1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI 3.0-Litre Sports Saloon
Coachwork by Mulliners of Birmingham
Registration no. PGH 334
Chassis no. LML791
Engine no. VB6J/243

With the introduction of the '2+2' DB2/4 in October 1953, Aston Martin extended the DB2's appeal to the hitherto untapped yet increasingly important market comprised of 'sports car enthusiasts with a family'. By modifying the rear of the chassis and reducing the fuel tank capacity from 19 to 17 gallons, Aston's engineers liberated sufficient space within the existing design for two child-sized occasional rear seats. Alternatively, the rear seat backs could be folded down, thus creating a load-carrying platform that more than doubled the luggage space. The latter could be accessed via the 2/4's opening rear door, a pioneering example of the now commonplace 'hatchback' concept.
In addition, a raised roofline, one-piece windscreen, larger bumpers and other detail styling changes differentiated the newcomer from its predecessor. Otherwise, the DB2/4 remained much the same as the DB2, employing the latter's rectangular-tube chassis, trailing arm independent front suspension and well-located live rear axle. Bodies were supplied by Mulliners of Birmingham until the advent of the Mark II version in October 1955, when Tickford - recently acquired by Aston Martin's owner, David Brown - took over.
Designed at Lagonda by Willy Watson, under the supervision of W O Bentley, the 2.6-litre, six-cylinder, twin-cam power unit came in tuned (125bhp) Vantage specification as standard for the 2/4. Despite this, the redesign's inevitable weight gain was not fully compensated for until the arrival of the 3.0-litre, 140bhp engine in 1954. The DB2/4's top speed was now 118mph with 60mph reachable in around 11 seconds, making it one of the fastest British-built cars of the day. In total, 565 of all types had been produced by the time the Mark II version arrived in October 1955.

This DB2/4 was purchased by the vendor on the 5th of February 1979 and has enjoyed 43 years of single ownership, being meticulously cared for by the owner during that time. A restoration of the bodywork was carried out by Four Ashes Garage around 12 years ago, while the engine has been rebuilt around a new Vitus Engineering cylinder block (cracked original block with car) by Tim Stamper. The rear suspension has been restored also, with new hubs and new brakes. The interior leather is original but the carpets are new. The original steering wheel is with the car but some refurbishment is required. Only some 500 miles have been covered since the restoration. The car comes with a substantial file of restoration invoices as well as copies of the original road test results, original engineers handbook, a spares catalogue and an engine and valve timing technical drawing. A DB2/4 MK1 and MK2 instruction book is also included in the sale.