Aston Martin was keen to impress upon prospective customers that its new DB2 would maintain the marque’s motorsport heritage, with period brochures proudly listing the firm’s on-track successes. Employing a lightweight steel tubular frame chassis dressed in aluminum panels coachbuilt by Mulliners of Birmingham, the svelte Sports Saloon lived up to the legacy. In the 1950 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, DB2s claimed the lap and distance record for 3-liter cars in addition to scoring 1st and 2nd in class. Come that year’s prestigious Tourist Trophy, the model went a step further by locking out the class podium.

Only 92 examples of the DB2 Drophead Coupe were produced between 1950 and 1953, including a mere 23 right-hand-drive models, with the earliest production examples featuring the distinctive three-piece “washboard” grille.

According to its Aston Martin Dorset build record, a copy of which is included in the history file, chassis number LML/50/45 was specified in Ivory over a red Vaumol leather interior, with a metric speedometer as the only noted option. Its guarantee was issued 18 April 1951, the date of delivery by Selby Whigam & Cole. The original owners are recorded as one G. Kraft, Esq., and P. Oquissauti, both of Italy. Interestingly, a light-colored DB2 Drophead Coupe was exhibited by Aston Martin at the 1951 Turin Motor Show; this is recorded by historians as one of two possibilities for that car, based upon its colors and location at the time.

The car remained in Italy at least through 1959, and subsequently moved across the Atlantic to the United States. In 1990 it was acquired by Jeffery J. Tamayo of Brentwood, California, then passed into the care of the well-known Blackhawk Collection of Danville. Under their auspices it was offered at a 1991 sale in Tokyo, Japan, from which it was acquired by the present collection—where it has now remained for a remarkable 35 years.

Presented in attractive older restored condition, with some evidence of age and use under the bonnet and on the undercarriage, the DB2 is still finished in its delivery color scheme, and retains its numbers-matching engine as well as the original data plate. Overall the appearance is of a well-cared-for automobile. Indeed, it has enjoyed the same careful upkeep and preservation as other cars in the consignor’s care, and it would be ideal for local showing as well as for driving enjoyment under its new ownership.