The Aston Marin DB2/4 was conceived as a refined interpretation of the much-loved DB2, earning its extended moniker thanks to the four-seat layout that also relieved occupants of the slightly cramped conditions of the standard car. Further to its availability as a 2+2 hatchback, the DB2/4 could also be ordered in fixed or drophead coupe form. The car was designed by Frank Feeley, and the bodies were built by Mulliners Limited of Birmingham, England.

Following these improvements on the already successful DB2, the DB2/4 was undoubtedly one of Britain's finest sports car exports at the time. Ultimately, 565 examples of the “Mark I” were manufactured, of which only 102 were specified in Drophead Coupe configuration. In production around the time that the first 007 novels were written, the DB2/4 is said to have forged a link between Aston Martin and the popular spy franchise. The model featured a leather-fronted ashtray that rotated into the dashboard when not in use, which is thought to have inspired Sir Ian Fleming to invent James Bond’s panel of spy instruments.

The example offered here, chassis LML 829, was completed at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell factory on 25 January 1955. As indicated by its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, this left-hand-drive Drophead Coupe was finished in Blue Haze, fitted with a Beige convertible top, and upholstered in Red leather. This DB2/4 was equipped with the desirable and larger displacement 2.9-liter engine, a powertrain that had proven its worth when fitted to the Works team’s DB3 cars. By 14 March 1955, the car was sent to the United States and soon purchased by its first owner, Mr. R. W. Cooper of Washington, DC.

While the earlier history of this DB2/4 is unclear, it is believed that there were four owners prior to being acquired by the Gene Ponder Collection. The previous keeper was a classic car enthusiast from Connecticut and during his ownership, visual cues around the car suggest that a restoration was undertaken. At this point, the car was finished in its factory-correct color scheme of Blue Haze over Red leather, but with the convertible top trimmed in navy blue.

Gene Ponder purchased this stunning Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe in 2018, registering it for the road in the August of that year. In 2019, invoices show that a new starter motor was fitted, as was a replacement wooden steering wheel, while the fuel tank was flushed, and the wiring loom tested and repaired. In the May of that year, this DB2/4 participated in the esteemed California Mille.

A sublime car, this wonderful Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe is the epitome of 1950s British open-top motoring.