Aston Martin’s history of making cars that will stop you in your tracks goes back even further than the DB5.
A gorgeous 1954 DB2/4 rebodied by Bertone will be auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s this coming Friday in New York. The two-door isn’t just a beauty, though, it’s also unique, which is why it will likely fetch a seven-figure sum.
It was in the late 1940s that David Brown Limited would buy Aston Martin (and then Lagonda) and begin turning it into one of the most revered names in the British automotive industry. Soon after, the company began producing the “DB” series of cars—you can probably guess why those letters were chosen—that would establish itself as a force in European motorsports. One of the first of these models was the DB2/4, an elegant grand tourer (and predecessor of the James Bond-approved DB5) that would be in production from 1953 to 1957.
The example, chassis no. LML/765, heading to the auction block, stands out from the other DB2/4s built by the automaker during that period, though. That’s because it is one of seven reworked by Bertone at the behest of businessman Stanley H. “Wacky” Arnolt II, according to the sales listing. The Italian coachbuilder replaced the DB2/4’s shapely body with something much sleeker. LML/765 is the only coupe (the others are all spiders).
The hardtop is finished in period-correct metallic blue with chrome trim. The interior is just as attractive, and features seats covered in tan leather with white piping matching carpeting. Under the hood, you’ll find a rebuilt, but numbers-matching, 2.6-liter Lagonda inline-six. Despite being 69 years old, the car looks as good as it did brand new thanks to some impeccable work by Kevin Kay Restorations in California. It appears to have been money well spent, too, as the car claimed a class win at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Looking to add a unique Aston Martin to your garage? RM Sotheby’s plans to bid for the DB2/4 on Friday, December 8. But be prepared to spend big if you want to add this two-seater to your collection. The auction house expects the vehicle to sell for between $1.2 million and $1.6 million.
Click here for more photos of the 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Coupe by Bertone.
RM Sotheby’s