1933 | Aston Martin Le Mans

Aston Martin, founded in 1913, quickly established a reputation for producing some of the most distinguished sports cars of the era. In February 1932, the marque introduced the second series of it’s 1.5-litre models, with the Short Chassis Le Mans making its debut at the 1932 London Motor Show.

Although it retained the external styling of its predecessor, the short chassis Le Mans was significantly re-engineered beneath the surface featuring a new 102-inch chassis, a race-inspired dry sump lubrication system, and a refined 1.5-litre four-cylinder overhead camshaft engine. This unit delivered 70 bhp at 5,000 rpm and was paired with a close-ratio four-speed gearbox featuring straight-cut gears. A new Laycock transmission was also introduced, now directly mounted to the engine, further enhancing performance.

The Short Chassis Le Mans quickly became the preferred choice for racing and fast-paced driving on the road and given Aston Martin’s notable racing presence at Le Mans during the 1930s, naming this model after the legendary race seemed obvious.

At the time of its launch, the Aston Martin Le Mans was widely acclaimed. In a 1932 road test, The Autocar described it with glowing praise:

‘This Le Mans model of the latest type is about as near a racing machine as it is possible to buy for practical and general use on the road. Speed would be expected and is certainly given, and the car has really fierce acceleration through the gears, but what is a truly remarkable part of the design is that at the same time the engine is thoroughly docile and tractable.

It must be emphasized that the Le Mans model is not a touring-type car tuned so a sports performance is given; it is a real, individual speed model, but able to do practically all a touring car can do.

The thing which strikes one instantly is the amazing way in which the car handles. It is rock steady. Steering, road- holding and breaking, that all-important trinity, are just about as near perfection as they can conceivably be – and perfection is a word practically never used by those experienced in cars´.

This particular 1933 Aston Martin Short Chassis Le Mans has matching chassis and engine number L3/325/S (The S suffix denoting Short Chassis). Only 106 cars were build in total by Aston Martin that year, and just 69 examples of the Le Mans Short Chassis, so a rare bird indeed.

L3/325/S remains remarkably original, retaining most of its original body, windscreen, and wings exactly as it was delivered from the factory.

The racing heritage of Aston Martin is evident in the toned down interior with leather clad racing style bucket seats, leather clad door panels, simple carpeting and not much else, giving full attention to the two large-diameter speedo and rev counters that are positioned prominently on the dashboard.

Around 5,000 miles ago, the engine underwent a major rebuild to Ulster competition specification. The rebuild included a new steel crankshaft and connecting rods with shell bearings, Cosworth pistons, an upgraded Aston Martin Ulster-type camshaft, and 1½” carburetors. As a result, the engine now produces 80 bhp at 5,200 rpm and revs smoothly to 5,500 rpm. Despite its enhanced performance, the engine remains entirely practical for spirited road use and has proven exceptionally reliable.

Furthermore the brake system, shock absorbers and king pins were overhauled and the car comes with 4 new wheels shod with fresh Blockley tyres. The original bronze bodied carburettors and original wheels naturally follow the car.

The history of L3/325/S can be traced back to its first delivery with Dr. A. Gray of Bangor, UK. Dr. Gray kept a comprehensive record of the service history, all documented in copies of the original service notes dating from 1934-1948 and showing the mileage to be 38.379 in 1948.

In 1940 L3/325/S was featured and road tested in ‘The Autocar  Magazine in June 1940.

In 1949-1952, L3/325/S Mans was owned by a certain L. Napier who used the car extensively for rally and trials competition. In 1952 Mr. Napier took things one step further and fitted a Supercharger.

In 1982 L3/325/S changed ownership to Mr. Shepherd in Salisbury, UK. Mr Shepherd had extensive mechanical work carried out, all of which is documented in the many invoices on file. Following the work, Mr. Shepherd would use the car for racing, rally and hill climb and would go on to enjoy L3/325/S until 2000.

In 2000 the Aston Martin changed ownership and moved to Denmark where it has been with the same owner since, participating in various rallies and concours events. Following a restoration in the 2000s addressing both mechanical and cosmetic aspects, L3/325/S is in superb condition and starts effortlessly.

Being matching numbers and correct throughout, Le Mans L3/325/S is an exceptional pre-war sports car and a rare and desirable example of Aston Martin’s pre-war racing pedigree.

L3/325/S remains both fast and reliable and is perfectly suited for and guaranteed to enter prestigious historic events such as the Mille Miglia or the Le Mans Classic, making it an outstanding example for any serious collector or vintage motorsport enthusiast.

Registered on current Danish (EU) registration documents.

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