125 hp, 2,580 cc Vantage DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, twin SU carburettors, four-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with coil springs, trailing links and anti-roll bar, live rear axle with coil springs, radius rods and Panhard bar, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 99.25"

- One of only about 102 DB2 DHCs originally built

- Completely restored 1998-2005 at a cost of about €150.000

- Completed “The Winter Trial” classic rally

- Single ownership since 1975

The Aston Martin DB2 was announced in April 1950, and it was certainly one of the most significant models ever built by the storied marque. It marked a tremendous leap forward, starting with its 2.6-litre, W.O. Bentley-designed Lagonda DOHC six-cylinder engine. Coupled with an elegant factory-built saloon or dashing drophead coupé bodywork, it was clear that Aston Martin had its sights set on export success.

Managed by John Wyer, a three-car DB2 team contested Le Mans in 1950, where they finished fifth and sixth overall and first and second in class. No time was wasted in capitalising on the marketing value of this triumph, which included a three-litre lap record and a class distance record. “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday” rang true yet again.

The factory Le Mans cars, registered VMF 63, VMF 64 and VMF 65, were then lent to journalists prior to the London Motor Show. Their performance was heightened by the as-yet-unreleased 125-hp Vantage engine, which offered some 20 hp over the stock specification. A sleek aerodynamic coupé that could accelerate from rest to 60 mph in just 10.7 seconds, with a top speed approaching 120 mph, was bound to draw attention. Subsequent road tests produced varying figures but were especially notable for the length of time the cars were kept. Take The Autocar, for instance, which drove its DB2 for 1,900 miles in 10 days and declared it to be “in the first rank for handling and sheer brilliance of performance.”

This, then, is the family pedigree of this Vantage-powered DHC from 1952, chassis LML/50/397, which is one of only about 100 examples built. It was sold new by Brooklands of Bond Street, London and was acquired by the current owner in 1975. The prior owner acquired it in France as a true barn find, bearing a French licence plate ending in “75,” indicating it was formerly registered in Paris. In 1998 its restoration commenced, and in 2005 it was completed with over €150.000 invested. The comprehensive restoration addressed the body, brakes, chassis, engine, gearbox and driveline, instruments, upholstery and more, with the current owner reporting the car to be presented in virtually new condition today.

Handsomely finished in dark blue with red trim, a beige hood and a matching cover, the DB2 has travelled only about 7,000 miles since restoration. It has also quite admirably proven its quality when put to the test by entering and completing the international long-distance classic rally, “The Winter Trial.” Complete with photographic records depicting most of the restoration process, this extremely rare and highly collectable DB2 DHC is ready to enjoy and satisfying to drive, and it will provide a welcome entry to some of the most prestigious classic rallies and tours for its new owner.