1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 Bertone Drophead Coupé

Received as a commissioned gift from his 60 regional sales managers, delivered via Chicago importer S.H. Arnolt. Ward drove the car regularly and reportedly attempted to sell it for $5,500 shortly before his death.

Acquired from Ward's estate after his death, then promptly resold. The car had a non-functional engine at this point.

St. Paul businessman who purchased the car for $2,000 despite its blown engine. He fitted a Shelby Cobra engine and drove to Florida for retirement, while separately having the original engine fully rebuilt by a technician named Mark Doins.

Nebraska-based owner who paid $250 and agreed to cover the seller's return airfare if satisfied. He undertook a full cosmetic restoration in red throughout, reinstalled the rebuilt original engine, and replaced the hood fabric.

Thoroughly researched original materials and colors, completing the restoration by reverting the car to its factory blue livery while retaining correct trim and tools. The car appeared in an Automobile Quarterly feature during their ownership.

Prominent American collector specializing in Bertone coachwork who had the car refinished in bright red to his personal preference.

Exhibited the car at Pebble Beach in 2007 as part of the Aston Martin marque feature, achieving a second-in-class result.

Long-standing admirers who kept the car as a centerpiece of their well-known Texas collection until the collection was dispersed in 2015.

Brought the car back to Pebble Beach in 1997, achieving another class placing. Eventually sold to a noted Bertone coachwork collector.

Entered during the Dunsworth ownership period, shortly after the restoration to original blue livery was completed.

Exhibited by James Vandergrift, repeating the same class result as a decade prior.

Shown by Michael Schudroff as part of a dedicated Aston Martin marque feature, improving on previous class placings.

Cosmetic restoration by Virgil Campbell included a full repaint and interior retrim in red throughout; Bridge of Weir leather was cut to original patterns for the seats, and the hood fabric was replaced with Haartz cloth in the correct pattern. The rebuilt original engine was reinstalled at this time.

Tom and Ellin Dunsworth completed the restoration, reverting the car to its factory-correct blue finish while preserving original trim pieces and the full complement of bespoke accessories.

Owners researched correct colours and materials extensively before undertaking the work.

The original DB2/4 engine, which had seized or failed, was comprehensively rebuilt with new cylinder sleeves by technician Mark Doins, then removed and stored while a Shelby Cobra unit was used in the interim.

Work commissioned by William Peters Sr.; the rebuilt original engine was retained for later reinstallation.

A Shelby Cobra engine was installed as a temporary replacement for the failed original unit, allowing the car to be driven from Minnesota to Florida.

Carried out during William Peters Sr.'s ownership.

Car was refinished in a vivid red livery to suit the preferences of then-owner Gene Ponder.