Specifications:
140hp at 5,000 rpm 2,922 cc inline twin cam six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission. Independent front suspension with trailing links, coil springs and torsion bar and hydraulic lever-arm shock absorbers with rear live axle located by parallel radius arms and Panhard rod, with coil springs and hydraulic lever-arm shock absorbers, Girling front disc brakes, 12" drums in the rear.
Wheelbase: 99" The DB2 range marked the coming out for Aston Martin under its dynamic new owner David Brown. Launched in 1949, the first new model to be fitted with the W.O. Bentley-designed Lagonda twincam, 2.6 litre six cylinder engine, the DB2 quickly caused a sensation on the international salon circuit and also in competition. Notably, DB2s finished first, second and third in class at the 1951 Le Mans 24 Hours, and third overall against the likes of Jaguar's iconic C-Type sports racers, a remarkable achievement.In 1953 this 'gentleman's sports car' grew to a 4-place saloon, now called the DB2/4. Fastback bodywork was designed as the standard configuration, effectively creating the world's first modern hatchback. From mid-1954 a new 3.0-liter engine block was developed, generating 140bhp. This translated into a genuine 120mph top speed. The MkII version of the DB2/4 was introduced in 1955 featuring a redesigned bonnet and dashboard and, for the first time, two individual 'bucket' seats in place of the bench of the earlier cars. However, the most significant change was the introduction of the fixed head coupe. In 1954 MkI chassis LML/515 was sent to the Mulliner coachworks of Birmingham to have a fixed 'hardtop' fitted, following the general lines of the convertible roof. Not only did this novel shape create one of the best-looking cars of its time, it also increased headroom over the rear, very occasional seats.1103 was the first of only 34 production MkII FHCs (a/k/a 'notchback coupes') built by Aston Martin. Completed in October of 1955, it was directly based on the prototype LML/515 and sculpted using aluminum alloy at the Tickford works in Newport Pagnell. As such it was designated as the factory demonstrator and was likely the London Motor Show car, as it appears in many period publications.After serving its promotional duties for the factory, it was sold to its first owner, J. Kennedy of Ealing. M.H. White of Ealing bought the car from Mr. Kennedy, after which 1103 made its first trip to North America. Dr. Kenneth Barnicoat, a Brit practicing medicine in Toronto, bought the car in 1978. He then spent the next ten years extensively restoring it to as-new condition, including the striking original two-tone colour scheme of Bayard Crimson with Devon Stone, set off nicely with its beige Connolly leather and correct Wilton carpets.Once restored, the car took top class honors at the UK Aston Martin Owner's Club's Britsmorton Court Concours in 1993. Precipitated by another transfer abroad, the car was acquired in the mid-90s by London dealer Andre Bloom on behalf of a well-known collection of 350 cars, where it remained until the summer of 2005 when it was purchased by the vendor and imported to California.Extensive documentation is available with the car, including early service records from 1955-61. A photographic history of the painstaking restoration is also included.More recently, 1103 has been inspected and freshened by the premier West Coast Aston Martin specialists Kevin Kay Restorations of Redmond, CA. Looking crisp and running 'on the button,' according to its gentleman owner, this rare example of a 'factory coachbuilt' Aston Martin would make a significant addition to any blue chip collection and is ready for the next owner to show and enjoy.