Aston Martin DB2

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Aston Martin DB2
Aston Martin DB2 Coupé 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Coupé 1950
Manufacturer Aston Martin
Production 1950–1953
411 produced[1]
Predecessor 2-Litre Sports "DB1"
Successor Aston Martin DB2/4
Class Sports car
Body style(s) 2-seat coupe
2-seat drophead
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 2.6 L Lagonda I6
Wheelbase 99 in (2,500 mm) [2]
Length 162.5 in (4,130 mm) [2]
Width 65 in (1,700 mm) [2]
Height 53.5 in (1,360 mm) [2]
Related Aston Martin DB3
Aston Martin DB2 Coupé 1952
Aston Martin DB2 Coupé 1952

The DB2 was a sports car sold by Aston Martin from 1950 through 1953. It was a major advancement over the 2-Litre Sports model it replaced, with a dual overhead cam straight-6 in place of the previously-used pushrod straight-4. The engine was larger, too, at 2.6 L, and the car was designed as a closed coupe. A later drophead coupe model was also introduced, accounting for ¼ of the model's total sales. The DB2 was extremely successful in racing, setting Brown's company up for future success.

Contents

[edit] Development

The prototype for the DB2 appeared as one of three Aston Martins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949. The car was based on Claude Hill's tube-frame chassis, created for the 2-Litre Sports "DB1", with a closed coupe body design by Frank Freeley.

The Straight-6 engine came from the Lagonda company, which Aston Martin owner, David Brown, purchased for this reason. This engine was originally designed by W. O. Bentley, namesake of the Bentley car company, and engineer Willie Wilson.

The production DB2 debuted at the New York Auto Show in April of 1950. Although demand was high, the second, third, and fourth DB2 models to be produced were taken to compete at Le Mans in 1950. Two placed first and second in class that year and all three continued to race through 1951. Their success brought fame to David Brown's resurgent company, and convinced the company to begin a series of purpose-built racing models, starting with the DB3.

[edit] Production

411 DB2s were produced from their 1950 introduction through 1953. The first 49 cars used a square three-part grille in front with large rectangular side vents. This was soon updated with the more familiar integrated and rounded Aston Martin grille with horizontal slats. The three racing models were similarly upgraded to show the company's new face.

The car was a fixed coupé with a tiny top-hinged boot in back used to store the spare wheel. Luggage space was behind the front seats, accessed from inside the car as on the later Corvette. A large single-piece bonnet was hinged at the front.

Later in 1950, a Drophead Coupé variant was introduced. At least 102 were built.

In January, 1951, an optional engine with larger carburettors was available as Aston Martin's first Vantage upgrade. This was a power-only upgrade, with 125 hp (93 kW) available.

[edit] Performance

A saloon tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1950 had a top speed of 116.4 mph (187.3 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 11.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of 20 miles per imperial gallon (14 L/100 km/17 mpg US) was recorded. The test car cost £1914 including taxes. [2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Sedgwick, M.; Gillies (1993). A-Z of cars 1945-70. UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-39-7. 
  2. ^ a b c d e "The Aston Martin DB 2 Sports saloon" (September 27 1950). The Motor. 

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Aston Martin and Lagonda road car timeline, 1948–present
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 Mk III DBS/Vantage DB7 I6 DB7 Vantage V8 Vantage
DB4 DB5 DB6 V8 Virage/V8 DB9
V8 Vantage V8 Vantage V12 Vanquish DBS V12
Supercar Zagato Zagato Zagato AR1
4-door 2.6-Litre 3-Litre Rapide Lagonda Rapide
Owner David Brown Limited William Willson Sprague & Minden Pace Petroleum & Gauntlett Gauntlett & Livanos Gauntlett, Livanos & Ford Ford Richards, Sinders, Dar, Adeem, & Ford