1950 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage
- Engine
- 2.6L DOHC inline-six, twin SU HV6 carburettors, 8.16:1 compression, 125 bhp at 5,000 rpm
- Colour
- Red
Chassis LML/50/19 is an Aston Martin DB2 widely regarded as the first-ever Vantage-specification example, distinguished by its higher-compression twin-SU engine and rare 'washboard' triple grille — one of only three DB2 Vantages so equipped. Delivered in December 1950 to American amateur racer William 'Bill' Spear, it competed at the inaugural Sebring six-hour race that same month, finishing 15th overall and 2nd in class. The car spent most of its life in the United States and participated in the 2009 Mille Miglia Storica.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold £302,400 (≈ $378K)
- 1950-12-08 →Factory deliveryWilliam 'Bill' Spearfull documentation
Supplied via New York dealer Hoffman Motor Car Co.; car was delivered in full racing trim suggesting immediate competition intent. Spear was a wealthy American amateur racer and associate of Briggs Cunningham.
- 1978 →Acquisition unknownAston Martin enthusiast in Portland, Oregonpartial documentation
Held the car for over three decades and regularly entered it in HMSA historic racing events at Portland and Laguna Seca.
Competition
- 1950-12-31Sam Collier Memorial Grand Prix of EnduranceSebring Six-Hour RaceDriver: George Rand15th overall, 2nd in class
Co-driven by George Marshall; car ran under entry number 9 at the inaugural Sebring six-hour event.
- 2009Mille Miglia Storica2009 Mille Miglia StoricaCompleted the course
Prior to the event, specialist Kevin Kay attended to wiring, lighting, and front spring towers; no significant mechanical rebuild was required.
- —HMSAHMSA events at Portland and Laguna Seca
Regularly campaigned by the Portland, Oregon owner over a period of more than three decades from 1978 onward.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2009MechanicalKevin Kay
Pre-event preparation carried out ahead of the Mille Miglia Storica, covering wiring, lighting, and replacement of the front spring towers; a thorough safety-focused inspection confirmed no major mechanical work was required.
Kevin Kay is described as a prominent American specialist in Aston Martin vehicles.
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