Lot details

Registration No: 121 LUE
Chassis No: LML 773
MOT: Exempt

Long term ownership since since May 2003

Meticulously maintained with a comprehensive history file

Enjoyed on many European tours with the AM Owners Club

Regularly serviced by specialists Roses Garage, Sandwich, Kent

1 of 565 examples produced, finished in black over cream leather

Introduced at the October 1953 London Motor Show, the DB2/4 represented a new breed of longer-legged, more accommodating Aston Martin. Panelled in lightweight aluminium over an advanced tubular frame chassis, it featured independent front suspension via a sophisticated trailing link, while at the rear a Panhard rod assisted radius arms in keeping the coil-sprung beam axle firmly tied down. Initially powered by a 2580cc version of the famous Willie Watson / W.O. Bentley designed DOHC straight-six engine, the adoption of a larger 83mm bore size saw capacity rise to 2922cc in mid 1954. The 2.9 litre unit was credited with developing some 140bhp sufficient for a quoted 120mph top speed.

Coming from long term ownership, the vendor having acquired the car in May 2003, this DB2/4 is accompanied by a comprehensive history file which includes research into previous owners (eleven in total being identified to date) together with a fascinating record of works carried out (some even with mileage covered at the time) dating back to October 1954. Supplied new by dealer Martin Walters of Dover, whose plate remains inside the glove pocket, and assigned the registration mark TKM 13, the first recorded keeper was a John William Marsh. Seemingly retained by Mr Marsh until 1970, the car then change hands a few times in the early part of the decade before being acquired by a Richard Prentice in 1975 who kept it up until 1989. Sold at auction in 1990, it is thought a sum of c.£65,000 was paid by the new owner, Felicity Mary Henriques. Various mechanical works are recorded as being carried out during the mid 1990s including by specialists Tony Curtis and Aston Services Dorset, whilst the headlining was also renewed with West Of England cloth and new Wilton carpets fitted.

In 1997 the car passed to Patrick Mulligan who confirmed to the vendor some major mechanical work was completed during 2000/2001 along with a respray in black. Around £15,000 was invested but only around 200 miles covered in his ownership. In May 2003, 121 LUE was purchased by the vendor in whose ownership it has been enjoyed on numerous events, including European tours, with the AM Owners Club and maintained to a high standard. Since acquisition the car has been regularly serviced by specialists Roses Garage of Sandwich, Kent. The vendor's research confirms the engine number VB 6J 249 and chassis number LML 713 to be original. 1 of 565 examples produced, it is attractively finished in black over cream leather.

For more information, please contact:
John Markey
john.markey@handh.co.uk
01428 607899