For Sale: 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4 MKI in Houston, Texas for sale in Houston, TX
Vehicle Description Thank you for your interest in this well presented, prepared, and event proven DB2/4 MKII Saloon.
This particular Aston Martin is Selling Now, exclusively through the Spring Motoring Collection II Sale, hosted by Bring-a-Trailer.
com.
We encourage you to visit the listing here:
https:
//bringatrailer.
com/listing/1954-aston-martin-db-2-4-2 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4 Saloon Chassis No.
LML/551 Engine No.
VB6J/120/1283 (Matching Numbers) o No.
51 of 565 DB2/4 Production o Rare Factory Left Hand Drive Example, In Correct Black over Beige as Delivered o Original Numbers-Matching 2.
9-litre 140bhp 'VB6J' Engine o Body Number Stamped Panels - 143 Located Throughout o Documented by British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate o Long-Term California Car with Interesting Pedigree - First Owner reported as William Randolph Hearst, Jr o 2009 Mechanical Restoration by Kevin Kay Restorations - $63,000 Invested o Upgraded with Front Disc Brakes & T-5 5-Speed Transmission o Original 4-SPD Gearbox is included with the sale.
o Rally Prep & Service 2020 Inspection, Tune-Up & Major Service - $16,000
Invoice o Includes a Dossier of Documentation Including History and Maintenance Records o With Suixtil Helmet Bag and Period Style Driving Gear o The Ideal Entrant for Prestigious Vintage Driving Events Around the World Engine Compression:
PSI/Cylinder 1.
155 PSI 2.
160 PSI 3.
160 PSI 4.
155 PSI 5.
160 PSI 6.
160 PSI First offered as the DB2, Aston Martin quickly realized that it was becoming more important to accommodate the needs of motoring enthusiasts.
The DB2/4 Saloon emerged with two rear jump seats, more rear luggage space and the distinctive rear hatch.
All this, including chassis upgrades, made the new model DB2/4 Saloon capable of carrying more comfortably at high speeds.
The Motor magazine boasted The DB2/4 can truthfully claim to be the fastest car in the world capable of carrying two people with a month's luggage.
The 2.
6-litre 'VB6E' engine with 125bhp (Vantage tune) evolved early in 1954 to the 2.
9-litre 140bhp 'VB6J' engine, capable of achieving 100mph in third gear with around 120mph top speed.
Of course all this came with fantastic handling and bespoke interior trimmed in fine leather and burled walnut.
Between 1953 and 1955, just 451 DB2/4 Saloons were assembled at the DB works factory, while the earliest hand-crafted aluminum bodies were under the direction of Mulliner and later Tickford.
According to factory records, LML 551 was finished in fall 1954, equipped with the updated 2.
9-litre VB6/J engine, heavy-duty Armstrong shock absorbers, 3.
73:
1 rear axle ratio, and KLG spark plugs.
The 2/4 Saloon was finished in Black over Beige leather, in left-hand configuration as it currently appears today.
The car was ordered through S.
H.
Arnolt of Chicago and delivered on September 17, 1954, to Foreign Car Center in Carmel, California.
Research from prior owners indicate that it was owned for a brief period by William Randolph Hearst, Jr.
prior to being sold to H.
M.
Handley.
Mr.
Handley campaigned the car in local race venues along the California coast such as Stockton, Santa Rosa and Santa Barbara.
An image dating from this period illustrates the distinctive Aston Martin taking part in a California D Production race (see attached).
Stan Davis purchased the car in 1975 and registered it as '54 Aston' on California blue plates.
It remained in his care for nearly two decades.
In 2004, the car was purchased by Mr.
Ginsberg who began a sympathetic cosmetic restoration.
Upon completion, it was display at the 2007 Niello concours at Serrano in the featured Aston Martin class.
Fred Dulien of Costa Mesa, California, purchased the car shortly after the show, entrusting marque expert Kevin Kay to perform a comprehensive mechanical restoration.
Between November 2007 - August 2009, the engine, suspension and brakes were rebuilt as needed, and a T-5 five-speed gearbox was installed resulting in vastly improved drivability.
Shortly after this extensive work was done, a succeeding caretaker acquired the 2/4 and performed additional upgrades to improve the driving experience for tours and spirited driving.
Copious receipts documenting over $63,000.
00 in expenses with Kevin Kay Restorations, along with other records accompany the car.
2019 services include a routine, inspection and tune-up, frontend and oil pan reseal, along with new 185VR16 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 tires and Michelin tubes.
Today, this fantastic Aston Martin presents well and offers the ideal vintage touring candidate - eligible for numerous prestigious driving events around the world.
Beautifully mellowed cosmetics show nicely for local display, with smooth gloss, bright chrome, and good panel fit.
A traditional leather bonnet strap buckles across the hood.
The cabin features matured leather, bright instruments, and excellent burled walnut dashboard.
All lights, gauges and electrical equipment are in proper working order and all recently restored.
The rear hatch is easily opened, revealing luggage space, and traditional leather straps.
Bespoke trunk carpet protects the painted floor.
The engine compartment is nicely finished with attention to originality and reliability.
Likewise, the car's undercarriage further verifies the excellent workmanship and quality restorative work.
The mechanical performance of the car has been enhanced with a 5-speed gearbox (original 4-speed is included with the car) and updated front disc brakes.
While some modern materials have been implemented to elevate the driving and reliability levels of this car, the underlying theme has been to restore and maintain the car to a highly usable, but largely original standard.
A Winter 2020 inspection, tune-up, and major service was commissioned in preparations for vintage rally readiness.
This included R&R clutch assembly with uprated components and supports, restoration of the radiator and cooling system, restoration and recalibration of all gauges/instruments, secure all mounted components throughout the vehicle, freshen windshield wiper system, inspect and secure wiring and electrical components, flush and adjust braking system, tune carburetors, new valve cover and rear end gaskets, ignition components, fluids and filters.
A $16,500 investment.
Driving the car is a pure delight.
Acceleration, steering, braking, handling.
this particular DB 2/4 is among the best, if not the very best driving vintage Aston Martins we have ever experienced.
In addition to the numerous servicing invoices and original parts, the Saloon is complete with a fitted tool set in the center console, spare wheel and emergency accessories, model literature, Instruction Book (copy), and British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate in Aston Martin binder.
Considering the remarkable qualities of this car and the growing appreciation for early David Brown Aston Martins, this wonderfully presented DB2/4 Saloon presents an excellent opportunity as an ideal entrant for prestigious driving events such as the Mille Miglia, California Mille, and the Colorado Grand.
Properly sorted and ready for touring, local show events, and AMOC gatherings, LML 551 is ready to share its balanced combination of excellent restoration and thoughtful safety/performance upgrades with its next delighted enthusiast.
The above vehicle information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the tifor more information please contact the seller.
.
This particular Aston Martin is Selling Now, exclusively through the Spring Motoring Collection II Sale, hosted by Bring-a-Trailer.
com.
We encourage you to visit the listing here:
https:
//bringatrailer.
com/listing/1954-aston-martin-db-2-4-2 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4 Saloon Chassis No.
LML/551 Engine No.
VB6J/120/1283 (Matching Numbers) o No.
51 of 565 DB2/4 Production o Rare Factory Left Hand Drive Example, In Correct Black over Beige as Delivered o Original Numbers-Matching 2.
9-litre 140bhp 'VB6J' Engine o Body Number Stamped Panels - 143 Located Throughout o Documented by British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate o Long-Term California Car with Interesting Pedigree - First Owner reported as William Randolph Hearst, Jr o 2009 Mechanical Restoration by Kevin Kay Restorations - $63,000 Invested o Upgraded with Front Disc Brakes & T-5 5-Speed Transmission o Original 4-SPD Gearbox is included with the sale.
o Rally Prep & Service 2020 Inspection, Tune-Up & Major Service - $16,000
Invoice o Includes a Dossier of Documentation Including History and Maintenance Records o With Suixtil Helmet Bag and Period Style Driving Gear o The Ideal Entrant for Prestigious Vintage Driving Events Around the World Engine Compression:
PSI/Cylinder 1.
155 PSI 2.
160 PSI 3.
160 PSI 4.
155 PSI 5.
160 PSI 6.
160 PSI First offered as the DB2, Aston Martin quickly realized that it was becoming more important to accommodate the needs of motoring enthusiasts.
The DB2/4 Saloon emerged with two rear jump seats, more rear luggage space and the distinctive rear hatch.
All this, including chassis upgrades, made the new model DB2/4 Saloon capable of carrying more comfortably at high speeds.
The Motor magazine boasted The DB2/4 can truthfully claim to be the fastest car in the world capable of carrying two people with a month's luggage.
The 2.
6-litre 'VB6E' engine with 125bhp (Vantage tune) evolved early in 1954 to the 2.
9-litre 140bhp 'VB6J' engine, capable of achieving 100mph in third gear with around 120mph top speed.
Of course all this came with fantastic handling and bespoke interior trimmed in fine leather and burled walnut.
Between 1953 and 1955, just 451 DB2/4 Saloons were assembled at the DB works factory, while the earliest hand-crafted aluminum bodies were under the direction of Mulliner and later Tickford.
According to factory records, LML 551 was finished in fall 1954, equipped with the updated 2.
9-litre VB6/J engine, heavy-duty Armstrong shock absorbers, 3.
73:
1 rear axle ratio, and KLG spark plugs.
The 2/4 Saloon was finished in Black over Beige leather, in left-hand configuration as it currently appears today.
The car was ordered through S.
H.
Arnolt of Chicago and delivered on September 17, 1954, to Foreign Car Center in Carmel, California.
Research from prior owners indicate that it was owned for a brief period by William Randolph Hearst, Jr.
prior to being sold to H.
M.
Handley.
Mr.
Handley campaigned the car in local race venues along the California coast such as Stockton, Santa Rosa and Santa Barbara.
An image dating from this period illustrates the distinctive Aston Martin taking part in a California D Production race (see attached).
Stan Davis purchased the car in 1975 and registered it as '54 Aston' on California blue plates.
It remained in his care for nearly two decades.
In 2004, the car was purchased by Mr.
Ginsberg who began a sympathetic cosmetic restoration.
Upon completion, it was display at the 2007 Niello concours at Serrano in the featured Aston Martin class.
Fred Dulien of Costa Mesa, California, purchased the car shortly after the show, entrusting marque expert Kevin Kay to perform a comprehensive mechanical restoration.
Between November 2007 - August 2009, the engine, suspension and brakes were rebuilt as needed, and a T-5 five-speed gearbox was installed resulting in vastly improved drivability.
Shortly after this extensive work was done, a succeeding caretaker acquired the 2/4 and performed additional upgrades to improve the driving experience for tours and spirited driving.
Copious receipts documenting over $63,000.
00 in expenses with Kevin Kay Restorations, along with other records accompany the car.
2019 services include a routine, inspection and tune-up, frontend and oil pan reseal, along with new 185VR16 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 tires and Michelin tubes.
Today, this fantastic Aston Martin presents well and offers the ideal vintage touring candidate - eligible for numerous prestigious driving events around the world.
Beautifully mellowed cosmetics show nicely for local display, with smooth gloss, bright chrome, and good panel fit.
A traditional leather bonnet strap buckles across the hood.
The cabin features matured leather, bright instruments, and excellent burled walnut dashboard.
All lights, gauges and electrical equipment are in proper working order and all recently restored.
The rear hatch is easily opened, revealing luggage space, and traditional leather straps.
Bespoke trunk carpet protects the painted floor.
The engine compartment is nicely finished with attention to originality and reliability.
Likewise, the car's undercarriage further verifies the excellent workmanship and quality restorative work.
The mechanical performance of the car has been enhanced with a 5-speed gearbox (original 4-speed is included with the car) and updated front disc brakes.
While some modern materials have been implemented to elevate the driving and reliability levels of this car, the underlying theme has been to restore and maintain the car to a highly usable, but largely original standard.
A Winter 2020 inspection, tune-up, and major service was commissioned in preparations for vintage rally readiness.
This included R&R clutch assembly with uprated components and supports, restoration of the radiator and cooling system, restoration and recalibration of all gauges/instruments, secure all mounted components throughout the vehicle, freshen windshield wiper system, inspect and secure wiring and electrical components, flush and adjust braking system, tune carburetors, new valve cover and rear end gaskets, ignition components, fluids and filters.
A $16,500 investment.
Driving the car is a pure delight.
Acceleration, steering, braking, handling.
this particular DB 2/4 is among the best, if not the very best driving vintage Aston Martins we have ever experienced.
In addition to the numerous servicing invoices and original parts, the Saloon is complete with a fitted tool set in the center console, spare wheel and emergency accessories, model literature, Instruction Book (copy), and British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate in Aston Martin binder.
Considering the remarkable qualities of this car and the growing appreciation for early David Brown Aston Martins, this wonderfully presented DB2/4 Saloon presents an excellent opportunity as an ideal entrant for prestigious driving events such as the Mille Miglia, California Mille, and the Colorado Grand.
Properly sorted and ready for touring, local show events, and AMOC gatherings, LML 551 is ready to share its balanced combination of excellent restoration and thoughtful safety/performance upgrades with its next delighted enthusiast.
The above vehicle information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the tifor more information please contact the seller.
.
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