Introduced at the 1957 Geneva Salon, the Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III represented the final and most highly developed iteration of the DB2/4 platform. The Mk III offered unprecedented power thanks to Tadek Marek’s revision of W.O. Bentley’s 2.9-liter six-cylinder engine, employing redesigned manifolds, high-lift camshafts, and a revised crankshaft. Tickford’s new coachwork introduced the grille configuration that went on to become an Aston trademark, while chassis developments like front disc brakes and dual exhaust contributed to impeccable road manners.

The featured Mk III is one of 197 saloon examples configured in left-hand drive. According to an Aston Martin production record, chassis number 1514 was equipped with front disc brakes and rear Alfin drums, and finished in Desert White paint over an interior trimmed in Black leather. Allocated to Mid-America in April 1958, the DB2/4 was delivered five months later to its first owner, Jowell S. Wright of California.

Although the Aston Martin’s interim history is currently unknown, the saloon was offered as a one-owner car in 1983 by a dealer in San Diego, California. Remaining largely original other than a change of the interior to Ox Blood leather, the Mk III was then acquired by Don Ludewig of Clarkston, Michigan, a racing enthusiast and lifelong General Motors engineer. After trailering the DB2/4 to his home in Michigan, Mr. Ludewig only drove the Mk III occasionally through 1990, at which point the car was carefully stored in a climate-controlled garage for the next 21 years.

Following a move to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Mr. Ludewig commissioned Velke Design to conduct a sympathetic mechanical restoration that was completed in 2019 and included a full engine rebuild. A check register on file indicates this work cost in excess of $90,000. Mr. Ludewig also made a few tasteful modifications that significantly enhanced the car’s presentation, including removing the bumpers and installing foglamps and a Monza-style fuel filler cap. The original components accompany the car, should the future caretaker wish to revert to factory specifications.

Following the unfortunate passing of Mr. Ludewig in 2022, the Aston Martin was bequeathed to the consignor, his close friend and a longtime fellow racing enthusiast. Believed to have been owned by just three caretakers during its lifetime, and to retain most of its factory-appointed paint finish, this mechanically capable DB2/4 Mk III desirably retains its matching-numbers engine. The car has been secluded from the collector car community for many decades and now awaits a proud return to the Aston Martin niche.