The history 

The Aston Martin DB2 launched the era of automobile construction under the leadership of David Braun. The body of the DB2 was built at Mulliner, which served as a model for the following series up to the DB6. 

The DB2/4 was a hatchback coupé body that offered seating for 4 people. From October 1953 to October 1955, around 400 coupés and 165 cabriolets were produced. The handcrafted aluminum body is an automotive work of art. The Aston Martin DB2/4 is a collector's car.

After 54 years in first ownership and an exciting history at Bonhams in London, this virtually untouched DB2/4 came into the possession of the Goodtimer owner through a private relationship in the summer of 2016, where it was restored over 4 years and at a cost of over CHF 200,000.

Bodywork and paintwork

The aluminum body was repainted in its original color before Goodtimer took over. The paintwork is still as good as new with a perfect shine.

The chrome parts were completely refurbished, from the nickel plating to the chrome bath. Only the slim door handles are still untouched.

The doors close perfectly, the hood closes correctly, although the size of the hood means that the locking mechanism has to be adjusted from time to time to achieve a nice gap.

The side-opening tailgate and the spare wheel well are immaculate.

panel on the dashboard and the original wooden steering wheel were restored by hand by wood specialist Brambilla in Italy. The entire interior is in mint condition through and through.

Engine and mechanics

The long period of time between the death of the first owner and the takeover by Goodtimer has left its mark on the engine and the mechanical units.

The engine was completely overhauled with new parts from Aston Service Dorset LTD, the gearbox was revised and all mechanical and electrical components were overhauled.

The engine runs amazingly smoothly, the acoustics are breathtaking and thanks to a kerb weight of just 1100 kg, the DB2 is a fast sports car.

Chassis

The chassis, brake system and springs were completely overhauled. In the course of the restoration, the original spoked wheels were replaced with high-quality chrome-plated spoked wheels and fitted with Michelin Pilote X Racing tires.

The underbody is very clean and undamaged. The restored substance has been treated with fresh wax preservation.

Driving experience

The engine, which is sporty and acoustically breathtaking in every respect, shows amazing propulsion for an automobile that is almost 70 years old. That an Aston Martin is a must for an automobile collector is impressively demonstrated by this early DB2/4. The gearbox is crisp and precise to shift and the non-servo-assisted brakes make every millimeter of pressure on the pedal feel safe. The steering is challenging (tight) and lets the driver feel the road.

This Aston Martin DB2/4 has already proven itself at two historic rallies in Switzerland, finishing 3rd and 7th. Anyone who likes a sporty approach to historic events will qualify perfectly with this DB2.

Recommendation

The 3rd place at the Concours d'Elégance in Zurich was not only achieved because of the fantastically original and respectfully restored overall condition. The documentation begins with Form No. 06/586/0 dated June 2, 1954, the Aston Martin warranty certificate, which is supplemented by the warranty work, an engine overhaul dated January 31, 1956.

The Bonhams report dated May 9, 2015, a Heritage Trust Certificate and the FIVA ID card complete the extensive documentation of this historic Aston Martin DB2/4.

The DB2 was the icon of British sports car construction at the time and still inspires a wide audience today. This example can be a valuable addition to a collection and can also continue to be used at public events or historic rallies such as the Mille Miglia. One of the must-haves among historically valuable automobiles.