140 bhp, 2,922 cc DOHC straight-six, four-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with trailing links, coil springs, torsion bar and hydraulic lever-arm shock absorbers with rear live axle located by parallel radius arms and Panhard rod with coil springs and hydraulic lever-arm shock absorbers, hydraulic front disc, rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,515 mm

• Recent thorough cosmetic and mechanical sorting, with significant upgrades

• Three known owners from new, covering roughly 45 of its 56 years

• Supplied with restoration documentation and copy of original build sheet

The DB2 was Aston Martin’s first all-new model created under the company’s ownership by David Brown. Powered by the W.O. Bentley-designed Lagonda twin-cam 2.6-litre six, it caused a sensation on the international salon and competitive circuits, taking the top three places in the 1951 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1953 this 'gentleman's sports car' grew into a saloon with seating for four and was aptly rechristened the DB2/4. Fastback bodywork was designed as the standard configuration creating, in essence, ‘the world’s first hatchback.’ In mid-1954 a new 2.9-litre block was introduced that boosted horsepower from 125 to 140 and gave a top speed of 120 miles per hour.

Chassis LML 1033 is finished in its original colours of Moonbeam Grey with red leather upholstery and grey piping. According to a copy of the original build sheet, it was sold new to Captain A.B.O. Parish of Holme Chase Hotel, Ashburton, Devon by Tice & Son Ltd. of Dorchester. The build sheet also verifies that LML 1033 is still equipped with its original engine, gearbox and registration number.

Captain Parish kept the Aston into the mid-’60s, and in 1974 the car passed to another long-term owner, a Mr. D. Price. Regarding the interesting feature of having the frontal body aspect now of a DB Mark III, Mr. Price related to its next and current owner that “Mr. Parish was too slow for the car and kept crashing the front end, and Aston Martin eventually repaired the front with a new nose.” Although its origin has not been substantiated otherwise, it is believed to have been completed ‘in period.’

In 1990, Mr. Price commissioned a full restoration by Phoenix Restorations of Arundel, West Sussex, today famous for their concours-standard rebuilds of XK Jaguars. The restoration was completed over a period of four years by which time approximately £50,000 had been spent, including an engine rebuild and unleaded head conversion. In 2001 the interior was fully reupholstered, and in October 2008 Mr. Price sold the Aston on to its current owner after over three decades of ownership.

During the last eight months, LML 1033 has been subjected to extensive cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment including a full strip and re-spray as well as full detailing of the engine bay. In addition, every piece of chrome has been re-plated, the dash re-veneered and the steering wheel restored. Mechanical work performed includes full fluid replacement, a full brake rebuild and carburettor tuning. Special attention was paid to drivability, with handling enhanced by updated dampers, a new roll bar and new wheels and tyres. In addition, significant upgrades now include the installation of front disc brakes and a rebuilt steering box with the variable assist electronic power steering conversion by GTC Engineering, who are respected for their work with Aston Martins.

The product of all this effort is the impressive overall presentation of an automobile that has been comprehensively sorted for driving appeal. This DB2/4 Mk I Saloon is supplied with copies of the original factory build sheets and two albums of bills and photographs detailing the vast amount of restoration work performed. This example is one of a mere 565 Mk Is built, in all body configurations, and is ready to be shown with pride and driven with confidence.