One of the most famous automobiles in Aston Martin’s history was regarded as the DB2/4. This automobile was offered with a hardtop or convertible version, creating the fastback body style that eventually became a hallmark of Aston Martin’s famous styling. When this vehicle first appeared in 1953 it became an immediate success.
Source: Mecum Auctions
Based on the DB2, the DB2/4 debuted at the 1953 London Motor Show as a more powerful version of Aston Martin’s first series production car. With close to 100 changes from its predecessor, it broke new ground for the company and became one of Aston’s most successful-ever sports vehicles. It broke new ground as a work of art, finding the ideal balance of beauty and function. It paid off in spades, becoming one of Aston’s most successful automobiles built in the 50s.
Source: Dylan Miles
After the famous manufacturer of agricultural equipment and tractors, David Brown took over Ashton Martin, the brand’s first sports model appeared under the leadership of the genius manager. The DB2 was produced from 1950 to 1953 and gave way to the more advanced DB2/4. The “4” in the name indicated a four-seat coupe, as there was also a racing two-seat model called the DB3. The new model became the company’s GT class road car, at the same time, the most popular among all Aston Martins released earlier. The automobile was presented at the London Motor Show in October 1953. This was a seven-inch long roadster (slightly taller than its predecessor) that had a seventeen-gallon smaller fuel tank. Visually, the roadster differed from its predecessor with a one-piece front and rear windows and boasted a telescopic steering column and adjustable seat backs. From the very beginning, two body styles were made: Sports Saloon (four-seat coupe) and Drophead Coupe (convertible). The basic model was equipped with a DB2 Vantage 2.6-liter DOHC inline-6 engine and 4-speed manual transmission. Gradually, the car became heavier, and in 1954 a more powerful version appeared with a 2922 cm3 engine, which developed 140 hp.
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The 1955 roadster differed from previous years with a one-piece windshield and rear windows, as well as a telescopic steering column and adjustable seat backs. The independent front suspension was sheathed with lightweight aluminum panels over an improved tubular frame chassis. It was distinguished by a trailing arm, a coil spring, and an adjustable anti-roll bar. Moreover, the spiral was held by radius arms at the rear. Modification of the second series of the model, Mark II, began to be produced in 1955 at the Tickford plant in Newport Pagnell. The exterior was not much different from the releases of previous years, but on the technical side, it became much better: a more powerful engine already gave out 165 hp. A chrome line along the body divided it into two, and the small tail lights were made in the style of Hillman Minx. The circulation was small. A total of 199 vehicles left the factory, including a hatchback, coupe, and convertible. The basic convertible was equipped with a 140 hp engine, and a special edition- 165 liters). The coupe had a higher roofline, which made the rear seat more spacious. Overall, 34 of these coupes were made. With these characteristics, it looked favorably against the background of its racing counterparts DB3/DB3S. In 1955, the DB2/4 participated in the Monte Carlo and Mille Miglia rallies. The vehicle competed successfully, winning the team prize at the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally.
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The second series of DB2/4 enjoyed particular success with celebrities, including royals around Europe. In 1955, the model was bought by the Belgian importer of Aston Martin, Mannes, for the Belgian Royal family. The car was finished in Imperial Crimson with Connolly’s beige leather upholstery and belonged to the Belgium King. Between 2001 and 2008 the roadster was restored by the next owner and subsequently sold to a German collector at a Bonhams auction in Paris in 2011.
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