an Aston Martin concessionaire periodically servicing the car, performing assorted repairs and modifications.

The DB2/4 remained in Europe until 2005 when it was sold to Glenn Schuebrein of West Linn, Oregon. With the guiding philosophy of transforming the DB2/4 into a tastefully executed dual-purpose event car, a thorough restoration was commissioned. The Aston Martin’s transmission and VB6E-Vantage- specification engine were rebuilt, with the latter stated as being enlarged to 2.9-liter specification. The bodywork was stripped and refinished in silver, while the interior was reupholstered, and red houndstooth trimmed bucket seats were installed.

In 2007, Luca Maciucescu of Santa Fe acquired the DB2/4, and campaigned the car in vintage motor sports events including the 2008 Lime Rock Vintage Festival, the 2008 Coronado Speed Festival, and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion 2008–2010. Attesting to spirited use, stickers from many of these events adorn the car’s firewall and windshield today.

Under new ownership in 2011, specialist AZ Collector Cars in Mesa, Arizona, carried out further work to enhance the DB2/4’s readiness and performance in touring events. A set of three Weber carburetors and an electronic ignition system were among the new components fitted, while both the shock absorbers and steering box were rebuilt. While a Tremec five-speed gearbox is currently installed for high-speed cruising, a four-speed unit accompanies the sale, as does a history file and factory build sheets.

In superb condition throughout and recently serviced, this well-proven DB2/4 is eligible and ready for a wide variety of prestigious vintage motoring events including the California Mille, Colorado Grand, Goodwood Revival, and Mille Miglia.