Introduced in prototype form in 1949, the Aston Martin DB2—so named for company chairman David Brown—struck an appealing balance between gorgeous aluminum coachwork, sporting driving dynamics, and a characterful twin-overhead-camshaft inline-six. Things only improved three years later, when the foundations that had made the DB2 such a successful sports car were improved upon to create the Aston Martin DB2/4, a groundbreaking Frank Feeley design that introduced a subtly raised roofline, additional seating for two rear passengers, and a revolutionary “hatch back” offering unparalleled access to the luggage compartment. Always a rare model, even in more common closed configuration, total DB2/4 production amounted to just 761 examples.

The Aston Martin DB2/4 offered here completed production in October 1953, according to a copy of a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate on file. Finished in the exterior color Blue Haze, it was imported through the legendary S.H. Arnolt Inc. of Chicago, Illinois. While little is known of the car’s history after arriving in the United States, former owner Jim Simpson prepared this Aston Martin for vintage racing in the early 1990s. The work was performed initially by Robert Clerk while working for Peter Livanos at Aston Vintage Racing Services shop in Stamford, Connecticut. A high-performance engine was built in the United Kingdom by Martin Cheetham and installed. Later work was performed by Robert and Jon Clerk at their race shop, Performance Racing in Pompano Beach, Florida.

As expected, the car features a fuel cell, roll bar, and seat harness, and much work was undertaken on the brakes and suspension. As the subsequent engine power band was found to be quite narrow, Simpson had the inline-six rebuilt again, this time by well-known specialist Lance Evans of Steel Wings in New Jersey, who slightly detuned it to make the car more tractable. In a previous conversation with Jon Clerk (now at Steel Wings), his memory was that the rebuilt engine was probably producing around 210 to 220 horsepower.

The current owner acquired the DB2/4 in 2023 from more than 20 years of single ownership, during which the car was extensively refurbished in 2011 and 2012. The work included both cosmetic and mechanical improvements carried out by the highly respected Motion Products, Inc. Copies of service invoices for this and other work dating back to 2001 are on file.

A wonderful example of Aston Martin’s coveted post-war sports car—particularly with its upgraded engine—this DB2/4 is poised for vintage racing competition or to simply enjoy its well-balanced performance and beauty in any setting.