Aston Martin’s DB2/4 was offered from 1953 to 1959 in three series. It was a true “Gentleman’s Express” and was described in The Motor as being “the fastest automobile in the world capable of carrying two people with a month’s luggage”. Its W.O. Bentley-designed, twin-cam, 2.6-litre six, which was carried over from the DB2 in Vantage form, gave this elegant 2+2 hatchback a 0–60 time of 11 seconds and near 120 mph capability, whilst its fortunate occupants relaxed in the finest-quality leather and wool interior.

The BMIHT Certificate states that this DB2/4 was completed on 2 February 1954, and it was originally sold to a Scottish customer. Whilst its early history is unknown, its build sheet documents an early factory engine replacement. According to Anthony Forshaw, it is believed that its current engine is that period replacement unit. Aston Service Dorset has issued an amended build sheet and new chassis plate to cement the connection. The Aston was discovered in Virginia by the current owner in 2008, who then promptly delivered it to Francis Warwick, of Lea Francis Automotive Archaeologist in West Palm Beach, Florida, a specialist in British marques, for restoration.

The car was disassembled, and its alloy body was repaired where necessary. Any panels showing signs of oxidation were replaced with new metal, with the work being performed by a collector-class craftsman who was an expert in English wheels. The underside was cleaned and undercoated, and the consignor states that the electrical system was redone, including the installation of a correct new wiring harness, a fuse block, NOS trafficators, and a rebuilt wiper motor. All instruments were rebuilt, and a new speedometer cable was installed. The fuel tank and lines were flushed, and a new fuel pump was installed. The drum brakes and carburetion were properly rebuilt, the radiator was re-cored, and a new period-correct exhaust system was fitted. The transmission was serviced, and the engine was gone through, with the technician reporting excellent compression on all cylinders. The suspension was serviced, the engine bay was repainted a textured black, the firewall was insulated, and the heater box was stripped and powder-coated. And finally, the shimmering body was hand polished.

Inside, all new Olive leather, matching cut-pile wool carpeting, and a beige wool headliner and side panels were cut, sewn, and installed. The interior wood was replaced with new burl mahogany pieces. All of the interior fasteners were replaced with stainless or chrome bits. There are new period-correct seat belts, and a new Triplex windscreen was installed, along with all-new rubber seals and weather-stripping. The window regulators were refurbished for proper operation, and all exterior brightwork was re-chromed, with a new cloisonné restoration added to the badges. The car has five new 600x16-inch Firestone bias-ply tyres and tubes, and the wire wheels and grille were powder-coated black. The rear luggage area is protected by a set of leather-edged over-carpets. Receipts for the extensive work performed are available in the car’s history file.

The car is presented in stunning polished alloy, and it will be supplied with its correct bumpers and bumper-irons, front over-riders, mounting hardware, and its original Scottish number plate, MUS 194. Also included will be all of the books, invoices, and records from the consignor’s ownership, a display board that includes its BMIHT Certificate, a technical data sheet, its factory record, a modified factory record, and all of its factory tools, including those fitted into the interior armrest. An Aston Martin DB2/4 of this vintage is Mille Miglia-eligible, and this wonderful example has indeed been prepared for rally events. Recent concours outings have produced Best in Class and Exceptional in Class awards.

The connoisseur searching for a sorted and strikingly beautiful DB2/4 need look no further, and whether the car remains unpainted or is returned to its original colour scheme, the next owner will have an extraordinary Aston Martin that is certain to turn heads anywhere and everywhere it is seen.