Featured is a beautiful 1955 Astin Martin DB2/4 MK II, one of only 199 produced.
The Aston Martin DB2/4 is a grand tourer produced by Aston Martin from 1953 until 1957. Aston Martin, founded in 1913 by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, is a British manufacturer of luxurious, high-performance cars.
The marque is one of the most iconic automotive brands in the world, and is well-known for the luxury and sophistication offered by its cars.
The Astin Martin DB2/4
The DB model name used on many Aston Martin models actually stands for David Brown, who purchased Aston Martin in 1947. The first Astin Martin using the DB was in 1950 with the DB2. The “/4” in the DB2/4 was to denote the 2+2 seating arrangement in the Saloon model, with one of the first uses of a hatchback rear on a car.
The DB2/4 was initially offered with the 2.6-liter engine that was first seen in the DB2 in Vantage specification, but eventually a 3.0-liter was introduced in 1954. This engine provided a 118 mph top speed, the first 100 of which could be reached in third gear, delivering wonderful performance to match its luxurious accommodations. Handling proved to be just as capable, and the DB2/4 was undoubtedly one of the finest sports cars produced in Great Britain at the time. Ultimately, 761 examples of the first series and second series would be built by the time production ended in 1957. These included the Saloon, the Drophead Coupé, and the two-seat Fixed Head Coupé. The model was replaced by the Aston Martin DB Mark III in 1957 (technically called the DB 2/4 Mark III), which would itself be replaced by the Aston Martin DB4.
The DB2/4 Mk II model, introduced in 1955, offered an optional large-valve, high compression (8.6:1) 165 hp (123 kW) engine.
This model featured the larger 3.0-liter engine, as well as a slightly raised roofline, improving passenger headroom; minor interior changes, providing a more comfortable ride; and a modern-looking fly-off hand brake.
Current Owners of Astin Martin
A consortium led by billionaire Lawrence Stroll will put in £182m, with the rest of the money coming from existing investors. Mr Stroll partly owns the Racing Point Formula 1 team, which will be branded Aston Martin from 2021 under the deal.
1955 Astin Martin DB2/4 Mark II Specifications
Engine for this model was a 178 cubic inch Lagonda straight six delivering 140 HP. The Lagonda straight six was used in both Astin Martin and Lagonda automobiles. Lagonda ios a British Luxury brand established in 1906 but owned by Astin Martin since 1947.
Transmission was a four speed manual.
Overall model length is 171.1 inches, wheelbase 99.25 inches, width 65.0 inches, height 53.5 inches.
Total production for the Astin Martin DB2/4 Mark II was 199 units making the 1955 model quite rare.
Related articles from Auto Museum Online are found on the links below…
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
1951 Jaguar Mark V Drophead Coupe
Reference material for this article includes…Aston Martin The Story of a British Icon by author Ben Collins...Aston Martin DB: 70 Years by Andrew Noakes…Complete Book of Collectible Cars by Richard M. Langworth…Astin Martin Owners Club of North America.
1955 Astin Martin DB2/4 Mark II Collector Car
To be sure, the 1955 Astin Martin Mark II with only 199 examples built, is a very rare and valuable collector automobile.
In general, 1955 Astin Martin DB2/4 Mark II auction results place a perfect showroom model at about $275,000 to $400,000. We see a recent sale at $286,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)