For Sale at Auction: 1953 Aston Martin Coupe in Monterey, California

Chassis No. LML/50/364
Engine No. VB6B/50/1192
Transmission No. DBCW/50/579

The Aston Martin DB2 marked the true beginning of the David Brown era-an era that would define the brand's identity and model nomenclature for decades to come. After acquiring Aston Martin in 1947, Brown quickly acquired Lagonda to obtain its advanced 2.6-liter twin-cam straight-six engine, designed by W.O. Bentley. Producing 105 horsepower, this engine gave the DB2 exceptional performance and refinement for its time. Combining the resources of the two, space was leased at the nearby airfield site of Hanworth Park, Feltham. Cars from this period through 1959 are referred to by enthusiasts as the Feltham Era.

Unveiled in April 1950, the DB2 featured sleek, Italian-inspired fastback styling by Frank Feeley and was built on a revised version of the earlier DB1 chassis. It offered independent front suspension and a clamshell hood for ease of maintenance. With its combination of performance, handling, and comfort, the DB2 was immediately recognized as a sophisticated grand tourer. Period road tests praised its balance of speed and luxury, with Autosport noting, "whether one would go shopping, to the theatre, on a long-distance tour, or even race at Le Mans, one could have no more perfect companion than the Aston Martin."

A Drophead Coupe joined the lineup in 1950 for the 1951 model year, offering open-top motoring without compromising the DB2's core qualities. Just 411 DB2s were built, with just 98 factory-built Drophead Coupes produced, making them especially rare and highly prized by collectors.

Documented by a digital copy of its original Aston Martin build sheet, this 1953 DB2 was sold new in the United States through the J.S. Inskip dealership in New York City to Richard W. Stoney Esq. of Montclair, New Jersey on 7 March 1953. Finished in rarely seen Crushed Strawberry, the interior was appointed with Grey Connolly leather and matching red piping. Importantly, the car was fitted with the potent Vantage engine that increased the output from the 2.6-liter inline-six to 125 horsepower via larger SU carburetors, a higher compression ratio, and a sportier camshafts. The car was additionally ordered with a rear seat, Purolator oil filter, and a manually adjustable choke and ignition.

The build sheet reveals the car went to Ohio in 1999 when it entered the esteemed collection of Don Marsh. An avid car enthusiast, he was the founding partner of MidVo, the distributor for Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi that served Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana and later expanded to include BMW. His impressive collection included some of the greatest sports and GT cars ever produced in the 20th century. Service receipts from Marsh's ownership show regular servicing until his passing in 2020 to keep the car in prime condition for touring or show use. Upon his passing in early 2020, the car was bought by the current owner later that year in November.

Today, this rarely seen Aston Martin remains in splendid condition. It benefits from a recent service by Gran Turismo of Los Angeles replacing the wheel cylinders, brake master cylinder, tie rods, and rebuilding the water pump, with the invoice totaling nearly $12,000. Powered by an exceedingly rare and highly sought-after Vantage configuration, the car is ideally suited for inclusion in any collection featuring Aston Martins. Celebrated for its purity of design, coach built craftsmanship, and historical significance, the DB2 stands as the first true expression of David Brown's vision for Aston Martin-a glamorous and refined sporting car for the gentleman in its purest form.