To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' The Petersen Automotive
Museum Auction event, 8 December 2018.
Estimate:
$350,000 - $450,000
- Rare Mk II variant, one of just 199 produced
- Beautiful color scheme; numerous optional accessories
- Well-preserved and very attractive restoration
- Fitted with its original engine
The DB2/4 was introduced in October 1953, and it provided a lot
more room over its predecessor. This was accomplished in part by
raising the roofline slightly over the DB2 and reducing the fuel
tank capacity by two gallons to add to rear seat room. Other
notable changes included a wraparound rear windscreen, larger front
and rear bumpers, and the addition of a hatchback, which is
believed to be the first fitted to a production car.
The DB2/4 was initially offered with the 2.6-liter engine that was
first seen in the DB2 in Vantage specification, but eventually a
3.0-liter was introduced in 1954. This engine provided a 118-mph
top speed, the first 100 of which could be reached in third gear,
delivering wonderful performance to match its luxurious
accommodations. Handling proved to be just as capable, and the
DB2/4 was undoubtedly one of the finest sports cars produced in
Great Britain at the time. Ultimately, 761 examples would be built
by the time production ended in 1957.
The example offered here is the rare Mk II variant, of which just
199 were made; this model featured the larger 3.0-liter engine, as
well as a slightly raised roofline, improving passenger headroom;
minor interior changes, providing a more comfortable ride; and a
modern-looking fly-off hand brake. Originally delivered via Tice &
Son Ltd., it was finished in Dark Grey over Green, with engine no.
VB6J/656.
Today the car is beautifully presented in a rich blue over tan
combination, with the well-fitted and properly maintained leather
upholstery facing a rich burled dashboard with crisp, clear proper
Smiths instrumentation. Under the hood is clean and correct,
without being over-restored, while the chassis appears to have
undergone minimal use. The body trim is in excellent condition,
including the chrome hardware and the wire wheels, which feature a
distinctive combination of chrome spokes and blue rims, surrounded
by blackwall Avon Turbospeed tires. Additional equipment includes
front and rear bumper overriders, Lucas amber-lensed driving lamps,
and a dashboard-mounted radio with rear-mounted aerial. Both the
original chassis stamping and the original brass tag with chassis
and engine numbers are still present.
This is a lovely DB2/4 Mk II, among the rarest of its kind, ready
for continued enjoyment on show field or open road.To view this car
and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ca18.
