Three-litre DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with coil springs, trailing links and anti-roll bar, live axle rear with coil springs, radius rods and Panhard bar, and Girling four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,515 mm

• Offered from the Collection of a Swiss Gentleman

• One of just 411 DB2s originally built; an original RHD French-delivery car

• Sold new to the Martell Cognac firm

• Restored in France, 2003-2005

• Complete with copy of Aston Martin build sheet and factory sales brochure

“It is difficult to give too much praise to the handling and performance of the DB2 sports saloon.” The Autocar, 1952

“Le Mans, 1951: Of the five Aston Martin DB2s entered, five finished the race in third, fifth, seventh and thirteenth positions. For a 2,580 cc car to put up such a performance against the larger-engined cars is indeed a triumph.” Road & Track, 1952

A right-hand drive model sold new to Martell & Co. in Cognac, France’s oldest producers of fine brandy, this is one of 411 DB2 coupés built. Factory chassis records indicate non-standard equipment as: “Purolator oil filter. M/C choke and ignition. Vent frames-windshields.” Further factory notes include details of extensive servicing work during 1953, including fitting later-type pistons and valve guides, modifying the brakes with Alfin drums, improving engine performance, modifying the head, bellhousing and clutch “to 3 litre type” and sundry other improvements. This car’s entry in the AMOC Register (Vol. 2, page 98) records its engine as ‘VB6B/50/1108,’ a 2.6-litre Vantage unit, while that fitted is believed to be a 3.0-litre unit. We do not know if or when this modification was carried out, or by whom, but judging by the first owner’s servicing habits, he was either competing with the car or at least a very demanding driver, so it is possible he may be responsible for the more powerful engine. Either way, the second owner is recorded, still on the factory records, as a Monsieur Gauthier.

The car presumably never left France, as it was acquired in Colombes by previous owner Jean-Louis Hebert in July 1996 and purchased by the vendor at a Monaco auction in 2007. At the time, the American magazine Sports Car Market reported: “Full body and mechanical restoration in ’06. In mint condition throughout, including wheels, under hood, interior, and chassis. Paint showing minor swirl marks. Fantastic overall.” The car sold for €120,500.

It was subsequently imported to Switzerland where it has undergone further mechanical work (invoice available), the engine, gearbox, rear axle, brakes and bodywork having been previously restored between 2003 and 2005. It is offered with current Swiss registration, a copy of factory build records, work invoices, factory sales brochure and original French Carte Grise.

An ideal candidate for the Mille Miglia, Tour Auto and other world class events and a rare, appreciating asset, this is a handsome, old-school British Grand Tourer with bags of vintage charm.

A reduced import tax of 5% may be applicable to this car. For further explanation please speak with an RM representative.