To arrange a visit please email sales@allastonmartin.com or to discuss, call Tim Foster on 07771 847290 or Philip Jones on 01737 244567.

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Introduction

A restorer's dream - and original Left Hand Drive Aston Martin DB2 Vantage with the original engine and gearbox. Raced in period with the big valve VB6B Big Valve Engine, she is a very original "barn find".

Contemporary photographs clearly show the original owner's focus on Aston Martin’ racing developments with the very attractive, as well as functional, addition of the “potato masher” grille first seen track ready DB3’s - this car has true racing heritage.

And we are indebted to the current owner for the thoroughness of their research into the car's history making this one of the outstanding restoration opportunities to come to market in years.

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Background

Aston Martin unveiled their latest model, the DB2, to the public on April 12, 1950, showcasing the cars at the New York Motor Show from April 15th to 23rd. With a reduced wheelbase of nine inches, the DB2 boasted a 2.6-liter engine generating 105bhp, capable of reaching a top speed of 110 miles per hour.

The design of the DB2 marked a departure from both previous Aston Martins and conventional car designs. Its streamlined silhouette featured front bodywork that hinged forward, embodying a simplicity of line. Initially, the car sported a three-part grille carried over from the DB1, but later models replaced it with sleek horizontal bars. Despite its compact appearance, the DB2 offered ample interior space, although its seating, described at its UK launch at Earls Court as 2/3 seaters, lacked the necessary lateral support. Occupants, seated on a split bench seat, found themselves wanting for more support, especially considering the car's impressive performance—clocking 0 to 60 mph in 12.4 seconds—and cornering capabilities to match.

The DB2 received an overwhelmingly positive reception on both sides of the Atlantic, with demand soaring. Performance lay at the core of its development, evident in the introduction of a Vantage engine option boasting a compression ratio of 8.2:1 and delivering 125 bhp, addressing the limitations imposed by the era's rationed fuel quality.

This performance-oriented approach extended to racing, as demonstrated by the appointment of John Wyer as team manager and Aston Martin's entry of three cars into Le Mans. Despite a setback—a traffic accident involving one of the entries en route to Le Mans—the team showcased impressive performance, with VMF 64 and VMF 63 securing 5th and 6th place overall and 1st and 2nd in their class, respectively.

The racing success prompted David Brown to realize that achieving outright victory demanded more than repurposing production line cars. Consequently, he enlisted the expertise of Robert Eberan-Eberhorst, a former Auto Union designer, to spearhead the development of a pure racing model—the DB3.

Simultaneously, road car development continued with the introduction, in late 1950, of a Drophead variant. The first example was acquired by David Brown himself, and approximately 101 more were manufactured, with five chassis sold separately and subsequently bodied elsewhere, three of which were crafted into Dropheads by Graber.

Contemporary road tests spoke volumes about the DB2's enduring appeal. John Bolster's review in Autosport hailed it as a timeless masterpiece, stating, "This should still be a young car when its contemporaries are senile and decrepit." Despite its premium price tag, Bolster emphasized the DB2's exceptional value proposition, making it one of the most desirable offerings in the market.

Summary:

I have known the owner of this DB2 since December 2006, when he purchased his first Aston Martin via our brokerage service. During the seventeen plus years since, I have become very much aware of his unending passion and enthusiasm for the Aston Martin marque. I remember his excitement when he found this DB2, because all major original components, engine and gearbox were present, that it was a big valve Vantage engine and very rare original left-hand steering, which fitted with his life in mainland Europe, where it is currently located

He must be commended for dedication and diligence in uncovering and compiling the history of this DB2. Primarily, his research was for his benefit but now it would be for you because as I have heard it said, “life is what happens whilst we are making plans for the future.” He gleaned much of this rich seam of information from family members of the first owner, including three period photos displayed. All of these display the modified grill and aperture as opposed to the correct one which has since been purchased and can be seen in current photography. As an aside, one of our knowledgeable contacts speculated “Interesting to see the DB3 potato masher style of radiator grille on a late DB2, perhaps that indicates the custodians kept in close contact with "Works" developments for North West European races.”.

In the near 40 years in this business and amongst the hundreds of Aston Martins we have brokered, this is the first original left hand drive DB2 with a Vantage big valve engine, that we have had the opportunity to offer. The fact that it has its original engine and gearbox is just outstanding, as it would be finished in the original exterior colour Black with a lovely Beige leather interior and a light colour interior is always so more welcoming. It reminds me of the DB2 owned by King Hussein of Jordan, which Works Service restored and I admired, resplendent in its gleaming black coachwork and white wall tyres.

Whether you want to classify as a barn find or a shed find, she is a real find and ready for an enthusiastic owner. It represents a restorer’s dream, ready to be restored to a glory with details of the original specification offering the new owner the opportunity to deliver a true Feltham Classic. It could be targeted at the Mille Miglia, or just for pleasure, LML/50/256 is ready to offer that which John Bolster observed all those years ago “This should still be a young car when its contemporaries are senile and decrepit.”

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Vehicle History

As noted in the Background, the Aston Martin DB2 garnered tremendous interest on both sides of the Atlantic, which explains why the first owner of LML/50/256 resided in Mexico—a fascinating start to the car's journey.

Gilles De Leschevin De Prévoisin Legorreta, born in Mexico City to a French father and a Mexican mother, was not only a talented watercolourist but also a fervent car enthusiast. Alongside his artistic pursuits, he founded the racing stable St Gilles, amassing a collection of over 40 race cars. Photographs depict him racing his Aston Martin DB2 and alongside a D Type Jaguar, surrounded by a treasure trove of trophies. He shared the track with esteemed figures like the Rodríguez brothers and earned admiration from enthusiasts such as "El Buitre," who extensively chronicled his racing career. Gilles contributed to the triumphs of the Jaguar Motorsport Gala squad, served as a test driver in Coventry, England, and even designed three racing cars under the name "Pian" for the Jr. formula.

After dedicating himself to motorsport for many years, Gilles retired from racing at the age of 60, but having played pivotal roles in events like the Pan American Race and the Superbike World Championship in Mexico. He remained a loyal collaborator of the Jaguar Automobile Club. His extensive racing background underscores the substantial racing pedigree of the car.

For those contemplating participation in prestigious events like the Mille Miglia, or others of its calibre, it's essential to recognize that this car boasts a significant racing heritage.

We owe much gratitude to the current owner, who meticulously researched the car's history. In addition to the original Aston Martin Build Sheet, the owner unearthed crucial Mexican administrative documents, including the original import papers from Autos Europeos.

Gilles retired from racing in the 1970’s, before that, he stopped racing LML/50/256 in 1962 and took the car of the road (official de-registration document on file), and later, on the 19th July 1965 sold LML/50/256 on to Francisco Cortes Velez, presumably after its trials on the tracks the engine was well worn as we see in 1966 that Moss motors supplied new pistons, liners, piston rings and bearings and other parts. Subsequently, the Aston Martin Build Sheet picks up the next owner registered with Aston Martin as WC Walton Junior, who registered the car under his company, Intercontinental Marketing Services of Mexico City. The car was acquired by Leandro Gurza de Jonghe, who retained ownership for over three decades. It was during this period, that the engine removed and dismantled. However, due to Leandro's commitments as a High Court Judge in Mexico City, the car remained untouched for many years until its eventual sale.

n 2008, the car changed hands and was purchased by the present owner in 2010 from Don Rose, who is renowned in Aston Martin circles for specializing in auctioning Astons, with AMOC America recognizing his expertise in this domain.

While in the USA, the car was stored with Kevin Kay, one of the foremost restorers globally for Feltham Astons based in California, who is said to have described it as a "restorer's dream" due to its lifelong residence in Mexico City. Presently located in mainland Europe, the car was initially imported to the EU in 2015, with import duties paid in the UK, before later bringing to mainland Europe, declaration with customs completed, in 2018, before Brexit. Since, it has remained largely untouched and stored in air-conditioned facilities to prevent deterioration, awaiting a full restoration—an endeavour that promises to fulfil any restorer's dream.

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