1954 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 SALOON

This Aston Martin DB2/4 Saloon is a handsome GT car that oozes 1950s charm and sophistication, and which is presented in superb condition. Under the bonnet is a 2.9-litre straight-six engine, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 28,998 miles, which is the total since a full engine rebuild in 1989.

First registered on 26 May 1954, this DB2/4 left the factory with the 2.6-litre version of the Lagonda engine. However, like many other cars in period, it was soon fitted with the more powerful 2.9-litre straight-six, with the history file indicating the upgrade was carried out in 1965. A detailed piece of research by the previous owner has pieced together a remarkable record of the car’s life dating back to 1963, which is shown in the gallery below.

By 1970, the car was in need of restoration, and was acquired by a skilled restorer called Mark Tidy, whose name has been associated with many iconic veteran and classic cars through the years. Receipts in the history file show that between 1971 and 1974, this DB2/4 was meticulously restored, including a full repaint in British Racing Green and a total mechanical restoration.

Its chassis was grit-blasted and zinc-coated, and the suspension and driveline were fully refurbished. All of the chrome was also restored. Charming handwritten correspondence from 1973 and 1974 in particular shows Mr Tidy taking care to source the correct items from the leading parts specialist of the era, Aston Service Dorset. This is the business that was founded by Captain Ivan Forshaw, who had secured the rights from David Brown to re-manufacture components for all Aston Martin and Lagonda cars up to 1962. By the mid-1970s, this DB2/4 was in concours-quality condition.

Today, there are five previous registered keepers on the log book, though the previous owner’s record provides a far more in-depth picture of its history. In December 1988, this car was purchased by drummer and co-founder of funk band Level 42, Phil Gould. With 87,406 miles on the odometer, it was sent to mechanical restoration specialist Andrew Thorogood, where the engine was completely rebuilt.

The couple who owned the car prior to the seller kept it for nearly 20 years between 1997 and 2016, and during this time it was treated to another full bare-metal body restoration and repaint - this time in a much darker green. While some new metal was welded in, a detailed photo album illustrates the impressive condition of the panels under the old paint. During this period, the engine was also fully rebuilt once again by Aston Martin specialist Davron. The front suspension, brakes, and steering assembly were also refurbished, and an upgraded alloy radiator, electric fan, and stainless steel exhaust system were installed.

The seller acquired the car nearly four years ago, and it has since formed part of an eclectic gathering of collector cars, ranging from a classic Fiat 500 through to a Lamborghini Miura and a Ferrari F40. Throughout his ownership, it has been driven and enjoyed on a regular basis, in particular for spirited Sunday morning drives into the countryside to seek out a hearty pub lunch.

Today, its dark green paintwork remains in excellent condition, with only very minor imperfections, including a small chip in the paint around the rear hatch on the nearside. In general, it presents with a beautiful patina that suits its 1950s styling down to the ground. All of the brightwork is in great shape, and the light lenses are also in good order, with the two Lucas spot lamps having been recently replaced. The car rides on 16-inch wire wheels, which are free of unsightly corrosion and are complete with two-eared knock-off spinners.

Inside, the black leather upholstery has a pleasingly weathered appearance, and is believed to date back to the early 1970s. An invoice in the file from this time shows that the seats were fully reupholstered, along with new carpets, headlining, and other trim panels. The piping along the driver’s side bolster and base - as well as the centre armrest - has deteriorated and frayed slightly, but otherwise it has only the wear and minor scuffs you would expect given the car’s age.

The exterior passenger door handle is cracked and has been temporarily repaired, but otherwise the door furniture is all sound. Its main instrument panel is in good condition, and there are no known faults with any of the Smiths gauges. Ahead of the driver is a smart wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel, but the original black-rimmed wheel remains with the car.

The seller originally purchased this car with a view to participating in the Mille Miglia. With that in mind, shortly after purchase it was sent to Moto Technique in Surrey with the brief to get the car to a standard where it could reliably complete the road rally. This work included renewal of the front oil seals, resetting and adjusting the camshaft timing, checking and adjusting the valve clearances, and fitment of a new drive belt. An electronic ignition system and high-performance coil was installed, as well as a new dynamo and fuel pump. The steering box was overhauled, a new brake master cylinder was fitted, and the clutch was replaced with a diaphragm spring type assembly, with a re-faced flywheel and new main shaft spigot bearing in the crankshaft. In total, this mechanical overhaul came in at a total cost of £25,178.

More recently, the car received a major service at Aston Martin specialist Nicholas Mee in January 2019. An issue with the fuel system was diagnosed as a sediment build-up, so the system was flushed and the tank was removed and sent for specialist repair. It was reinstalled with a new fuel pick-up unit, sender and fuel filter. The nearside rear wheel bearing was replaced, and the differential oil was topped up. The offside brake pipe was also renewed and the system was bled. Two new spot lamps were fitted, along with a new battery isolator switch and a replacement windscreen washer pump. Both carburettors were overhauled with new jets, mounting blocks and gaskets, and the engine was then fully tuned. An invoice for this work is on file, totalling £8,902.

The car is exempt from annual MOT inspections, though was last put through a test in September 2016 at 28,230 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. The only issue noted by the seller is what appears to be a minor oil leak from the differential when the car is sat in his garage. All four wheels are fitted with matching Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres, which are date-coded to 2008 and remain in good condition with plenty of tread.

Accompanying this DB2/4 is a current FIVA Identity Card, which needs to be renewed upon a change of ownership, as well as a period reproduction DB2/4 instruction book and parts catalogue from Aston Service Dorset. Notably, the original tool kit remains in place between the front seats. There is a fantastic history file with this car, which runs to two large photo albums, as well as a raft of receipts, invoices, old tax discs and MOT certificates dating back to 1970.

This Aston Martin DB2/4 Saloon is a wonderful example of a thoroughbred sporting GT. It has evidently been cherished and well maintained over its life so far, with fastidious restoration and refurbishment work to keep it in excellent condition. For anyone seeking an elegant post-war coupe to enjoy on high days and holidays, or perhaps even to modify to historic racing specification, it would be hard to find a more well-documented and charming example.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Car Overview

  • 28,998 miles (indicated)
  • manual
  • RHD
  • British Racing Green
  • Black leather
  • 2.9L straight-six


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #01008
  • private Sale
  • Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

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1954 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 SALOON1954 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 SALOON1954 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 SALOON1954 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 SALOON1954 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 SALOON1954 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 SALOON1954 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 SALOON1954 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 SALOON
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