1953 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Sports Saloon
- Engine
- 2.6L twin-cam inline-six, Vantage tune, 125 bhp
- Colour
- Black
A rare left-hand-drive 1953 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Sports Saloon, one of the final examples built before production ended in April 1953, fitted from new with the higher-output 125 bhp Vantage engine. Delivered to its first American owner in Ohio via dealer 'Wacky' Arnolt, the car remained in the United States before returning to Europe in the early 1990s. A comprehensive bodywork restoration was carried out in Italy between 2011 and 2013, and the mechanicals were overhauled by Trinity Engineering. The car subsequently appeared at multiple concours events and holds an ASI Gold Plate.
Ownership
- 2019-10-11Auction saleSold €195,000 (≈ $215K)
- 1953-03-07 →Factory deliveryJoseph C Clinefull documentation
First owner, based in Hudson, Ohio. Car delivered via agent Stanley Harold Arnolt. Original specification documented on the factory guarantee form.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownH J Kouspartial documentation
Second recorded owner, based in Columbus, Ohio. Date of transfer not recorded in the factory documentation.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownEuropean Aston Martin collectorpartial documentation
Brought the car back to Europe from the United States in the early 1990s and commissioned a thorough bodywork restoration carried out in Italy between 2011 and 2013, with mechanical work by Trinity Engineering.
Competition
- —ASI concours (Gold Plate award)Gold Plate
After the 2011–2013 restoration was completed, the car was displayed at multiple concours events and received an ASI Gold Plate distinction.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2013RestorationMassimo Chiara
Full ground-up bodywork restoration carried out over the period 2011–2013, with priority given to preserving original fabric. The interior was carefully reconditioned rather than replaced, retaining its period patina. Work was executed by Massimo Chiara, a former Carrozzeria Bertone employee with experience restoring cars for the Bertone Collection.
A book by the restorer documenting the process is available with the car. Date range 2011–2013; recorded here under the completion year.
- 2013Engine rebuildTrinity Engineering
Concurrent mechanical and engine overhaul performed by a UK-based Aston Martin specialist. A detailed invoice for the work, totalling £13,352, is retained in the car's file.
Work carried out alongside the Italian bodywork restoration.
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