1956 | Aston Martin DB 2/4 Mk II

Following the end of WWII, Aston Martin faced its third major financial crisis when a lack of capital prevented the development of new and necessary post-war models. A cryptic advertisement in The Times caught successful industrialist David Brown's eye and by February 1947, a mere £20,500 was required for him to gain ownership of the firm. A few months later, another shrewd acquisition netted Brown to the Lagonda Company, which provided a modern 2,580 cc twin-overhead camshaft engine. In various forms, this basic engine design would continue through 1959, powering Aston Martin's DB2, DB2/4, and DB Mk. III road cars, as well as the DB3 and DB3S sports racers. While these developments satisfied Brown the businessman, the racer inside nurtured the dream of scoring outright victory at the ultimate endurance competition, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Under the leadership of legendary team manager John Wyer and newly hired drivers, including Jack Fairman, George Abecassis, Lance Macklin and Reg Parnell, racing began in earnest with the prototype DB2 models of 1949. One of these, LML/49/3, earned a Le Mans class podium finish. This promising start was followed by a trio of DB2s, LML/50/7, 50/8, and 50/9, that were entered in 1950 and two earned class awards. These were followed by the introduction of the DB3 and 3S competition cars, which moved the needle forward from 1952 through 1956. David Brown's racing aspirations and his Works team efforts culminated in 1959, when the DBR1, driven by Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby, won Le Mans outright. That same year, the World Sports Car Championship also fell to Aston Martin, with additional help from the likes of such legendary drivers as Stirling Moss, Jack Fairman and Tony Brooks. The hugely successful DB4, DB5, and DB6 Grand Tourers, powered by a new alloy twin-cam six, followed in the 1959 to 1969 period. They all owe their very existence to the landmark DB2.

This 1956 registered Aston Martin presents beautifully in British Racing Green and a tan leather interior. After purchasing this DB 2/4 the fastidious vendor had a significant amount of work carried out on it, this included the fitment of a new clutch, king pins re-shimmed, new chrome wire wheels and Blockley tyres. The front wheel bearings have been adjusted as has the steering box. All the oils have been changed and the engine professionally tuned. We are advised this Aston Martin drives as good as it looks, starts immediately when requested and the engine sounds delightful. The paintwork is in good order throughout and the interior is very tidy, with no rips or tears. The engine was tuned and a new thermostat fitted. Ergonomically the cockpit area of a DB 2/4 is uncomplicated, with easy-to-read dials and simple switchgear. Supplied with a V5C registration document together with an invoice confirming the recent expenditure of £9,760, this Aston Martin DB 2/4 is a car that can be enjoyed immediately and will constantly attract admiring glances. Consigned by Stewart Banks.

Lot details
Year: 1956
Make: Aston Martin
Model: DB 2/4 Mk. II
Registration: TYN 125
Chassis No: AM3001129
Engine No: VB/65/778
Mileage: 00,185


* New clutch fitted

* New wheels and Blockley tyres

* Recent expenditure of £9,760