File:Aston Martin DB2 4 (1953 - 1957) (30152920672).jpg

Cascais Classic Motorshow, Cascais, Portugal

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OVERVIEW

ManufacturerAston Martin Production1953–1957 764 produced Body and chassis ClassSports car (S) Body style2+2 hatchback 2-seat drophead 2-seat fixed head LayoutFR layout Powertrain Engine2.6 L Lagonda I6 2.9 L Lagonda I6

CHRONOLOGY

PredecessorAston Martin DB2 SuccessorAston Martin DB Mark III

The Aston Martin DB2/4 is a grand tourer sold by Aston Martin from 1953 until 1957. It was available as a 2+2 hatchback, marketed as a Saloon, as a Drophead Coupé (DHC) and as a 2-seat Fixed Head Coupe. A small number of Bertone bodied

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

The Lagonda engine was initially the same dual overhead cam straight-6 designed by W. O. Bentley and used in the Vantage version of the DB2. Displacement for this engine, designated the VB6E, 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 Coupé models.

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]

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

A DB2/4 Drophead Coupé appeared in the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds.

MARK II

The DB2/4 Mk II model, introduced in 1955, offered an optional large-valve, high compression (8.6:1) engine capable of 165 hp (123 kW). 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 horizontal 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 Feltham to Tickford's works in Newport Pagnell. David Brown had purchased it 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