Vehicle Description
Aston Martin endured many turbulent years and dramatic highs and
lows throughout much of its existence. From its founding by Anthony
Bamford and Lionel Martin, the company had no trouble producing
successful racing cars but always struggled to keep the business
afloat. In the late 1940s, Aston Martin emerged from the depths of
World War II with yet another new owner at the helm. A period of
long-term stability finally arrived in 1947 when industrialist
David Brown acquired Aston Martin for just £20,500. He set to work
rescuing Aston, adding Lagonda to his growing portfolio,
specifically to get their superb 2.6-litre twin-cam inline-six from
the drawing board of none other than W.O. Bentley. Officially, the
Aston 2-litre Sports was the first of the "DB" series and was
retroactively known as the "DB1." However, it was the six-cylinder
DB2 that established David Brown's legacy and set the stage for
Aston Martin's unprecedented success throughout the coming decades.
Brown planned to steer Aston Martin away from thinly disguised
racing cars and into the far more lucrative market for grand
touring sports cars. After a rocky start with the 2-Litre Sports,
Aston hit its stride when a cut-down version of the sports chassis
was married to the Lagonda inline-six, topped with W.O. Bentley's
twin overhead-cam cylinder head. Frank Feeley created a handsome
and modern body design, with ideal GT proportions of a long bonnet
and a tapering fastback roof. There was good stowage space behind
the seats and on the later DB2/4, an innovative hatchback design.
The DB2 proved its worth in competition and later begat the highly
successful DB3 and DB3S sports racers. But most importantly, it
established Aston Martin as a leader in a hotly contested market
and paved the way for some of the most desirable and memorable
Grand Tourers of the 1950s and 1960s. Chassis LML/50/95 is a superb
example of an early DB2, beautifully presented with a high-quality
restoration. Copies of the Works Service chassis card show it was
delivered new on March 4, 1952, to David Gaunt, Esq. of Leeds,
finished in "Steel Dust" with grey Connolly Vaumol hides, and
registered HKW 666. It returned to the Works Service Department
regularly for maintenance, and records show the factory updated it
to the latest high-performance Vantage specification in late
March/early April of 1953. The updates included fitting larger
carburetors, new cams, and high-compression pistons, boosting peak
power from 105 bhp to a handy 125 bhp. In addition to the service
records, copies of the original registration log books track the
ownership history through the early 1980s, noting the car had been
repainted red sometime in the early 1970s. In 1980, while in the
care of Tim Gregory, Esq., the car received a thorough mechanical
overhaul and engine rebuild by Aston Service Dorset. In 1985, it
was acquired by R.S. McCouat of Somerset. He later embarked on a
comprehensive, multi-year nut-and-bolt restoration, returning the
car to its correct original specifications, which he completed in
2000. In 2001, McCouat showed the freshly completed DB2 at the AMOC
Concours d'Elegance, where it handily won its class and was
promoted to the club's "Elite Class." Since its restoration,
LML/50/95 has been impeccably maintained by devoted enthusiasts and
presents today in outstanding condition. In current ownership since
2015, it has enjoyed expert care and maintenance while in a
significant private collection. The Steel Dust gray paintwork is
excellent and is beautifully accented with correct early-style
bumper, correct brightwork, and gorgeous chrome knock-off wheels
fitted with high-performance Michelin Pilote X tires. The doors
open with a feeling of assured quality and reveal a cozy,
beautifully trimmed cockpit featuring grey leather, matching Wilton
carpets, and burgundy dash, door caps, and piping. The leather is
lightly broken-in, displaying an appealing and inviting character
that encourages regular use. Ancillaries and details are to
factory-correct standards, including the Smiths instruments,
three-spoke steering wheel, and Lucas switchgear. Once settled in,
the cabin is comfortable, with generous space behind the front
seats for touring and a reprinted owner's manual. Accompanying
documents include parts and restoration receipts, copies of
original registration books, parts book, service manual, and FIVA
Identity Card. Tipping up the clamshell bonnet reveals the
beautifully-detailed 2.6-litre twin-cam inline-six. The engine
number matches the chassis card, and the engine compartment is
authentically detailed with a bias toward driving enjoyment. With a
push of the starter button, the 'six comes to life with an
addictive bark from the exhaust. As offered, this LML/50/95 would
be the perfect entry into a wide range of pre-57 driving events,
where the power, refinement, and comfort are fully appreciated. The
DB2 set the stage for Aston Martin's postwar revival, and this
fabulous coupe exemplifies all that made the DB series so
appealing. Boasting excellent history and a fastidiously maintained
restoration, it is sure to provide many years of motoring joy.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7307-1952-aston-martin-db2-coupe/