Beschreibung:

1954 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 MK 1 SPYDER COACHWORK BY BERTONE Chassis No. LML/505 Engine No. VB6J/91 Light metallic blue with dark blue leather interior and dark blue hood. Engine: six cylinder, twin overhead camshaft, 2,922cc, 140bhp at 5000rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension: front, independent, coil springs; rear, live axle, trailing links and Panhard rod, coil springs. Left hand drive. The DB2 Aston Martin made its debut in 1950 in the guise of a closed two door saloon, quickly followd by a drophead coupe. It was the first "real" Aston Martin produced under David Brown's stewardship, who had also netted the Lagonda Company at virtually the same time, and thereby acquired the excellent twin overhead camshaft, 2.5 litre engine that had been designed by W.O. Bentley and which was to become the basis for Aston Martin engines for the years to come. The DB2/4 was announced at the 1953 London Motor Show, again with saloon and drophead coupe coachwork. Initially the twin overhead camshaft, straight six engine was tuned to 125bhp DB2 Vantage specifications, but a 3 litre (VB6J) engine was soon introduced, the increased capacity producing 140bhp. This model remained in production until 1955 and production cars were available as a 2+2 coupe, of which 492 were produced, or a drop head coupe, of which 73 were produced. A few of these were bodied in Italy by Carrozzeria Bertone. One of Bertone's regular customers was Mr. S.H. "Wacky" Arnolt, an automobile importer and distributor from Chicago who is also known for his racing activities. He commissioned Bertone to build three special two-seat "Spyder" bodies and supplied the chassis from the LML Series nos. 502, 505 and 507. The Bertone records show that the work was invoiced between December 1953 and January 1954 for a total amount of US$3,654. The bodywork was designed by Franco Scaglione, the brilliant designer associated with Bertone. His creations were always spectacular, sometimes controversial and he was one of the first designers to look into the aerodynamics of the automobile. The stunning Aston Martin Spyder is a tribute to his talent. LMC 505 is said to have been shown at the New York Autoshow held in January 1954. It subsequently remained in the USA until 1984 when it was imported into Switzerland. LML 505 has been in its current Swiss ownership for nine years and is in superb condition throughout, having been the subject of a major restoration. It is beautifully presented and the car is well detailed underneath and in the engine compartment. It is described by the vendor as running and driving very well. This flamboyant car is one of the rarest and most covetable models of road-going Aston Martin.