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Details
FIA Papers, Race Rally Prepared
1954 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4
Registration No. RRH 888
Chassis No. LML/824
White with blue stripes and black racing interior
Engine: six cylinder, twin overhead camshafts, 2,922cc, 45DCOE Weber carburettors, giving c260bhp at 6,000rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Brakes: discs to the front with drums at the rear; Suspension: front, independent coil springs; rear, live axle, trailing links and Panhard rod, coil springs. Right hand drive.
The DB2 Aston Martin made its debut in 1950 in the guise of a closed two door saloon, quickly followed by a drophead coupé. It was the first 'real' Aston Martin produced under David Brown's stewardship, who had also netted the Lagonda Company at virtually the same time, and thereby acquired the excellent twin overhead camshaft 2.5 liter engine that had been designed by W.O. Bentley and which was to become the basis for Aston Martin engines for years to come.
The DB2/4 was announced at the 1953 London Motor Show, again with saloon and drophead coupé coachwork. Initially the twin overhead camshaft, straight six engine was tuned to 125bhp DB2 Vantage specifications, but a 3 litre (VB6J) engine was soon introduced, the increased capacity producing 140bhp. This model remained in production until 1955 and production cars were available as a 2+2 coupe, of which 492 were produced, or a drophead coupé, of which 73 were produced.
This particular car was purchased by the previous owner in the late 1980s with a view to preparing it for the arduous and extremely rapid 'La Carrera Panamericana'; the DB2/4 model offering speed, comfort, good looks and importantly room for luggage. The preparation was entrusted to the highly respected Jim Stokes of Waterlooville and the car was ready for the 1989 event where, after lying tenth overall, it was forced to retire on the last day with oil pump problems. Undeterred, the car competed on the 'La Carrera Panamericana' for the next five years, winning its class four times and coming home as high as seventh overall in 1995 thus proving a successful mix of pace and reliability.
Also during this period it competed on the 'Tour de France' retrospective in 1992 where it finished eighth overall, the 'Ruta Maya' rally in South America (seventh overall), an endurance race at Paul Ricard and numerous AMOC race meetings. In 1998 whilst on the Circuit of Ireland rally, the bodywork was damaged hence it returned to Jim Stokes' workshop (as it had for all prior work) where it was treated to a body restoration along with a detailed check-through which included the fitment of new dampers. At the same time it was also decided to change the colour from British Racing Green to white with the distinctive 'Cunningham' type stripes adorning the centre of the car. Since then it has only competed in two further races, being prepared by the current owner's mechanic.
When inspected recently by a Christie's specialist, the car was as well presented as it is technically purposeful. Attractive yet sporty from the unmarked exterior, without the 'Monza' cap (which leads to a long range fuel tank) and stripes adorning the body one is instantly intrigued as to what hides beneath. The engine has been uprated to boost the power output to a reputed 260 bhp thanks to a bevy of goodies including Phoenix rods and crank and the thirsty application of 'triple 45' Weber carburettors. Inside the occupants are surrounded by a comprehensive roll cage whilst being nestled into the 'Sparco' race seats with five-point harnesses. Also present is a modern fire system, 'Terratrip' meter and a driver to co-driver radio system.
Well proven, well presented and well specified this attractive Feltham Aston boasts FIA papers which compliment its eligibility for a wide array of historic events including Tour Auto, Mille Miglia, Liège-Rome, Gentleman Drivers and many more besides. Ready to use, this lovely Aston is highly recommended and deserves inspection.
1954 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4
Registration No. RRH 888
Chassis No. LML/824
White with blue stripes and black racing interior
Engine: six cylinder, twin overhead camshafts, 2,922cc, 45DCOE Weber carburettors, giving c260bhp at 6,000rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Brakes: discs to the front with drums at the rear; Suspension: front, independent coil springs; rear, live axle, trailing links and Panhard rod, coil springs. Right hand drive.
The DB2 Aston Martin made its debut in 1950 in the guise of a closed two door saloon, quickly followed by a drophead coupé. It was the first 'real' Aston Martin produced under David Brown's stewardship, who had also netted the Lagonda Company at virtually the same time, and thereby acquired the excellent twin overhead camshaft 2.5 liter engine that had been designed by W.O. Bentley and which was to become the basis for Aston Martin engines for years to come.
The DB2/4 was announced at the 1953 London Motor Show, again with saloon and drophead coupé coachwork. Initially the twin overhead camshaft, straight six engine was tuned to 125bhp DB2 Vantage specifications, but a 3 litre (VB6J) engine was soon introduced, the increased capacity producing 140bhp. This model remained in production until 1955 and production cars were available as a 2+2 coupe, of which 492 were produced, or a drophead coupé, of which 73 were produced.
This particular car was purchased by the previous owner in the late 1980s with a view to preparing it for the arduous and extremely rapid 'La Carrera Panamericana'; the DB2/4 model offering speed, comfort, good looks and importantly room for luggage. The preparation was entrusted to the highly respected Jim Stokes of Waterlooville and the car was ready for the 1989 event where, after lying tenth overall, it was forced to retire on the last day with oil pump problems. Undeterred, the car competed on the 'La Carrera Panamericana' for the next five years, winning its class four times and coming home as high as seventh overall in 1995 thus proving a successful mix of pace and reliability.
Also during this period it competed on the 'Tour de France' retrospective in 1992 where it finished eighth overall, the 'Ruta Maya' rally in South America (seventh overall), an endurance race at Paul Ricard and numerous AMOC race meetings. In 1998 whilst on the Circuit of Ireland rally, the bodywork was damaged hence it returned to Jim Stokes' workshop (as it had for all prior work) where it was treated to a body restoration along with a detailed check-through which included the fitment of new dampers. At the same time it was also decided to change the colour from British Racing Green to white with the distinctive 'Cunningham' type stripes adorning the centre of the car. Since then it has only competed in two further races, being prepared by the current owner's mechanic.
When inspected recently by a Christie's specialist, the car was as well presented as it is technically purposeful. Attractive yet sporty from the unmarked exterior, without the 'Monza' cap (which leads to a long range fuel tank) and stripes adorning the body one is instantly intrigued as to what hides beneath. The engine has been uprated to boost the power output to a reputed 260 bhp thanks to a bevy of goodies including Phoenix rods and crank and the thirsty application of 'triple 45' Weber carburettors. Inside the occupants are surrounded by a comprehensive roll cage whilst being nestled into the 'Sparco' race seats with five-point harnesses. Also present is a modern fire system, 'Terratrip' meter and a driver to co-driver radio system.
Well proven, well presented and well specified this attractive Feltham Aston boasts FIA papers which compliment its eligibility for a wide array of historic events including Tour Auto, Mille Miglia, Liège-Rome, Gentleman Drivers and many more besides. Ready to use, this lovely Aston is highly recommended and deserves inspection.
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