Footnotes

• 'The Aston Martin DB2/4 is an expensive car designed to cater for the connoisseur of sports cars who is not limited by financial considerations.' - Autocar, 2nd October 1953.
  With the introduction of the '2+2' DB2/4 in October 1953, Aston Martin extended the DB2's appeal to the hitherto untapped yet increasingly important market comprised of 'sports car enthusiasts with a family'. Modifications to the rear of the chassis plus a reduction in fuel tank capacity from 19 to 17 gallons liberated sufficient space within the existing design for two child-sized occasional rear seats. Alternatively, the rear seat backs could be folded down, thus creating a load-carrying platform that more than doubled the luggage space. The latter could be accessed via the 2/4's opening rear door, a pioneering example of the now commonplace 'hatchback' concept.
  'This transformation gives the Aston Martin DB2/4 an unrivalled luggage-carrying capacity in a car which should be capable in favourable circumstances of achieving two miles a minute,' reported The Motor. 'The DB2/4 can truthfully claim to be the fastest car in the world capable of carrying two people with a month's luggage.'
  Standard specification included the 2.6-litre 'VB6E' engine in 125bhp Vantage tune but from early in 1954 the 3-litre 140bhp 'VB6J' engine was installed, providing 118mph top speed and 60mph in around 11 seconds. This was one of the fastest cars then built in Great Britain - with 100mph achievable in third gear and around 120mph maximum - possessing impeccable handling plus a level of comfort rare in any high-performance car.
  This particular DB2/4 was owned for almost all its life by Dr Harry Walsh of Mainsforth, County Durham, passing in 2002 to the current (second) owner, who registered it in his company's name in August 2006. Effectively in 'barn find' condition when acquired, the Aston was partially restored at the vendor's motor business between 2006 and 2008. The car was inspected by an Aston Workshop technician in January 2011 and a detailed report prepared, inspection of which is recommended. We are advised that the braking, steering and suspension issues identified at that time have been addressed, leaving cosmetic restoration still to do. Currently displaying a believed-genuine total of a little under 12,000 miles on the odometer, 'XWX 943' is offered with (copy) old-style logbook, sundry restoration invoices, SORN, MoT to 16th September 2011 and Swansea V5C document. Sold strictly as viewed.
  

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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