Aston Martin DB2/4
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| Aston Martin DB2/4 | |
| Manufacturer: | Aston Martin |
|---|---|
| Production: | 1953–1957 764 produced |
| Predecessor: | Aston Martin DB2 |
| Successor: | Aston Martin DB Mark III |
| Class: | Sports car |
| Body style: | FR 2+2 hatchback FR 2-seat drophead |
| Engine: | 2.6 L Lagonda I6 2.9 L Lagonda I6 |
The DB2/4 was a sports car sold by Aston Martin from 1953 through 1957. It was based on the DB2 model it replaced, but featured 2+2 seating and a novel hatch back, well ahead of the times. Other changes included a wraparound windscreen, larger bumpers, and repositioned headlights. As before, a drophead coupe was also offered, and private buyers commissioned Bertone to build a handful of spiders.
Contents |
[edit] 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 VB6E engine was 2.6 L (2580 cc/157 in³), giving 125 hp (93 kW). In mid-1954, a 2.9 L (2922 cc/178 in³) VB6/J version was used, pushing power to 140 hp (104 kW) and allowing the car to hit 120 mph (193 km/h).
102 Drophead Coupe models were built of the 565 total Mark I models. One of these appeared in the Alfred Hitchcock film, The Birds.
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.
[edit] Mark II
A Mark II model, introduced in 1955, allowed for an optional large-valve engine capable of 165 hp (123 kW). Other changes include small tailfins, bubble-type tail lights as on the Hillman Minx, and added chrome. A 2-seat Fixed Head Coupe was also new, in addition to the continued Drophead. Just 30 of the 199 Mark II cars used this new coupe body.
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.
[edit] Production
[edit] References
- Aston Martin DB2/4. AstonMartins.com. Retrieved on June 23, 2005.
| Since 1994 a subsidiary of Ford's PAG | Aston Martin and Lagonda road car timeline, 1948-present | [edit] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | 1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| Grand tourer | DB1 | DB2 | DB2/4 | DB III | DBS/Vantage | DB7 | DB7 Vantage | V8 Vantage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DB4 | DB5 | DB6 | V8 | Virage/V8 | DB9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| V8 Vantage | V8 Vantage | V12 Vanquish | DBS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supercar | Zagato | Zagato | Zagato | AR1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4-door | 2.6-Litre | 3-Litre | Rapide | Lagonda | Rapide | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
