To broaden the appeal of the already successful DB2, Aston Martin introduced the 2+2 DB2/4 in October 1953. This version underwent extensive rear-end modifications, accommodating two occasional seats and offering more luggage space with a hatchback rear door—an early application of this now-common feature. It also featured a raised roofline, a one-piece windscreen, larger bumpers, and other stylistic updates to distinguish it from its predecessor.
Underneath, the DB2/4 retained much of the DB2’s architecture, including the rectangular-tube chassis, trailing arm independent front suspension, and a well-located live rear axle. Power came from the 2.6-liter, six-cylinder, twin-cam engine, a legacy from the W.O. Bentley era, with the 2/4 model featuring the tuned Vantage specification as standard (125bhp). However, the inevitable weight gain from the redesign was only fully addressed with the introduction of the 3.0-liter, 140bhp engine in 1954.
With these improvements, the DB2/4 could reach a top speed of 118mph and accelerate to 60mph in approximately 11 seconds, solidifying its status as one of the fastest sports cars of its era. Many DB2/4s were actively raced during their time, and it’s worth noting that they are eligible for events like the Mille Miglia.
In 1953, David Brown’s acquisition of Tickford Ltd led to a change in bodywork manufacturing for the revised Mark II model. Launched at the London Motor Show in October 1955, the DB2/4 Mark II remained mechanically similar to its predecessor but featured subtle design alterations, including a ¾” increase in roof height to provide more headroom.
Source: Bonhams
