This 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 is one of 565 Mk I examples produced and was completed on September 30, 1953, before being delivered to Foreign Car Center in Carmel, California, a year later via Chicago importer S.H. Arnolt. The car is said to have been briefly owned by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst Jr. before being purchased by its next owner, who campaigned it at various tracks along the California coast. It remained with one owner in the state between 1975 and the 1990s and underwent a cosmetic refurbishment retaining its original color combination in the mid-2000s before an appearance at the 2007 Niello Concours at Serrano. A subsequent mechanical overhaul by Kevin Kay Restorations included an overhaul of its 2.9-liter DOHC inline-six as well as installation of a T5 five-speed manual transmission. Additional features include twin SU carburetors, 16” wire wheels, a leather hood strap, and front disc brakes. This left-hand-drive DB2/4 saloon was sold on BaT in May 2021 and is now offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner in California with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, invoices dating to 2007, and a clean Montana title in the name of the owner’s LLC.
The DB2/4 was introduced in October 1953 at the London Motor Show as an evolution of its predecessor, the DB2. Styling revisions included a single-piece windshield, raised headlights, and more substantial bumpers. Saloons such as this example gained occasional-use rear seats, which were accommodated by a high rear roofline sloping into a hatchback. The Mk I version featured bodywork by Mulliner in Birmingham, England, until replaced by the Mk II in 1955.
The aluminum body wears a repaint in its factory black. Exterior details include a leather hood strap, Lucas driving lights, and bumper overriders
Chrome 16” wire wheels are secured by two-eared knock-offs and wear Pirelli Cinturato tires showing 2017 date codes. A spare wheel with Vredestein rubber is housed in a tray under the rear end. Disc brakes have been added up front, while drums are retained out back.
Beige leather trims the front seats and fold-down rear bench as well as the door panels and dash. Matching carpets cover the floors, transmission tunnel, and the backs of the front seats, while black carpeted mats line the cargo area. Additional features include a beige fabric headliner and lap belts, black leather cargo straps, a fire extinguisher, and a console-mounted tool kit.
The wood-rimmed steering wheel is situated on the left side of the dash, which is accented with a burl wood panel housing Smiths instrumentation that was refurbished in late 2020. The five-digit odometer shows 52k miles, approximately 130 of which have been added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown. Work in 2020 included replacement of the windshield wiper switch as well as wiring repairs and other service of interior equipment.
The DB2/4 saloon was fitted with a 2,922cc VB6J variant of the DOHC Lagonda straight-six beginning in September 1953, which raised factory-rated horsepower to 140. A rebuild by Kevin Kay Restorations in 2008-2009 included magnafluxing, hot tanking, and decking the block as well as grinding the crankshaft. New .020”-over cylinder liners, pistons, and rings were fitted along with replacement main and rod bearings. The cylinder head was also resurfaced and rebuilt with replacement Alperform camshafts, valves, oversized guides, and seats. Induction is via twin SU carburetors. Service in late 2020 included replacement of the valve cover gaskets, radiator repairs, a coolant flush, and carburetor adjustment.
A T5 five-speed manual transmission was installed as part of the late 2000s project, with the flywheel resurfaced and the driveshaft modified accordingly. A new clutch was installed and the linkage adjusted in November 2020. The differential fluid and cover gasket were also replaced in 2020.
The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate lists the build date and original colors.
Included in the sale is a binder of invoices dating back to 2007 as well as model-related literature. A tool set that is affixed to the inner wheel fender in the engine bay is also included.