MOTOR CARS | 311
Introduced in October 1953, the DB2/4 widened the already
considerable appeal of the DB2 by the simple expedient of installing two
occasional rear seats, the latter being facilitated by extensive revisions
to the car’s rear end. As well as the extra accommodation there was
also room for more luggage, the latter being accessed via a hatchback
rear door. A raised roofline, one-piece windscreen, larger bumpers and
other detail styling changes further differentiated the new ‘2+2’ from its
predecessor. Otherwise, the DB2/4 remained mechanically much the
same as the DB2, though the Vantage (125bhp) engine became the
standard specification. A total of 565 DB2/4s had been produced before
the arrival of the MkII in October 1955, by which time the 3.0-litre ‘VB6J’
engine had been standardised.
‘SLC 611’ was delivered to its first owner, Mr A J Hubbard, on
Valentine’s Day 1956 by Brooklands of Bond Street Ltd. The car was
originally finished in black with blue leather upholstery and matching
carpets. More recently, this superb DB2/4 has been in the long-term
ownership of a prominent member of the Aston Martin Owner’s Club.
Featured as typical of the DB2/4 in ‘The Encylopedia of Classic Cars’
by Martin Buckley, ‘SLC 611’ is a well-known example of the Feltham
Aston marque.
In recent years the car has been the subject of major restoration with
the engine being subject to a full rebuild by respected race engine
builder Dennis Vessey, since when fewer than 2,000 miles have been
covered. An Alperform ported cylinder head with fast road cams
was fitted, which certainly adds to the excitement of driving this very
capable Aston.
More recently the body has been stripped to bare metal and expertly
repainted in Aston Silver Birch, the interior re-trimmed in blue leather,
and much of the brightwork re-chromed to produce a finish at least
the equal of the factory’s.
A full file of invoices, the original and continuation green logbooks,
the factory build and guarantee record, and an original (leather-
bound) owner’s handbook are supplied with the car, which is
currently taxed and has a V5 registration document. An Airflow
Airchamber is included in the sale, ensuring that this beautiful DB2/4
will remain in pristine condition for many years to come.
£140,000 - 160,000
€175,000 - 200,000