Vehicle Description
1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 3.0-Litre Drophead Coup: One of Just 46
Export-Model DB2/4 Dropheads The need to widen the appeal of the
already-successful DB2 resulted in the launch in October 1953 of
the 2+2 DB2/4. Modifications to the rear of the chassis plus a
reduction in fuel tank capacity from 19 to 17 gallons liberated
sufficient space within the existing design for two child-sized
occasional rear seats. Alternatively, the rear seat backs could be
folded down, thus creating a load-carrying platform that more than
doubled the luggage space, the latter being accessed via a
hatchback rear door - one of this now-common feature's earliest
applications. In addition, a raised roofline, one-piece windscreen,
larger bumpers and other detail styling changes differentiated the
newcomer from its predecessor. Otherwise, the DB2/4 remained much
the same as the DB2, employing the latter's rectangular-tube
chassis, trailing arm independent front suspension and well-located
live rear axle. Standard specification included the W O
Bentley-era, 2.6-litre, 'VB6E' engine in 125bhp tune. Despite this,
the redesign's inevitable weight gain was not fully compensated for
until the arrival of the 3.0-litre, 140bhp engine in 1954. Equipped
with latter, the DB2/4 was one of the fastest cars then built in
Great Britain - with 100mph achievable in third gear and around
120mph maximum - possessing impeccable handling plus a level of
comfort rare in any high-performance car.DB2/4 production had
amounted to 565 cars by the time of the Mark II's introduction in
October 1955. According to the AMOC, at least 102 were dropheads,
of which 46 were export models like the one offered here. Its
accompanying copy guarantee form shows that this 3.0-litre 'Mark I'
DB2/4, chassis number '1019', was delivered new via Peter Satori Co
Ltd to first owner Michael Henry Strater of Berkeley, California,
USA. The car was ordered with Ivory paintwork, subsequently changed
to green, and left the factory with a red interior and matching
hood. The car will require re-commissioning/restoration before
further use. Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the
aforementioned guarantee, old Mississippi Certificate of Title, and
old Alabama registration paperwork.Coachwork by Mulliners of
BirminghamRegistration no. not registeredChassis no. LML/1019Engine
no. VB6J/542One of only 46 export-model DB2/4 dropheads
madeDelivered new to California, USADry stored for many
yearsOffered for restoration Price: $325,000 GMC Link :-
