140 bhp, three-liter double overhead cam six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle, four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 99"

• Factory left-hand drive

• California car from new

• Engine number matches factory build records

• Recent full service and sorting by highly respected restorers

The Frank Feeley-styled DB2, introduced in May 1950, marked the debut road model for Aston Martin under industrialist David Brown, who had recently acquired the company. In 1953, this gentlemen’s sports car grew into a four-place saloon, the DB2/4, followed by Drophead Coupe and Fixed-Head Notchback variants. By 1954, a new 3.0-liter engine producing 140 horsepower was introduced. In effect, the DB 2/4’s innovative design marked the introduction of what would later be considered the world’s first production hatchback.

Chassis LML/951 is an original left-hand drive DB 2/4 that was sold new by authorized sales agent Peter Satori of Pasadena, California. The early history of the car is unknown, but since it was purchased from the estate of noted collector Gene Young (also of Pasadena), it is believed the car was always in Southern California. Mr. Young, a talented visual and special effects artist in the film and television industry, was an avid collector of postwar European sports cars and had a keen eye for quality. When the most recent owner of this car first viewed Mr. Young’s impressive collection, it was evident that Mr. Young knew how to look at a car and took the time to find the “right” example of what he desired.

When acquired from the Young Estate in early 2011, the body was confirmed to be straight and solid. The Peony Red (an attractive shade of deep red, very popular with Astons) paint was older but still presented very well. The black interior had very little wear and remained supple. Due to the fact that the car had been sitting for nearly 10 years, a major service was commenced. First the brake system was completely rebuilt and a new master cylinder installed. Next the fuel tank was removed and boiled and then reinstalled. Before starting the car for the first time, the engine internals were inspected with a boroscope, and they appeared to have been rebuilt just prior to the car going into storage. After rebuilding the carburetors, the engine was started and immediately ran quite well. Several test-drives later the sorting was finished, and it was treated to a full detail. New wire wheels and tires were fitted, the paint and chrome were polished, and the undercarriage was restored and detailed.

The offering of an excellent Aston Martin DB 2/4 unto itself warrants close attention. These are excellent and popular cars for vintage rallies and eligible for just about any event in the world, including the Mille Miglia. This particular example, however, is all the more desirable and rare as it benefits from matching numbers, left-hand drive, the three-liter motor and the fact that it spent many years in California. It is, quite simply, the perfect high-speed gentleman’s express.