1932 Aston Martin International LM8 Works Racer
- Engine
- 1.5L inline-four, dry-sump, four-speed gearbox
- Colour
- British Racing Green
Aston Martin LM8 is a 1932 Works racer and the first of three second-series competition cars derived from the International model, powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder dry-sump engine. At the 1932 Le Mans 24 Hours it finished 7th overall and 2nd in class, driven by Bert Bertelli and Patrick Driscoll, and notably claimed the eighth Biennial Cup. After Works sale, the car passed through several documented owners and spent 55 years with one enthusiast before undergoing mechanical and cosmetic renovation. It remains an intact and historically significant survivor.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold €905,000 (≈ $996K)
- 1932 →Factory deliveryAston Martin Worksfull documentation
Car was constructed and campaigned as a factory racer during the 1932 season, running at Le Mans and Shelsley Walsh among other venues.
- 1935 → 1939Private saleA.M. Wicksteedpartial documentation
- → 1935Private saleC.H. 'Happy' Woodpartial documentation
Company draughtsman who acquired the car at the end of the 1932 season when Works entries were dispersed; the car carried a 2/4-seater body in the production Le Mans style at this point.
- 1939 → 1951Acquisition unknownP.A. Smithpartial documentation
Car appears to have been kept off the road and stored through the wartime period while in this owner's possession.
- 1951 → 1955Private saleArthur Steelpartial documentation
- 1955 →Private saleDealer in Carmarthenpartial documentation
Unidentified motor trader based in Carmarthen who acquired the car from Steel in early 1955 before it passed onward.
- Date unknownPrivate salePaul Sykesfull documentation
Retained the car for approximately 55 years, initially as daily transport and later as a collector piece; commissioned a comprehensive mechanical rebuild by Rob Davies and had the bodywork restored in British Racing Green.
Competition
- 1932JCC 1,000-Mile RaceDNS — retired during practice
Car was withdrawn before the start owing to suspension issues; modifications were made promptly to prepare for the subsequent Le Mans entry.
- 1932Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: Bert Bertelli7th overall, 2nd in class; 1st in Biennial Cup
Co-driven by Patrick Driscoll; secured the eighth Biennial Cup despite a water leak near the finish. Sister car LM10 placed 5th overall and 1st in class.
- 1932Shelsley Walsh hillclimb
Factory outing held roughly one week after the Le Mans result; the car opened the proceedings at this event.
- 2013Aston Martin Centenary Celebrations, Kensington Gardens
Car participated in the marque's centennial event following its mechanical and cosmetic restoration.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2021Inspection
Car accepted to the Registro 1000 Miglia, confirming eligibility for the Mille Miglia; a FIVA Identity Card was also issued.
The FIVA card and Registro acceptance constitute formal eligibility documentation rather than mechanical work.
- —Modification
The car was fitted with a 2/4-seater body incorporating a slab tank, styled after the production Le Mans model, at some point after its Works career ended.
This body configuration was in place when C.H. Wood acquired the car from the Works.
- —Engine rebuildRob Davies
Engine rebuilt with new crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and valves, along with an Ulster-type camshaft and straight-cut gears set to Le Mans ratios.
Work carried out late in Paul Sykes's ownership, prior to the 2013 Centenary event.
- —Bodywork
Bodywork repaired and replaced where required, then finished in British Racing Green with a matching dark green leather interior.
Carried out in conjunction with the mechanical renovation by Rob Davies.
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