Aston Martin DB2/4

The Aston Martin DB2/4 is a grand tourer produced by Aston Martin from 1953 until 1957. It was available as a 2+2 hatchback saloon, drophead coupé (DHC) and 2-seat fixed-head coupé. A small number of Bertone bodied spiders were commissioned by private buyers.

Aston Martin DB2-4 Mark I
Aston Martin DB2-4 Mark I
Overview
ManufacturerAston Martin
Production1953–1957
764 produced
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2+2 hatchback
2-seat drophead
2-seat fixed head
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine2.6 L Lagonda I6
2.9 L Lagonda I6
Dimensions
Wheelbase99 in (2,515 mm)[1]
Length169.5 in (4,305 mm)[1]
Width65 in (1,651 mm)[1]
Height53.5 in (1,359 mm)[1]
Chronology
PredecessorAston Martin DB2
SuccessorAston Martin DB Mark III

Overview

The DB2/4 was based on the DB2, which it replaced. Changes included a wraparound windscreen, larger bumpers, and repositioned headlights.

The Lagonda engine, designated the VB6E, was initially the same dual overhead cam straight-6 designed by W. O. Bentley and used in the Vantage version of the DB2. Displacement was 2.6 L (2,580 cc/157 in³), giving 125 hp (93 kW). In September 1953 for the Saloon and in April 1954 for the Drophead, a 2.9 L (2,922 cc/178 in³) VB6J version was used, raising power to 140 hp (104 kW) and maximum speed to 120 mph (193 km/h).

Of the 565 Mark I models produced, 102 were Drophead Coupés.

A 2.9 litre DB2/4 tested by British magazine The Motor in 1954 had a top speed of 118.5 mph (190.7 km/h) and accelerated from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23.0 miles per imperial gallon (12.3 L/100 km; 19.2 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £2621 including taxes.[1]

Three works cars were prepared for the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally and two for the Mille Miglia. Aston Martin pursued its competitive ambitions more intently with the DB3, which was designed specifically for sports-car racing.

A DB2/4 Mk I Drophead Coupé appeared in the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds[2]

Mark II

The DB2/4 Mk II model, introduced in 1955, offered an optional large-valve, high compression (8.6:1) 165 hp (123 kW) engine. Other changes included small tailfins, bubble-type tail lights as on the Morris Minor, and added chrome. The bonnet horizontal split line was also changed from door sill height to a line carried backwards from the top of the front wheel arch.

A 2-seat Fixed Head Coupé (FHC) was new, in addition to the continued Drophead. 34 of the 199 Mark II models used this new coupé body, which was the style chosen by David Brown for his own car. Three Mark II chassis were sent to Carrozzeria Touring in Italy to be bodied as Spider models. Touring would later help Aston with the Superleggera design of the DB4.

One significant behind-the-scenes change for the Mark II was the relocation of coachbuilding responsibilities from Mulliner's of Feltham to Tickford's works in Newport Pagnell. Brown had purchased Tickford in 1954 and would move all of Aston Martin's operations there with the start of DB4 production.

Production
    • Mark I: 565
      • Drophead Coupé: 102
      • Bertone Spider: 4 or 5
    • Mark II: 199
      • Fixed Head Coupé: 34
      • Drophead Coupé: 16
      • Touring Spider: 3
  • Aston Martin DB2/4 "Mark I" Saloon
  • Aston Martin DB2/4 "Mark I" Drophead Coupé of 1953
  • Aston Martin DB2/4 Bertone Spider of 1954
  • Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark II Saloon
  • Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark II Fixed Head Coupé by Tickford, one of 34 produced

Notes and references
  1. "The Aston Martin DB 2–4 (3 litre)". The Motor. 25 August 1954.
  2. imcdb.org
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