Vehicle Description
1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4 Saloon
Chassis No. LML/551
Engine No. VB6J/120/1283 (Matching Numbers)
• No. 51 of 565 DB2/4 Production
• Rare Factory Left Hand Drive Example, In Correct Black over Beige
as Delivered
• Original Numbers-Matching 2.9-litre 140bhp 'VB6J' Engine
• Body Number Stamped Panels - "143" Located Throughout
• Documented by British Motor Industry Heritage Trust
Certificate
• Long-Term California Car with Interesting Pedigree - First Owner
reported as William Randolph Hearst, Jr
• 2009 Mechanical Restoration by Kevin Kay Restorations - $63,000
Invested
• Upgraded with Front Disc Brakes & T-5 5-Speed Transmission
o Original 4-SPD Gearbox is included with the sale.
• Rally Prep & Service 2020 Inspection, Tune-Up & Major Service -
$16,000+ Invoice
• Includes a Dossier of Documentation Including History and
Maintenance Records
• With Suixtil Helmet Bag and Period Style Driving Gear
• The Ideal Entrant for Prestigious Vintage Driving Events Around
the World
Engine Compression: PSI/Cylinder
1. 155 PSI
2. 160 PSI
3. 160 PSI
4. 155 PSI
5. 160 PSI
6. 160 PSI
First offered as the DB2, Aston Martin quickly realized that it was
becoming more important to accommodate the needs of motoring
enthusiasts. The DB2/4 Saloon emerged with two rear jump seats,
more rear luggage space and the distinctive rear "hatch". All this,
including chassis upgrades, made the new model DB2/4 Saloon capable
of carrying more comfortably at high speeds. The Motor magazine
boasted "The DB2/4 can truthfully claim to be the fastest car in
the world capable of carrying two people with a month's luggage".
The 2.6-litre 'VB6E' engine with 125bhp (Vantage tune) evolved
early in 1954 to the 2.9-litre 140bhp 'VB6J' engine, capable of
achieving 100mph in third gear with around 120mph top speed. Of
course all this came with fantastic handling and bespoke interior
trimmed in fine leather and burled walnut. Between 1953 and 1955,
just 451 DB2/4 Saloons were assembled at the DB works factory,
while the earliest hand-crafted aluminum bodies were under the
direction of Mulliner and later Tickford.
According to factory records, LML 551 was finished in fall 1954,
equipped with the updated 2.9-litre VB6/J engine, heavy-duty
Armstrong shock absorbers, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, and KLG spark
plugs. The 2/4 Saloon was finished in Black over Beige leather, in
left-hand configuration as it currently appears today. The car was
ordered through S.H. Arnolt of Chicago and delivered on September
17, 1954, to Foreign Car Center in Carmel, California. Research
from prior owners indicate that it was owned for a brief period by
William Randolph Hearst, Jr. prior to being sold to H.M. Handley.
Mr. Handley campaigned the car in local race venues along the
California coast such as Stockton, Santa Rosa and Santa Barbara. An
image dating from this period illustrates the distinctive Aston
Martin taking part in a California D Production race (see
attached).
Stan Davis purchased the car in 1975 and registered it as '54
Aston' on California "blue plates". It remained in his care for
nearly two decades. In 2004, the car was purchased by Mr. Ginsberg
who began a sympathetic cosmetic restoration. Upon completion, it
was display at the 2007 Niello concours at Serrano in the featured
Aston Martin class.
Fred Dulien of Costa Mesa, California, purchased the car shortly
after the show, entrusting marque expert Kevin Kay to perform a
comprehensive mechanical restoration. Between November 2007 -
August 2009, the engine, suspension and brakes were rebuilt as
needed, and a T-5 five-speed gearbox was installed resulting in
vastly improved drivability. Shortly after this extensive work was
done, a succeeding caretaker acquired the 2/4 and performed
additional upgrades to improve the driving experience for tours and
spirited driving. Copious receipts documenting over $63,000.00 in
expenses with Kevin Kay Restorations, along with other records
accompany the car. 2019 services include a routine, inspection and
tune-up, frontend and oil pan reseal, along with new 185VR16
Pirelli Cinturato CA67 tires and Michelin tubes.
Today, this fantastic Aston Martin presents well and offers the
ideal vintage touring candidate - eligible for numerous prestigious
driving events around the world. Beautifully mellowed cosmetics
show nicely for local display, with smooth gloss, bright chrome,
and good panel fit. A traditional leather bonnet strap buckles
across the hood. The cabin features matured leather, bright
instruments, and excellent burled walnut dashboard. All lights,
gauges and electrical equipment are in proper working order and all
recently restored. The rear hatch is easily opened, revealing
luggage space, and traditional leather straps. Bespoke trunk carpet
protects the painted floor.
The engine compartment is nicely finished with attention to
originality and reliability. Likewise, the car's undercarriage
further verifies the excellent workmanship and quality restorative
work. The mechanical performance of the car has been enhanced with
a 5-speed gearbox (original 4-speed is included with the car) and
updated front disc brakes. While some modern materials have been
implemented to elevate the driving and reliability levels of this
car, the underlying theme has been to restore and maintain the car
to a highly usable, but largely original standard.
A Winter 2020 inspection, tune-up, and major service was
commissioned in preparations for vintage rally readiness. This
included R&R clutch assembly with uprated components and
supports, restoration of the radiator and cooling system,
restoration and recalibration of all gauges/instruments, secure all
mounted components throughout the vehicle, freshen windshield wiper
system, inspect and secure wiring and electrical components, flush
and adjust braking system, tune carburetors, new valve cover and
rear end gaskets, ignition components, fluids and filters. A
$16,500 investment.
Driving the car is a pure delight. Acceleration, steering, braking,
handling. this particular DB 2/4 is among the best, if not the very
best driving vintage Aston Martins we have ever experienced. In
addition to the numerous servicing invoices and original parts, the
Saloon is complete with a fitted tool set in the center console,
spare wheel and emergency accessories, model literature,
Instruction Book (copy), and British Motor Industry Heritage Trust
Certificate in Aston Martin binder.
Considering the remarkable qualities of this car and the growing
appreciation for early David Brown Aston Martins, this wonderfully
presented DB2/4 Saloon presents an excellent opportunity as an
ideal entrant for prestigious driving events such as the Mille
Miglia, California Mille, and the Colorado Grand. Properly sorted
and ready for touring, local show events, and AMOC gatherings, LML
551 is ready to share its balanced combination of excellent
restoration and thoughtful safety/performance upgrades with its
next delighted enthusiast.
The above vehicle information is accurate to the best of our
knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. It is provided
'as-is', without warranties as to its accuracy, whether expressed
or implied, and is intended for informational purposes only.
Corrections or additional information is always appreciated.
All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any
finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and
shipping expenses. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. DriverSource
is not liable for any errors, omissions, or mistakes.
