>>Aston Martin DB5

Aston Martin DB5

Aston Martin DB5

Manufacturer	Aston Martin
Production	1963–1965 1,023 produced
Predecessor	Aston Martin DB4
Successor	Aston Martin DB6
Class	Grand tourer
Body style	2-door 2+2 coupé 2-door convertible (123) 2-door shooting brake (13)
Layout	FR layout
Engine	3995 cc Tadek Marek I6
Transmission	ZF 5-speed all-synchromesh manual or Borg Warner DG automatic (changed to Borg-Warner Model 8 shortly before the DB6 replaced the DB5)
Length	4.57 metres (179.9 in)
Width	1.68 metres (66.1 in)

The Aston Martin DB5 is a luxury grand tourer that was made by Aston Martin. Released in 1963, it was an evolution of the final series of DB4. The DB series was named honouring David Brown (the head of Aston Martin from 1947–1972). The DB5 is famous for being the first and most recognised cinematic 
James Bond car, first appearing in Goldfinger.

Design

The principal differences between the DB4 and DB5 are:

1. The all-aluminium engine was enlarged from 3.7 L to 4.0 L,
2. A new robust ZF five-speed transmission
3. Three SU carburettors

Producing 282 bhp (210 kW), which propelled the car to 145 mph (233 km/h), this engine, available on the Vantage (high powered) version of the DB4 since March 1962, became the standard Aston Martin power unit with the launch in September 1963 of the DB5.

Standard equipment on the DB5 included reclining seats, wool pile carpets, electric windows, twin fuel tanks, chrome wire wheels, oil cooler, magnesium-alloy body built to superleggera patent technique, full leather trim in the cabin and even a fire extinguisher. All models had 4 seats and 2 doors.

Specifications

An Aston Martin DB5 engine

Standard coupe:

• Engine: 3,995 cc (243.8 cu in) Inline-6
• Power: 282 bhp (210 kW) at 5500 rpm
• Torque: 288 lb·ft (390 N·m) at 3850 rpm
• Weight: 1,502 kg (3,310 lb)
• Top Speed: 145 mph (233 km/h)
• 0–60 mph (97 km/h) Acceleration: 7.1 s

Performance data from Motor magazine road test, 6 February 1965. 

Variants

DB5 Vantage

The high-performance DB5 Vantage was introduced in 1964 featuring three Weber twin-choke 45DCOE side-draft carburettors and revised camshaft profiles, delivering greater top-end performance at the expense of overall flexibility, especially as legendary Webers are renowned as 'full-throttle' devices. This engine produced 315 hp (235 kW). Only 65 DB5 Vantage coupés were built.

1965 DB5 Vantage convertible

DB5 convertible

Just 123 convertible DB5s were produced, though they never used the typical "Volante" name. The convertible model was offered from 1963 through to 1965. Originally only 19 of the 123 DB5 Convertibles made were left-hand drive. 12 cars were originally fitted with a factory Vantage engine, and at least one further convertible was subsequently factory fitted with a DB6 specification Vantage engine.

From October 1965 to October 1966, Aston Martin used the last 37 of the Aston Martin DB5 chassis' to make another convertible model. These 37 cars were known as "Short Chassis" Volantes and were the first Aston Martins to hold the "Volante" name. Although calling it a "Short Chassis" is a bit of a misnomer as the "short" comes from comparing it to the subsequent DB6, which has a longer chassis. When compared to the DB5, it is not "short" but rather the same size, however these cars differ to the DB5 convertible models as they feature DB6 split front and rear bumpers and rear TR4 lights, as also used on the DB6.

DB5 shooting brake

DB5 shooting brake

A prototype DB5 shooting brake was custom produced by the factory for David Brown, an avid hunter and dog owner, and 11-12 more coupés were custom modified for Aston Martin by independent coachbuilder, Harold Radford. The taillights used were Triumph units, and were also adopted for the succeeding DB6.

James Bond's DB5

Two Aston Martin DB5s were built for production, one of which had no gadgets.

The Aston Martin DB5 is one of the most famous cars in the world thanks to Oscar-winning special effects expert (also known as 'the Real Q') John Stears, who created the deadly silver-birch DB5 for use by James Bond in Goldfinger (1964). Although Ian Fleming had placed Bond in a DB Mark III in the novel, the DB5 was the company's latest model when the film was being made.

The car used in the film was the original DB5 prototype, with another standard car used for stunts. To promote the film, the two DB5's were showcased at the 1964 New York World's Fair, and it was dubbed "the most famous car in the world", and subsequently sales of the car rose. In January 2006, one of these was auctioned in Arizona; the same car was originally bought in 1970 from the owner, Sir Anthony Bamford, by a Tennessee museum owner. A car, mainly used for promoting the movie, is now located in the in the Louwman Museum, Netherlands.The first DB5 prototype used in Goldfinger with the chassis number DP/216/1 was later stripped of its weaponry and gadgetry by Aston Martin and then resold. It was then retrofitted by subsequent owners with nonoriginal weaponry. The Chassis DP/216/1 DB5 was stolen in 1997 from its last owner in Florida and is currently still missing.

Within the universe of James Bond, the same car (registration BMT 216A) was used again in the following film, Thunderball, a year later. A different Aston Martin DB5 (registration BMT 214A) was used in the 1995 Bond film, GoldenEye, in which three different DB5s were used for filming. The BMT 214A also returned in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and was set to make a cameo appearance in the Scotland-set scenes in The World Is Not Enough (1999), but these were cut in the final edit. Yet another DB5 appeared in Casino Royale(2006), this one with Bahamian number plates and left-hand drive (where the previous British versions had been right-hand drive). Another silver-birch DB5 with the original registration BMT 216A will appear in the 23rd James Bond film, Skyfall (2012).

On 1 June 2010, RM Auctions announced the upcoming auction of a DB5 used in both Goldfinger and Thunderball. The owner (Jerry Lee, President/Owner of WBEB Radio in Philadelphia, PA) originally bought the car from the Aston Martin company in 1969. At the auction, the DB5 was sold for 2,600,000 GBP.

Promotional items

1964 Aston Martin DB5, produced by Corgi Toys, as a tie-in to the film

With Goldfinger, Corgi Toys began its decades-long relationship with the Bond franchise. Producing a toy of the car, which became the biggest selling toy of 1964. A highly detailed kit was also produced by Airfix between 1966 and 1970.

A highly detailed 1:24 scale die-cast model with many working features was produced as a limited edition in 2006 for Casino Royale, by the Danbury Mint. In January 2011 a 1/8 scale model was released by part work magazine publisher GE Fabbri in the UK. Over 85 weekly parts, the model builds into one of the biggest 007 scale models to date, with working gadgets and lights.

Use in popular culture

The DB5 is famous for being the first and most recognised cinematic James Bond car. It was also used by actor Roger Moore, as he played a James Bond parody character in the film The Cannonball Run. It appears in several video games such as 007 Racing, James Bond 007: Agent Under Fire, From Russia with Love, and James Bond 007: Blood Stone.

In the 2011, an Aston Martin DB5 appeared in heavily stylized form as 'Finn McMissile', a British secret agent voiced by Michael Caine in the 2011 Pixar film Cars 2. The car character was an homage to the Bond DB5.

>>Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato

Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato

Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato

Manufacturer	Aston Martin
Production	1960–1963 (25 produced, inc 4 Sanction II and 2 Sanction III)
Successor	Aston Martin V8 Zagato
Class	Grand tourer
Body style	Coupe
Engine	straight-6 DOHC 3670 cc
Transmission	4-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,362 mm (93.0 in)
Length	4,267 mm (168.0 in)
Width	1,557 mm (61.3 in)
Height	1,270 mm (50.0 in)
Curb weight	1,225 kg (2,701 lb)
Related	Aston Martin DB4
Designer	Ercole Spada at Zagato

The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato was introduced in October 1960 at the London Motor Show. It was effectively a DB4 GT, lightened and improved by the Zagato factory in Italy, by Ercole Spada. Initially the factory had plans to produce 25 cars, but demand wasn't as strong as expected and production ceased at the 20th unit. Nowadays, due to the rarity and popularity of the DB4 GT Zagato, the cars are worth a considerable amount of money, and at auction they reach well in excess of £1 million.

The popularity of the original DB4 GT Zagato has resulted in two subsequent waves of cars based on DB4s being rendered into "Zagatos" through the cooperation of Aston Martin and the Zagato works in Italy. They are known as "Sanction II" and "Sanction III" cars. Also, an unauthorised but lucrative private industry of modifying original DB4 GTs into "Zagato" replicas has arisen as well to meet market demand for high-quality Zagato recreations.

Specification

Engine

Although the specification of the engine was changed and upgraded throughout their racing history, the Zagato predominantly featured a 3.7-litre, aluminium, twin-spark, straight 6-cylinder engine. With a more powerful 9.7:1 compression ratio when compared to the DB4 GT engine.

The engine produced 314 hp (234 kW), a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration of just 6.1 seconds and a top speed of approximately 154 mph (246 km/h).

Body

Ercole Spada at Zagato transformed the DB4 GT into a smaller, more aerodynamic, super lightweight car. Many steel components were replaced by aluminium counterparts. Basically all non-essential elements disappeared, such as the bumpers. With the help of Perspex and aluminium components, more than 100 pounds (45 kg) was shed off the DB4 GT.

Racing history

Four of the original Zagato's, chassis' 0191, 0193, 0182(1 VEV) and 0183(2 VEV) were built to a lightened DP207/209 specification, especially for racing. The DP209 cars have a lower roofline, larger rear wings, a reshaped tail and flatter, longer front end.

The first competition outing of a DB4 GT Zagato was during Easter in 1961 at Goodwood. Driven by Stirling Moss the car finished 3rd, behind an Aston Martin DB4GT and the winning Ferrari 250 GT.

The most prominent DB4 GT Zagatos, affectionately known by the registration plates they share, of '1 VEV' and '2 VEV' which were both raced under the John Ogier's Essex Racing Stable with assistance from the Aston Martin factory. Both the Zagatos raced in the 1961 24 Hours of Le Mans. However a repeat of the 1959 Le Mans victory was not to be, with both cars retiring. In July 1961 at a British Grand Prix Support race the Zagato had its first victory. With '2 VEV' taking the last lap lead from a Jaguar E Type.

'2 VEV' crashed heavily at Spa in 1962 and was rebuilt to the lightweight DP209 specification. After a road accident in 1993 the car was returned to the 1962 specification.

Chassis 0200 raced in the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans; however, a blown piston after 9 ¹⁄₂ hours forced the car to retire.

Sanction II Zagatos

In 1991, 4 unutilised chassis numbers were put to use. With the approval of Aston Martin, four DB4 chassis were appropriately uprated to GT specifications. These chassis were then sent to Zagato's Milan workshop to be bodied like the originals, with a smaller oval grille, sans the stock DB4 GT's rear tail fins, and with a smoothed out rear end. To familiarise the workforce with construction techniques of the 60's, an original DB4 GT Zagato was sent along to be dismantled. These 'Works Approved Replicas' were known as the Sanction II cars. They were outwardly identical, but several changes were effected in the interest of better handling. Each of these cars sold for over $1,000,000. Differences to the 'originals' include a larger engine capacity, increasing from 3.7 litres to 4.2 litres and a smaller wheel diameter from 16" inches to 15" inches. The first of the four GT specification rolling chassis was delivered to Zagato in January 1989 and the fourth in April of the same year. With all four being completed in July 1991. All four cars were then given their own chassis numbers appropriate to the 1960s.

Comparison of Sanction I to Sanction II

	1961 DB4GT Zagato	1991 DB4GT Zagato Sanction II
Chassis	Platform based on DB4GT	Platform based on DB4GT/0181/L
Wheelbase	7 ft 9 in (2,360 mm)	7 ft 9 in (2,360 mm)
Overall Length	14 ft 0 in (4,270 mm)	13 ft 10.5 in (4,229 mm)
Width	5 ft 5.25 in (1,657.4 mm)	5 ft 6 in (1,680 mm)
Height	4 ft 2 in (1,270 mm)	4 ft 2 in (1,270 mm)
Weight	24.6 long cwt 0 qtr 0 lb (2,755.2 lb or 1,250 kg)	24.75 long cwt 0 qtr 0 lb (2,772 lb or 1,257 kg)
Steering	Rack and pinion	Rack and pinion
Front Suspension	IFS. Wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers Anti-roll bar	As in 1961 car but adjustable and thicker anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension	Live axle on coil springs, located by trailing arms ands Watt linkage	As in 1961 car but improved location and adjustable
Brakes	Girling discs all round. No servo. Separate Master Cylinders	All disc, no servo. Smaller rear calipers altered brake balance Twin circuit
Wheels	'Borrani' wire spoked with light alloy rims 16" inch diameter, 5" inch wide	'Borrani' wire spoked with light alloy rims 15" inch diameter, 6" inch wide
Tyres	6.00 x 16 'Avon Turbospeed' Mark II	205/70 15 'Goodyear Eagle' NCT
Gearbox	David Brown 4-speed manual, all-syncromesh	David Brown 4-speed manual, all-syncromesh
Final Drive	Hypoid bevel 3.31 to 1 'Powr-lok' LSD	Hypoid bevel 3.07 to 1 Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Engine	All alloy straight six Double overhead camshaft (DOHC) Two plugs per cylinder	All alloy straight six Double overhead camshaft (DOHC) Two plugs per cylinder
Capacity	3,670 cc	4,212 cc
Compression	9.7 to 1	9.82 to 1
Carburetors	Three 'Weber' 45 DCOE4	Three 'Weber' 50 DC01/SP
Max. power	314 bhp (234 kW; 318 PS) at 6,000 rpm	352 bhp (262 kW; 357 PS) at 6,000 rpm
Max. Torque	278 lb·ft (377 N·m) at 5,400 rpm	330 lb·ft (447 N·m) at 4,600 rpm
0-60 mph (97 km/h)	6.1 seconds	5.5 seconds
0-100 mph (160 km/h)	14.1 seconds	12.2 seconds
Max. Speed	153.5 mph (247.0 km/h)	153.0 mph (246.2 km/h)
Production Numbers	19	4
Chassis Numbers	0176-0191, 0193, 0199, 0200	0192, 0196, 0197, 0198
Price (when New)	£5,470 (At the time, enough to buy a sizeable house)	(In excess of) $1,000,000

Sanction III Zagatos

The Zagato factory still had two spare body shells left over after producing the Sanction II Zagatos. In 1992 Richard Williams approached the executive chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda LTD, Walter Hayes and sought approval for the spare body shells to be used to create two further 'Sanction' cars. Walter Hayes gave his approval and the body shells along with two neglected Aston Martin DB4's (chassis' DB4/0334/R and DB4/0424/R) were completed into a pair of Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Sanction IIIs in 2000.

Replicas

Due to the huge popularity, large price tag, great look and rarity of the DB4 GT Zagatos, many replica cars have been constructed based on DB4 and DB4 GT chassis. These 'replica' (or recreation) cars share a large resemblance to the original Zagatos, however have not been made by the Italian Zagato company. Nonetheless, they still fetch a significant amount of money and are highly desirable.

Gallery

• 

  Side view of DB4GT Zagato, 1 VEV
 
• 

  Rear view of DB4GT Zagato, 2 VEV
 
• 

  Front View of Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato, 1 VEV
 
• 

  Aston Martin DB4 Zagato

>>Aston Martin DB4

Aston Martin DB4

Aston Martin DB4 1960 Aston Martin DB4 (Series 2) Manufacturer Aston Martin Production 1958–1963 1,210 produced 1,110 DB4 100 DB4GT/Zagato Predecessor Aston Martin DB Mark III Successor Aston Martin DB5 Class Sports car Body style 2+2 coupé 2-seat coupé 2+2 drophead Layout FR layout Engine 3.7 L Tadek Marek 240hp I6 Wheelbase 98 in (2,489 mm) Length 177 in (4,496 mm) Width 66 in (1,676 mm) Height 52.5 in (1,334 mm) Curb weight 2734 pounds  Related DB4 GT Zagato Lagonda Rapide

The DB4 is a sports car sold by Aston Martin from 1958 until 1963. It was an entirely different car from the DB Mark III it replaced, though the 3.7 L engine was externally visually related to the 2.9 L unit found in that car. The DB4's unique design and performance would later form the basis for future Aston Martin classics, such as the DB4 GT Zagato, the Lagonda Rapide 4-door saloon, and its ultimate replacement the Aston Martin DB5.

Design

The lightweight superleggera (tube-frame) body was designed by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan, and its Continental looks caused a sensation on its unveiling at the 1958 London Motor Show. Although the design and construction techniques were Italian, the DB4 was the first Aston to be built at the company's Newport Pagnellworks in Buckinghamshire, England.

Specifications

The 3.7 L (3670 cc/223 in³) engine, designed by Tadek Marek, was a double overhead cam straight-6, with cylinder head and block of cast R.R.50 aluminium alloy. The engine was prone to overheating initially, but the 240 hp (179 kW)produced by the twin-SU carburettor version made buyers forgive this unfortunate trait. Servo assisted Disc brakes were fitted all around, with early 11.5 in (292 mm) Dunlops being replaced by Girlings. The independent front suspension used ball-jointed wishbones and coil springs and the live rear axle also using coils springs with location by a Watt's linkage. Rack and pinion steering was used. There was a choice of final drive ratios, the normal one for British and European use was 3.54:1, the United States usually got a 3.77:1 and a 3.31:1 was also available for customers wanting a car with an especially high top speed.

Performance

A car with the British standard 3.54 final drive ratio tested by The Motor magazine in 1960 had a top speed of 139.3 mph (224.2 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.3 seconds. A fuel consumption of 17.7 miles per imperial gallon (16.0 L/100 km; 14.7 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £3967 including taxes.

Models

"Series" DB4s

There were five "series" of DB4s, with the most visible changes being the addition of window frames in Series II and the adoption of a barred (rather than eggcrate) grille in Series IV. The Series V cars of September 1962 have a taller and longer body to provide more interior space, though the diameter of the wheels was reduced to keep the overall height the same. The front of the Series V was updated with a more aerodynamic look that was later carried over to the DB5 cars.

DB4 Convertible

1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series V Convertible

A convertible was introduced in 1962. It featured in-house styling similar to the Touring saloon, and an extremely rare factory hardtop was also available. In total, 70 DB4 convertibles were made from a total DB4 production run of 1110 cars. Top speed was about 136mph.

DB4 GT

The DB4 GT was a special lightweight, high-performance version of the DB4. Introduced in September, 1959, the GT's featured enclosed headlights and a thinner aluminium skin for lighter weight. The wheelbase was also reduced in comparison to the standard car, which resulted in many cars not being fitted with rear seats.

The engine, though, was what made the GT special. Available in 3.7 L (3670 cc/223 in³) and 3.8 L (3750 cc/228 in³) versions, the GT's engine had twin sparkplugs per cylinder with two distributors and three twin-choke Weber carburettors. Modifications to the cylinder head brought compression to 9.0:1 and power output was 302 hp (225 kW). Maximum speed for the GT was 151 mph (246 km/h)with a 6.1 second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h).

Seventy-five GTs were built with this body style. Nineteen more were modified by the Zagato works in Italy into DB4 GT Zagatos, with plain oval grilles, sans the stock GT's tail fins, and a smoothed out rear end. A single car was also styled by Bertone and dubbed the Bertone Jet.

Vantage

With the introduction of the Series IV in 1961, a high-performance DB4 Vantage was also offered. It featured three SU carbs and special cylinder heads, increasing power to 266 hp (198 kW). Most Vantage models also used the enclosed headlights of the DB4 GT as well. In all, there were 136 saloons and 32 convertibles with the Vantage engine.

Vantage GT

1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series 5 Vantage GT

A tiny number of non-GT DB4s used the GT's more-powerful engine. This combination is often called a Vantage GT, though not all included the Vantage package and none was technically a GT. Three Series III, five Series IV, and six Series V cars have this unusual combination of body and engine for a total of 14.

>>Aston Martin DB Mark III

Aston Martin DB Mark III

Aston Martin DB Mark III

Aston Martin DB Mark III at the Scarsdale Concours
Manufacturer	Aston Martin
Production	1957–1959 551 produced
Predecessor	Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk II
Successor	Aston Martin DB4
Class	Sports car
Body style	2+2 hatchback 2-seat coupé 2-seat drophead
Layout	FR layout
Engine	2.9 L Lagonda I6
Wheelbase	99.0 in (2515 mm)
Length	172 in (4369 mm)
Width	65 in (1651 mm)
Height	53.5 in (1359 mm)
Curb weight	3000 lb (1361 kg)

The DB Mark III (normally simply called Mark III, even at the time of its introduction) is a sports car sold by Aston Martin from 1957 through 1959. It was an evolution of the DB2/4 Mark II model it replaced, using an evolution of that car's W.O. Bentley-designed Lagonda 2.9 L (2922 cc/178 in³) straight-6 engine, redesigned byTadek Marek.

Overview

Changes included a grille like that on the DB3S, a new instrument panel, and available Girling disc brakes. The hydraulically operated clutch was new as well, and an optional Laycock-de Normanville overdrive that was attached to the STD 4 speed gearbox after the 1st 100 cars or even an automatic transmission were available. Worm-and-sector steering and a live axle rear end were carry overs. At the rear, the DB2/4 Mark II's tailfins (after the 1st few early cars) were altered to use the rear lights from the Humber Hawk.

The standard DBA engine model with twin SU carburettors produced 162 hp (121 kW), though an optional dual-exhaust system (a claimed 16 b.h.p. increase) raised this to a reputed 178 hp (133 kW). Thus equipped, the car could reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.3 seconds and hit 120 mph (193 km/h). An optional high-output DBBengine with three twin-choke Weber 35 DCO 3 carburettors, special long duration camshafts, high compression 8.6:1 pistons and the dual-exhaust system boasted 195 hp (145 kW), though this was rarer ( 10 cars thus equipped) than the mid-levelDBD option with triple SU 1.75" carbs and 180 hp (134 kW) also with the dual exhaust system, fitted to 47 cars.

One car was fitted with the special DBC competition engine with a reputed 214 b.h.p., this was fitted with racing camshafts, special connecting rods, very high compression pistons (possibly 9.5:1) & three twin-choke Weber 45 DCO 3 carburettors.

The DB Mark III featured a hatchback body first seen on the DB2-4.

The useful hatch's struts and springs are visible from inside

Girling disc brakes were fitted as standard to the front wheels of all MkIII Astons after the first 100 had been made. Many cars were upgraded later. Only five automatic cars were made from a total of 551.

A 1959 review by Road & Track magazine praised the car for everything but its $7,450 price. "A car for connoisseurs," they called it. "The Aston has many virtues and few faults." Among the faults was too-heavy steering effort, high door sills, and a stiff ride. Interestingly, R&T failed to comment at all on the car's innovative hatchback body style, complete with fold-down rear seats, although this had been first introduced in the 2/4 MkI in 1953.

Coupés

Two Coupe variants of the Mark III were also produced. A Drophead Coupé convertible, while not common, still outnumbered theFixed Head Coupé – 84 of the former were produced, while just five of the latter were built. All five Fixed Head Coupés feature the mid-spec DBD engine, however. Both featured conventional hinged boot lids rather than the innovative hatch back.

James Bond

James Bond drives an Aston Martin DB Mark III in the novel version of Goldfinger, though it is referred to as a "DB III" in the book – indeed, the chapter in which he drives to his famous golf-course encounter with the villain is entitled 'Thoughts in a DB III'. It is the only Bond car in the Ian Fleming novels to have gadgets installed. For the film adaptation five years later, the car was updated to the Aston Martin DB5 model and the array of gadgetry was much expanded. It was to become one of the most iconic of classic cars as a result.

Production

• DB Mark III: 551
  • Hatchback: 462
  • Drophead Coupé: 84
    • DBA: 68
    • DBB: 2
    • DBD: 14
  • Fixed Head Coupé: 5

Die-Cast models

The DB Mk III was included in the Spot-on range in the early 1960s.

>>Aston Martin DB2/4

Aston Martin DB2/4

Aston Martin DB2/4

Aston Martin DB2-4 Mark I
Manufacturer	Aston Martin
Production	1953–1957 764 produced
Predecessor	Aston Martin DB2
Successor	Aston Martin DB Mark III
Class	Sports car
Body style	2+2 hatchback 2-seat drophead 2-seat fixed head
Layout	FR layout
Engine	2.6 L Lagonda I6 2.9 L Lagonda I6
Wheelbase	99 in (2,515 mm)
Length	169.5 in (4,305 mm)
Width	65 in (1,651 mm)
Height	53.5 in (1,359 mm)

The DB2/4 (often called a DB2/4 Mk1) is a grand tourer sold by Aston Martin from 1953 through 1957. It was based on the DB2 it replaced, available as a Drophead coupe (DHC) and 2+2 hatchback (known by Aston Martin as a Saloon) well ahead of the times. Other changes included a wraparound windscreen, larger bumpers, and repositioned headlights. A handful of Bertone bodied spiders were commissioned by private buyers.

Overview

The Lagonda engine was initially the same dual overhead cam straight-6 designed by W. O. Bentley used in the Vantage version of the DB2. Displacement for this VB6Eengine was 2.6 L (2,580 cc/157 in³), giving 125 hp (93 kW). In September 1953 for the Saloon & April 1954 for the Drophead, a 2.9 L (2,922 cc/178 in³) VB6/J version was used, pushing power to 140 hp (104 kW) allowing the car 120 mph (193 km/h).

102 Drophead Coupe models were built of 565 total Mark I models.

Three works cars were prepared for the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally and two for the Mille Miglia, but the company's focus was on the sports-special DB3 model.

A 2.9 litre car tested by British magazine The Motor in 1954 had a top speed of 118.5 mph (190.7 km/h) and accelerated from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23.0 miles per imperial gallon (12.3 L/100 km; 19.2 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £2621 including taxes.

A drophead coupé (DHC) appeared in the Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds. This car, which was bought in the mid-1960s by a Los Angeles resident, had a 327 Corvette motor (with automatic transmission) installed for "roadability" then was restored at that time, except for damage to the undercarriage from the filming which remained for historic interest. However, within two years the car was totalled by a subsequent owner.

Mark II

One of 34 Fixed Head Coupés by Tickford

A Mark II model (Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII), introduced in 1955, allowed for an optional large-valve, high compression (8.6:1) engine capable of 165 hp (123 kW). Other changes include small tailfins, bubble-type tail lights as on the Morris Minor, and added chrome. The bonnet horizontal split line was also changed from door sill height to a horizontal line carried backwards from the top of the front wheel arch. A 2-seat Fixed Head Coupé (FHC) was new, in addition to the continued Drophead. Just 34 of the 199 Mark II cars used this new coupe body, being the personal choice of David Brown.

Three Mark II chassis were sent to Carrozzeria Touring in Italy to become Spider models. Touring would later help Aston with the Superleggera design of the DB4.

One significant behind-the-scenes change for the Mark II was the move of coachbuilding responsibilities from Feltham to the Tickford Coachbuilding Works in Newport Pagnell. David Brown had purchased the Works in 1954 and would move all of Aston Martin's operations there with the start of DB4 production.

Production

• • Mark I: 565
    • Drophead Coupe: 102
    • Bertone Spider: 4 or 5
  • Mark II: 199
    • Fixed Head Coupe: 34
    • Drophead Coupe: 16
    • Touring Spider: 3