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Guide to the Aston Martin DB2/4
Designed to be a more usable and practical version of the DB2, with four seats and extra luggage space, the DB2/4 came into production in October 1953 until October 1955. The roofline was altered from that of the DB2 to give more headroom and the small rear windscreen was replaced with a much larger one with an opening lid giving easier access to the boot. The back of the rear seats could also be dropped giving further luggage space as required.
First displayed at the London Motor Show in 1953, the DB2/4 also had other modifications to its design. The shape of the rear quarter lights were altered, the headlamps were set higher up in the bonnet and improved bumpers which would absorb the impact of a bump without damaging the bodywork. Over riders were also fitted and the windscreen was in one piece.
In early models the Vantage engine was fitted as standard. This was changed for later models with the introduction of the three litre engine. When tested by Autocar in 1953, the DB2/4 achieved 0 to 60 mph in 12.6 seconds and achieved a maximum speed of 120 mph.
102 were produced as Dropheds and 12 were sold as chassis only, 8 of which were fitted with Bertone bodies. When purchased new the Saloon cost £2,622 and the Drophead Coupe £2,910.
Released immediately following the DB2/4, the DB2/4 MKII was in production from October 1955 until August 1957.
Constructed using the same chassis and mechanical specification as the DB2/4, the DB2/4 MKII had only slight differences in its body work, which was the first to be produced at Tickford in Newport Pagnall which had recently been purchased by David Brown.
There was slightly increased headroom from that of the DB2/4 with a chrome strip being placed across the top of the windscreen to achieve this. flashing indicators replaced the earlier semaphore ones and small Tickford badges were fixed below chrome strips fitted from the front wheel arches to the edges of the bonnet. The side panels below these chrome strips remained fixed on the DB2/4 MKII making the bonnet lighter and easier to open.
The interior also underwent some minor modifications, including seats of a slightly different shape resulting in a more comfortable motoring experience.
There were 199 DB2/4 MKII’s produced , 16 of which were Drophead Coupes and 34 Fixedhead Coupes. 3 were also produced with Spyder coachwork by Touring, 2 of which were given away as prizes in a competition run by the Daily Mail!
When purchased new, the Saloon cost £2,728, the Drophead Coupe £2,910 and the Fixedhead Coupe £2,728.
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