1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 3.0-Litre Drophead Coupé
Coachwork by Mulliners of Birmingham
Registration no. not registered
Chassis no. LML/1019
Engine no. VB6J/542
•One of only 46 export-model DB2/4 dropheads made
•Delivered new to California, USA
•Dry stored for many years
•Offered for restoration
Footnotes:
The need to widen the appeal of the already-successful DB2 resulted in the launch in October 1953 of the 2+2 DB2/4. Modifications to the rear of the chassis plus a reduction in fuel tank capacity from 19 to 17 gallons liberated sufficient space within the existing design for two child-sized occasional rear seats. Alternatively, the rear seat backs could be folded down, thus creating a load-carrying platform that more than doubled the luggage space, the latter being accessed via a hatchback rear door - one of this now-common feature's earliest applications. In addition, a raised roofline, one-piece windscreen, larger bumpers and other detail styling changes differentiated the newcomer from its predecessor. Otherwise, the DB2/4 remained much the same as the DB2, employing the latter's rectangular-tube chassis, trailing arm independent front suspension and well-located live rear axle.

Standard specification included the W O Bentley-era, 2.6-litre, 'VB6E' engine in 125bhp tune. Despite this, the redesign's inevitable weight gain was not fully compensated for until the arrival of the 3.0-litre, 140bhp engine in 1954. Equipped with latter, the DB2/4 was one of the fastest cars then built in Great Britain - with 100mph achievable in third gear and around 120mph maximum - possessing impeccable handling plus a level of comfort rare in any high-performance car. DB2/4 production had amounted to 565 cars by the time of the Mark II's introduction in October 1955. According to the AMOC, at least 102 were dropheads, of which 46 were export models like that offered here.

Its accompanying copy guarantee form shows that this 3.0-litre 'Mark I' DB2/4, chassis number '1019', was delivered new via Peter Satori Co Ltd to first owner Michael Henry Strater of Berkeley, California, USA. The car was ordered with Ivory paintwork, subsequently changed to green, and left the factory with a red interior and matching hood. Unfortunately, little is known of the car's subsequent history prior to its acquisition by the current vendor in 2002 from Classic Autos and Auctions of Birmingham Alabama. Alabama Registration Paperwork on file shows its transfer from a Daniel Rapley to the aforementioned auction company in 2002. Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the aforementioned guarantee, old Mississippi Certificate of Title, old Alabama registration paperwork, and a bill of sale to the vendor. Stored since acquisition, the car will require re-commissioning/restoration before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed.

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £350 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Lot to be sold without reserve.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * N
* VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
N MOTORCYCLES
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £125 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

CARS
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £250 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.