The Aston Martin->ke13 DB2/4 Cabriolet is one of the most exclusive models Aston Martin has ever built. Out of the 565 units built between October 1953 and October 1955, only 12 were built in rolling chassis form for independent coachbuilders. If that isn't exclusive enough, only eight of those 12 units were sent over to Carrozzoria Bertone where the Italian luxury coachbuilder smoothed on the body. The vehicle seen in this image is the fifth (Chassis number LML506) of the original eight and will be auctioned off at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 1, 2011.

Its original owner was high society elite, Edith C. Field, who succeeded in winning third place at the 1955 Pebble Beach Concours. Since the mid 1950s, this particular Aston Martin has been through the hands of four owners, including its current owner. As of late, the Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe has been fully restored to its Concours state with over £200,000 - or $288,000 at the current rates - invested in its complete restoration. Bonhams expects the ultra exclusive sports car to sell for £500,000 - 700,000, or $721,000 - $1,000,000 at the current rates.

UPDATE 07/06/2011: The 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe actually sold for £606,500 ($975,000).

Hit the jump for full details on the 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe.

1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Cabriolet

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Cabriolet
  • Engine/Motor: VB6E engine
  • Horsepower: 125
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Owner History

The Aston Martin DB2/4 was originally purchased by Edith C. Field back in 1955 for use as a street car. The wealthy high society women went on to showcase the vehicle in the 1955 Pebble Beach Concours where, as previously stated, she won 3rd place in Class C, two-seater sports car $4500-$10,000 division. The vehicle stayed in her possession until the mid/late 1980 when larger-than-life race car driver, Innes Ireland brought it over to the UK.

Before Ireland could even get his hands dirty, he sold the Aston Martin to car dealer/collector, David Clark, in February 1988. It wasn't until several years of being locked up in storage was the vehicle then sold to the current owner who began the restoration in 2007.

The now-restored Aston Martin DB2/4 was 56 years in the making, but the final product is well worth it.

Original Specifications

"2+2" Configuration

The 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupé was the brand's first attempt to cater to "sports car enthusiasts with a family." The "2+2" vehicle could easily transform itself from a two-seater to a family vehicle with the use of two folding seats in the back. When not in use, the seats could be stored away to provide a load carrying platform accessible through the rear door - a la today's hatchbacks. The only non-standard equipment listed on this particular model is a telescopic steering column and left-hand drive.

Engine

The DB2/4 was originally powered by the company's 2.6L 'VB6E' engine producing 125 HP and sporting a top speed of 120 mph. These specifications allowed the DB2/4 to be one of the fastest cars built in Great Britain at the time. To maintain the vehicle's integrity, the original engine still resides under the new hood.

Restoration Process

In 2007, John Goldsmith of marque specialists, Goldsmith & Young, was given the task of restoring the DB2/4 to its original state. Thankfully, the body only needed minor repairs and Goldsmith ordered a new hood and boot from Bodylines a new paint job by Adrian George from Spray Tec. After that, the interior was freshened up by Larry Piper of LA and RW Piper from Sparkford. All of the material and re-assembly work was completed by Goldsmith & Young.

After the Aston Martin was full restored to its original Pebble Beach condition, the vehicle boasts of less than 30 miles on its odometer, mostly added on the rolling road.

Pricing

Bonham's expected to fetch £500,000 - 700,000, or $721,000 - $1,000,000 at the current rates - for the 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe when it went up for auction on July 1, 2011. Actual money raised: £606,500 ($975,000).

The new, lucky owner of the DB2/4 will receive a file with complete documentation of the £200,000 - or $288,000 at the current rates - four-year restoration. This file will also include various articles about Bertone-bodied Astons, as well as a copy of the guarantee/order form that shows that 'LML 506' was originally fitted with engine number 'VB6E/50/1240.'