Aston Martin DB2

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Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t the DB that James Bond sadly passed over. While the silver screen depicted our hero driving a DB5, DBS and then the ‘Gaydon’ Astons, Bond author Ian Fleming had 007 driving a DB3 – but the accepted thinking is actually a DB MkIII – in his books, which included Goldfinger. Clearly long before the gimmickladen DB5 came along, James had a touch of class about him. Largely ignored, it wasn’t that long ago that you might pick up a good one for around £25,000 – now you better add a nought on the end. Chalk and cheese to later DBs, but that’s their real appeal.

Driving

DB2s are an acquired taste being a world away from the later DBs. Being designed in the late 1940s, understandably there’s a more vintage feel – especially pace, which is only fairly lively in today’s terms – expect 9-12 seconds to 60mph according to engine tune.

In contrast, being a road-going derivative of the racing cars, the DB2’s handling was ahead of its time. Little compares to this Aston, expect a Jaguar XK but the Feltham car is that bit sportier. Despite the plush looking cockpit, DB2 refinement was never a strong point. That 1940’s feel means that all the controls are heavy but a steering upgrade to lighten the effort is popular plus adding discs and a servo. You may never use the DB2/4’s rear seats but the practicality afforded by the rear hatch is very useful and, as a tourer, DB2s make good practical companions.

Values

On par with DBS, MkIIIs are most valued, followed by the DB2 with dropheads, on average, worth £100K more, which is the going rate for a project; a pro resto will cost £200,000 minimum and the factory changes a flat rate of over £300K – but these early Astons are seen as strong investments.

Timeline

1950 Available in (coupé and DHC convertible) guises. Even the not so sporting column shift (a central gear shift was an option) and three abreast seating didn’t stop the production of some 350 saloons and 49 drophead coupés. The stock 2580cc engine gave 105bhp, while the famous Vantage engine with 125bhp

1953 Named the DB2/4, which stood for two-seater, occasional four-seater, while the opening rear tailgate also ensured that the car at last gained a proper boot. Fitted with the DB2 2.6-litre Vantage engine

1954 3-litre engine introduced for a more respectable 140bhp

1955 Facelifted MkII surfaces; 199 made of which 34 were FHC (a DHC with a fixed hardtop, often called Notchback). Some featured a special cyl head yielding 165bhp

1957 MkIII with revised engine and dash plus 162bhp tune

1959 Triple carbs for 180bhp overdrive or auto options

Best models

DB2

Agricultural but purists love them, particularly as a Vantage, or further uprated. Only 100 or so dropheads were made, £400K

MKIII

Not only is engine more powerful but stronger too plus front discs were fitted – optional before: 195bhp in top Special Series tune sporting twin exhausts

Modified

No shortage of tweaks but specialists reckon best mod is to have it serviced and set up as majority are out of kilter. DB4 or Jag XK engines fit but devalues car

Top five faults

Restos

 
Can spot a DIY job mile away say experts as it’s actually more complex than the later DB models…

Rust

 
Rot haven, especially the centre diagonal sections, sills and bulkheads, for rust, welding repairs and normal accident damage

Engine

 
£20K to properly overhaul; chief worries are cracked blocks, heads and liner failures. What engine is fitted? Due to reliability issues and the high cost of rebuilds, any compatible unit from other DBs or Lagondas may have been installed

Running gear

The real worry is a complete failure of the front end if the alloy spring mounts collapse. Other points include rear axle arms and eye ends, alloy axle brackets and hubs which can let go, especially at the front. According to experts, Four Ashes, is more complex than a DB5. Suspension needs a special check. See if the car sits square although the steering is naturally sloppy