For Sale at Auction: 1950 Aston Martin Coupe in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. LML/50/11
Engine No. VB6J/329 (See Text)
Transmission No. DBR/50/184 (See Text)
Body No. 68004

When David Brown acquired the ailing Aston Martin firm in 1947, his aim was to produce Britain's finest sporting cars. Brown had also acquired Lagonda, specifically for the superb W.O. Bentley-designed 2.6-liter dual overhead-cam inline-six engine. The "DB Mark II Sports Saloon" debuted in production form at the 1950 New York Auto Show (prototypes had been racing since 1949). The show car, along with the first 49 production cars, were distinguished by a chrome three-piece grille with vertical and louvered front wing vents-formally known as First Sanction but nicknamed "washboard" for that distinct side grille. The first seven production cars also had other unique features, including twin fuel fillers, plastic rear windows, and sill deco strips.

Among the earliest surviving First Sanction DB2s is LML/50/11, possibly the very first customer delivered car, and the first delivered to the United States. Successful car dealer and occasional Le Mans entrant George Schrafft is documented as the fortunate first owner. In the summer of 1950, George was on holiday at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, France, as none other than David Brown arrived in his DB2 prototype. Smitten with the car at first sight, George introduced himself and before long the two had a handshake deal for George to buy a production car.

Factory records provided by Aston Martin show LML/50/11 left the factory in Black over Grey Connolly Vaumol hides, featuring a unique column mounted gear change, optional close-ratio transmission, and was fitted with an early production bonnet scoop. It is believed that it may have been briefly used by David Brown while he awaited LML/50/10-the first drophead coupe-to be completed.

In 1951, Schrafft sold chassis number 11 through his business Palm Beach Foreign Motors to privateer racer David Hirsch of Miami Beach, Florida. Hirsch became the first registered owner, as it was previously run on dealer plates. Repainted in dark blue with a silver roof, Hirsch entered LML/50/11 in the inaugural Sebring 12 Hour race, co-driven by Bob Gegen. Additional entries came at Bridgehampton and Watkins Glen, the car finished in red and fitted with spotlamps.

The chassis card indicates in the 1960s, perhaps due to the rigors of racing, a Jaguar engine and gearbox were fitted. Hirsch's tenure with chassis 11 lasted through 1971, then it passed through several East Coast-based enthusiasts. In 1990, it was acquired by marque expert Tom Barnard in the U.K., who initiated a restoration, but did not complete it. By 2010, it was in the hands of a new owner, who had the chassis rebuilt on a jig, the alloy coachwork painstakingly restored, and various components meticulously rebuilt and cataloged. The car was later sold in unfinished form.

In the new owner's care, LML/50/11 finally received the restoration it deserves. Commissioning marque specialist Kevin Kay Restorations of Redding, California, LML/50/11 was rebuilt to Pebble Beach standards. Receipts on file in excess of $1 million attest to the extraordinary care and detail invested throughout the project, and hundreds of restoration images on file further document each step-and the painstaking attention devoted to every aspect of the car, from chassis and bodywork to trim, mechanicals, and interior. Returning to its fantastic original livery of black with black wheels and grey hides, this extraordinary DB2 looks sinister and purposeful with finishing worthy of a world-class concours competitor. A fully rebuild period-correct 2.6-liter engine is fitted, mated to a later-type transmission, and the restorers preserved the rare original column shift mechanism. Accompanying items include a factory handbook, scuttle-mounted tool kit and jack, and numerous restoration and historical photos.

Stephen Archer, a noted Aston historian, is very familiar with the DB2 model and commented: "The first 50 cars, the 'washboard' models are rightly seen as the discerning collector's choice. They are superbly made and beautifully finished. This example must be the best in the world thanks to the recent and highly exacting restoration by KKR. In its original black, it is simply exquisite"

An invitation has been extended to the car and consignor for the prestigious 2026 Concours of Elegance at the Royal Hampton Court Palace, testimony to the significance of this Aston Martin, surely an invite a new owner should consider. As one of the earliest surviving washboard DB2 Sports Saloons extant, LML/50/11 wears a superb restoration worthy of its exceptional provenance and will undoubtedly garner much attention at the world's most prestigious motoring events.