1936 Aston Martin 15/98 Short-Chassis Drophead Coupé
Chassis A9/825/SC is a 1936 Aston Martin 15/98 Short-Chassis drophead coupé, one of only 25 such bodies constructed by E.D. Abbott of Farnham in the so-called Doctor's Coupé style. Its detailed factory build sheet records two road tests and an ownership chain traceable through the war years, culminating in a five-year, no-expense-spared restoration by Steel Wings of Ivyland, Pennsylvania, including an engine rebuild using a new block sourced from Ecurie Bertelli. The car placed second in class at the 1998 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$275,000 – US$375,000
- → 1950Multiple early recorded owners (up to seven)full documentation
Factory records document up to seven owners across the prewar and wartime periods, with the factory likely providing maintenance through 1950. The car's history during the war years is unusually well documented.
- 1993 →Acquisition unknownPast Chairman of Aston Martin Owners Club (North America)full documentation
Acquired with the intention of a concours-level restoration; commissioned Steel Wings of Ivyland, Pennsylvania to carry out a fully documented, five-year rebuild including a new engine block sourced from Ecurie Bertelli.
Competition
- 19981998 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance2nd in Class
First public showing following the completed restoration; the car earned a strong class placement at one of the most prestigious concours events.
Maintenance & restoration
- —ServiceAston Martin factory
The vehicle appears to have been regularly maintained by the Aston Martin factory up through 1950, with at least two road tests recorded on the factory build sheet at 53 and 509 miles respectively.
Details drawn from the original factory build sheet, which is described as highly detailed.
- —RestorationSteel Wings
A comprehensive, fully documented restoration carried out over approximately five years at concours standard, with no financial constraints; scope encompassed bodywork, trim including the dicky seat, and mechanical systems.
Workshop located in Ivyland, Pennsylvania; described as Aston Martin specialists. Work commissioned by the current owner after acquisition in 1993.
- —Engine rebuildSteel Wings
Engine rebuilt using a freshly supplied block sourced from Ecurie Bertelli; the original engine block was retained and is included with the vehicle.
Carried out as part of the broader restoration programme; original unit preserved and offered with the sale, freight on board Florida.
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