One Of Only 411! 1953 Aston Martin DB2

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Today, I have the honor of presenting a 1953 Aston Martin DB2 that will be auctioned at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach, California auction on August 13th and 14th. This is a special, original, and numbers matching automobile that debuted in the early days of David Brown’s involvement with Aston Martin. This saloon is available here on Gooding & Company’s website with an auction estimate of $120,000 to $150,000. This will be a no-reserve auction.

Having been formed in 1913, Aston Martin came under the control of David Brown and his Huddersfield Gear and Machine Tool company in 1947. The year 1950 saw the introduction of the DB2 which initially started out as a LeMans prototype. And from that point forward, history was confirmed for Aston Martin and its notable series of “DB” badged automobiles.

This particular car was sold new by Stanley “Whacky” Arnolt’s Chicago dealership – you can read a bit about Mr. Arnolt on his Wikipedia page. The initial owner of this DB2 took delivery in June of ’53 and it was originally finished in Moonbean Gray with a blue interior. Over the years, this Aston Martin went missing and then turned up in a Wisconsin garage – its years of slumber evidenced by its dust blanket. It’s hard to make much of a determination around the condition of its metallic green finish but the body obviously has some small dents and contusions – and potentially some surface rust on the passenger side rocker panel. All of the trim appears to still be attached and looks to be in fair shape. Those wide-whitewall tires make quite a statement!

Little is said about the engine other than it is a matching number 125 HP, 2.6 liter, in-line six-cylinder powerplant working through a four-speed manual transmission. It is a very complete-looking motor with a claimed mileage of 51K miles though no word about operability or rotational capability.

There are three included images of the interior and all are focused on the instrument panel and gauges. We are told that the original blue upholstery, with gray piping, has given way to a black arrangement that may be vinyl; there are only minimal views of the upholstery, door cards, and floor available. This DBS is obviously, a left-hand drive version and the instrument panel is populated by Smiths’ gauges which are all very prominent and clear. The wood panel, trim and beautiful steering wheel remain in very sound condition.

It is suggested that this Aston Martin is, “A truly rare opportunity, this unrestored Aston Martin, in garage-find condition, is a wonderful candidate for a comprehensive restoration back to its striking factory livery“. That would seem to be the case due to this car’s originality and completeness – the “born with” engine is a big plus too. There is more information on this 1953 Aston Martin DB2 available here. This will be an auction to attend! I have had the good fortune of visiting the Amelia Island show and auctions several times, but not Pebble Beach. But how about you, any potential attendees for August 13 and 14?

All images copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. Photos by Brian Henniker.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    Could the owner be selling this car to be able to afford a water hose and wash mitt to clean his other car?

    Like 10
    • Pj

      the dirt left on the car is intentional. showing that it has been hidden away for years, and it’s the first time to market in a long time. “as found” condition.

      Like 4
      • Mike

        I wonder if a car was found in a barn with a car cover over it, a seller will leave the cover on to not disturb the as-found condition?

        Like 11
    • Gerard Frederick

      Good heavens no. Only a lowly peasant would expect such an unimportant detail! Sir Stiff Upper Lip, the next purchaser isn´t interested in such mundane details. What is important here clearly is the insane assertion that it is worth more than many people´s mortgages. Must keep the riff-raff away, don´t you know?

      Like 1
  2. qmmq

    My lord, the Brits made beautiful vehicles. Don’t wanna own one, seen father and his brother loose hair over their Triumphs and Jags.

    Like 2
  3. Ginga

    Why do the Brits drive on the wrong side of the road ?

    Like 7
  4. Brandon

    Because they put the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car.

    Like 3
  5. DeeBee

    Those wide whites DO make a statement, just not one I’d care to make! So, a good wash and new tires for a first investment is where I’m at.

    Like 2
  6. Steve Clinton

    What are the odds of 2 of 411 DB2s on Barnfinds at the same time?

    Like 2
  7. Araknid78

    Will look really nice when it gets cleaned up.

    Like 0
  8. Ward William

    I’ll bet dollars to donuts this goes for way more than 150k

    Like 2
  9. t-bone BOB

    Sold for $95,200

    Like 0

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