£200,000 - £250,000
1954 Aston-Martin DB2/4 Mark I Drophead Coupe
Registration Number: NWP 233
Chassis Number: LML/840
Engine Number: VB6H/560 (see text)
Recorded Mileage: 4,231 miles
- Single ownership from 1954 to 1994
- Benefits from recently cosmetic refurbishment
"The Aston Martin DB2/4 is an expensive car designed to cater for the connoisseur of sports cars who is not limited by financial considerations." - Autocar, October 2, 1953.
Introduced in October 1953, the DB2/4 widened the already considerable appeal of the DB2 by just adding two occasional rear seats, enabled by a redesign of the car's rear end. The new design also created room for more luggage, accessed via a hatchback rear door. A raised roofline, one-piece windscreen, larger bumpers and other detail styling changes further differentiated the new '2+2' from its predecessor. Otherwise, the DB2/4 remained mechanically much the same as the DB2, though the Vantage (125bhp) engine became the standard specification. From 1954 the 3.0-litre 140bhp 'VB6J' engine was utilised, endowing the Aston-Martin with performance to match its looks, handling and levels of comfort. It is estimated that 102 drophead coupés were built, 56 for the UK and 46 for export, with a further 12 as rolling chassis for bodying by independent coachbuilders.
Chassis LML/640 was delivered new in late November 1954 by agent Cyril Williams (Motors) of Wolverhampton to engineering firm Delson and Company of nearby Alvechurch, on behalf of Mr. K.C. (Ken) Delingpole. Ken Delingpole was a prominent pre-war trials competitor and co-founder of respected road-going trials, rally and hill-climb car maker Dellow Motors Ltd. The DB2/4 was supplied in Moonbeam Grey with red Connolly leather trim, matching red roof, grey carpets, also a wireless and heater. Delingpole swiftly sold the Aston-Martin to the first private owner, Mr. Ronald Baker of Bath, who kept the Aston-Martin for a further 40 years until 1994. In June 1959 the engine was replaced by the works with a 3-litre replacement unit, due to engine failure.
In 1994 the third and so far last registered change of ownership finally took place, the DB2/4 finding its way into the garage of a passionate collector living in Düsseldorf Germany. The Aston-Martin was used for special occasions only, but maintained in good order, with the last German TÜV in 2015 at the current mileage.
Having been dry stored in recent years, LML/640 has recently been recommissioned, with the coachwork expertly refinished in its original colour scheme. An invoice for £27,950 supports this work. The Connolly leather trim shows a delightful patina, the convertible roof appears to be original, as is the engine bay. All in all a rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful example of this ground-breaking convertible sports-cars of the 1950s. The Aston-Martin will be supplied with its original instruction book, copy warranty sheet and older registration documents.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Free Registration
13.2% inc VAT*
