Barn-find Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII is the last built

In need of restoration

Just 199 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkIIs were produced and this car, registered 388 AD, was the last one built. 

Stripped down for a restoration that never happened, this rare classic Aston Martin will cross the block with no reserve at Historics Auctioneers’ sale at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands, UK on 25 November 2023. 

And, yes, we know this is more a ‘garage-find’ than a ‘barn-find’…

It will be the first time this car has been offered for sale in nearly 60 years, so let’s take a look at this special classic car project.

Part of the family

This classic Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII has been owned by the same family since 1966, after it was bought by Dr KT Jackson, the seller’s late father.

It was used for road trips across the UK, before a broken Panhard rod consigned it to a garage in 1969. It’s not been used since.

Long time coming

The paint was stripped back and the car was disassembled, ready for a restoration.

But the project ground to a halt in the 1970s, when the DB2/4 took a back seat as Jackson focused on family life. 

No progress was made in the ensuing 50-plus years, and the car remains propped up on axle stands.

Early life

This Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII was first registered on 12 August 1957 and was originally finished in black, with a beige-leather interior.

It passed through several owners before it was bought by Jackson in 1966.

Ready to go

Although the planned restoration never took place, the seller reports that all the parts that were removed are still present and included in the sale, although this isn’t confirmed with an inventory.

Many of the components have been left in boxes, some awaiting refurbishment, others ready to be refitted.

Heaps of history

The sale includes old photographs that show the car in better condition.

Fingers crossed, the next owner has all the tools required to finish the job.

Five wheels, all the running gear and the chrome bumpers are reportedly present and correct.

So, too, is the original buff logbook, the sales invoice from 1966 and a handful of old tax discs.

Straight-six sensation

Under this Aston Martin’s dusty bonnet sits (some of) its 3-litre straight-six engine.

The DB2/4 MkII’s twin-cam motor was based on a Lagonda unit designed by WO Bentley.

A look inside

The dashboard appears to be in fairly good condition. 

The rev counter is located closest to the driver and next to a dial that incorporates four gauges, including fuel level and oil pressure.

On the far side, there’s a Lucas ignition switch and a speedometer that includes the odometer, which displays 90,683 miles.

Line of descent

The Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII is a development of the DB2 and its more practical sibling, the DB2/4.

Revealed in 1950, the DB2 showcased the marque’s new 2.6-litre engine that was developed by Lagonda, the west London-based outfit acquired by David Brown in the late 1940s.

A big hit

Aston Martin shifted more than 400 DB2s, and its success prompted the arrival of a more practical version.

The DB2/4 arrived in 1953 with a 2+2 layout and a hatchback rear.

Buyers could opt for the WO Bentley-designed Lagonda engine in Vantage tune or a torquier, 3-litre option.

All change

A refresh to the DB2/4 led to the MkII, which was available from 1955.

Behind the scenes, David Brown had also bought Tickford. 

The Newport Pagnell-based company took over from Mulliners of Birmingham, who built the bodies for the DB2/4.

Mid-life refresh

The acquisition of coachbuilder Tickford kick-started Aston Martin’s move to Newport Pagnell.

Revealed at the London motor show, the MkII was an update to the DB2/4 design, rather than a drastic overhaul.

New look

On the outside, the DB2/4 shape was altered with more angular rear wings and a raised roofline. 

Tickford badges on the sides also hint at production’s behind-the-scenes move to Buckinghamshire.

Grand tourer

Underneath, the Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII featured a more robust live rear axle and the 3-litre straight-six engine was now the only option.

The strong tubular chassis and independent front suspension ensured the DB2/4 MkII was great to drive, too.

More bling

The DB2/4 MkII also got more chrome trim compared with the DB2/4, including behind the front wheelarch and around the rear window.

The brightwork on this barn-find example certainly needs a good polish, but the seller believes that most of the Aston Martin’s trim is present, even if it’s not all attached to the car right now.

A good clean

The windscreen needs a good wash, too.

Although, that’s probably at the bottom of the next owner’s to-do list. 

The curved ’screen used on the DB2/4 onwards was another change from the two-seat DB2, which used a split windscreen.

Something for all tastes

The Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII for sale with Historics Auctioneers is a four-seat saloon, but other body styles were available for the svelte grand tourer.

A ‘notchback’ fixed-head coupé and a drophead coupé were also sold. 

Including all body shapes, 199 DB2/4 MkIIs were built, but, of these, it is estimated that fewer than 35 were fixed-head coupés and 25 were dropheads, meaning that today these are rare classic cars.

Stiff competition

The DB2/4 was one of the fastest cars of its time, and it went up against luxury sports cars from AC, Bristol, Lancia and more.

The four-speed gearbox’s tall ratios meant the Aston Martin could hit about 120mph, an impressive figure for the 1950s.

Fancy a challenge?

It’s certainly going to be a big task for the next owner, but getting this much-loved saloon out of the garage and back on the road will be a rewarding experience.

Unsurprisingly, spare parts for early Aston Martin models are tricky to find, but the original components included in the sale will be a good place to start, and some might be ripe for refurbishment.

Future star

This 1957 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII is far from being ready to drive away, and those interested are asked to contact the auction house to discuss how the car will be collected, if they’re the winning bidder.

To find out more about this classic car and to see all the other lots in Historics Auctioneers’ sale at Mercedes-Benz World on 25 November 2023, please click here.