Vehicle Description
Chassis No. LML/50/364
Engine No. VB6B/50/1192
Transmission No. DBCW/5C/579
The Aston Martin DB2 marked the true beginning of the David Brown
era-an era that would define the brand's identify and model
nomenclature or 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. This resulted in cars from this period through 1959
is 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 severed 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, this 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.
