Aston Martin DB 2/4 (1956)

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Fitted with the desirable and more powerful 2. 9 liter VB6J engine since new Its original factory build sheet, a copy of which accompanies the car, confirms its original specification One of approximately 102 MK I Drophead Coupés produced Factory-built in left-hand-drive configuration, one of just approximately 46 DB2/4 Mk I Drophead Coupé Finished from new in the striking and sophisticated combination of Moonbeam with Red Connolly leather Elegant Red interior with a subtle wine-toned nuance, creating a warm, sophisticated cabin atmosphere The 1950s marked one of the most important periods in Aston Martin’s history. Under the stewardship of David Brown, the marque evolved from a small specialist sports-car manufacturer into one of Britain’s most distinguished builders of high-performance grand tourers. At the heart of this transformation was the DB2, followed in 1953 by the considerably more versatile DB2/4. Although closely related to its predecessor, the DB2/4 represented a meaningful evolution. Its revised body incorporated occasional rear seating, improved luggage accommodation and an innovative opening rear hatch. The model was initially powered by the 2.6-litre Lagonda twin-cam six-cylinder engine, while from 1954 the larger 2.9-litre unit producing approximately 140 bhp became standard. Among the various DB2/4 configurations, the Drophead Coupé was unquestionably one of the most exclusive. Its open coachwork combined the sporting nature of the DB series with a level of sophistication and occasion that distinguished it from the already rare saloon. For the Mk I, the coachwork was supplied by Mulliners of Birmingham, giving these early Drophead Coupés a distinct place in Aston Martin’s coachbuilt history. Production figures underline just how uncommon these cars were. Specialist Aston Martin records indicate that approximately 562 DB2/4 Mk I examples were produced between 1953 and 1955, of which at least 102 were Drophead Coupés. Of those open cars, 56 were supplied to the home market and 46 for export. Contemporary specialist and auction references further identify these 46 export Drophead Coupés as the left-hand-drive examples, making a factory LHD Mk I Drophead Coupé an exceptionally scarce configuration. The distinction of the Mk I is equally important. Produced just until late 1955, it represents the original expression of the DB2/4 concept, before the introduction of the revised Mk II and the gradual transition of Aston Martin coachbuilding to Tickford at Newport Pagnell. ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE This exceptional 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk I Drophead Coupé is a particularly appealing example of Aston Martin’s early post-war production, distinguished by its desirable open bodywork, factory left-hand-drive configuration, and valuable period documentation. Its original factory build sheet, a copy of which accompanies the car, confirms that it was built from new in left-hand-drive configuration and records the original factory details relating to its engine, gearbox and rear axle. The factory record names the original purchaser as Allan Waddell of Berkeley, California, and lists the supplying agent as B.M.C., dated 28 May 1955. The car left the factory in a particularly attractive colour combination, with its bodywork finished in Moonbeam over a Red Connolly leather interior. The build sheet further records a red hood and hood cover, together with a Fawn headlining, creating a refined and quintessentially 1950s specification. Of particular interest are the surviving period service records, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the car’s early life. On 11 April 1956, at a recorded mileage of 2,555 miles, the car received attention including the refitting of the doors and rear seat, the rectification of body rattles, resetting of valve timing, and investigation of a loss of engine power.