The Aston Martin DB2 /4 Sports Saloon
In the early 1950s, competition between prestigious sports car manufacturers was fierce. David Brown, owner of the British marque since 1947, felt the need to improve the performance of his sports car, the DB2.
The Aston Martin DB2/4 retains the 6-cylinder engine designed by Tadek Marek, inherited from the DB2, which now produces 126 bhp. This engine is recognisable by its immediately identifiable throaty, metallic sound. It combines exceptional handling with a rare level of comfort for a high-performance car. The DB2/4 easily exceeds 200 km/h, positioning itself among the most accomplished sports cars of its era.
Also, with the launch of the DB2/4 «2+2» in October 1953, Aston Martin broadened the appeal of the DB2 by addressing a hitherto untapped but rapidly growing market: sporting car enthusiasts with a family. Modifications to the rear of the chassis, along with a reduction in fuel tank capacity from 19 to 17 gallons, freed up sufficient space to incorporate two occasional rear seats. Furthermore, the backs of these seats could be folded down, creating a load-carrying surface that more than doubled luggage capacity. This space was accessible via an upward-opening rear door, foreshadowing the now-common «hatchback» concept. This transformation gave the Aston Martin DB2/4 exceptional load-carrying ability, unequalled in a car that, under optimal conditions, could reach a speed of two miles a minute,» reported The Motor. «The DB2/4 could legitimately claim the title of the world’s fastest car capable of carrying two people with a month’s worth of luggage.»
The production of the first DB2/4 series, later called the «Mark I», ran from October 1953 to October 1955, with chassis numbers ranging from «LML/501» to «LML/1065», totalling 565 examples.
Our example, truly remarkable, is described as being in excellent condition. It benefits from carefully chosen improvements, such as an electric cooling fan, discreet electric power steering, an aluminium fuel tank, and a dual-exhaust system, the latter being an original factory option. This exceptional vehicle is presented with a V5C registration certificate along with the previously mentioned historical documentation.
The bodywork, initially designed by Mulliners Limited of Birmingham, along with the engine, were restored with rare precision and remarkable craftsmanship by Wren Classics.
This exceptional Aston Martin, in perfect condition, proudly bears the registration number LOU 222 and the factory chassis number LML/539.
The LOU 222, the undisputed and globally recognised benchmark for the DB2 model, has shone in numerous Concours d’Elegance, winning very important distinctions. A success confirmed by twenty years of uninterrupted success in international competitions.
In 2002, LOU 222 participated in the AMOC spring concours at Waddesdon Manor, where she was honoured with first prize in the Feltham category. Four full double-sided pages detail every event she has taken part in over the last 22 years, with a multitude of details too numerous to mention here. Highlights include five outright wins in the AMOC Feltham class, and four high placings in the AMOC Elite class. Time has not diminished this car’s concours success, which again won the Feltham class at the 2016 AMOC autumn concours, followed by another win in 2017. The story continues in 2005, where LOU222 was selected by Aston Martin to be presented in Italy to attend the launch of the new V8 Vantage… The most recent event was the Bentley Driver’s Centenario at Blenheim Palace in September 2019.
This legendary Aston Martin is eligible for the Mille Miglia as well as all future most prestigious competitions.
For history's sake, and as a reminder, this is the model Aston Martin authentically referenced in Ian Fleming's novel «Goldfinger».
French collector's logbook.
Important dossier, photographs and video available.
A favourite of The A.
