1937 Aston Martin 15/98 Short-Chassis Drophead Coupé (coachwork by E.D. Abbott Ltd.)
- Engine
- 1.95L inline four-cylinder SOHC, twin SU carburetors, 98 bhp at 5,000 rpm
A 1937 Aston Martin 15/98 Short-Chassis Drophead Coupé, chassis A9/825/SC, bodied by E.D. Abbott of Farnham in the so-called Doctor's Coupé style. One of only 25 such Abbott-bodied dropheads built, the car features the characteristic fixed windscreen, roll-up windows, and a folding hood concealing a fully upholstered dicky seat. Factory records indicate continuous maintenance through 1950 and document seven prior owners. A comprehensive, multi-year restoration by Pennsylvania-based Aston Martin specialists Steel Wings — including a new engine block — resulted in a second-in-class finish at the 1998 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Ownership
- 2020-01-16Auction saleEstimate US$175,000 – US$250,000
- 1937 → 1950Multiple early recorded owners (up to seven total per factory build sheet)full documentation
Factory build records indicate the car was likely serviced at the works through 1950, with as many as seven owners documented across this early period.
- 1993 →Acquisition unknownPast Chairman of the Aston Martin Owners Club (North America)partial documentation
Acquired with the intention of a concours-level restoration; commissioned Steel Wings of Ivyland, Pennsylvania to carry out a fully documented, multi-year rebuild including a new engine block sourced from Ecurie Bertelli.
Competition
- 19981998 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance2nd in Class
First public showing of the car following the Steel Wings restoration, completed over a five-year period.
- 2017-10-01Manhasset Concours d'Elegance1st in Class
Maintenance & restoration
- —ServiceAston Martin factory
Factory maintenance records suggest the car was regularly attended to by Aston Martin's own works through approximately 1950.
Documented on the detailed factory build sheet retained with the car.
- —RestorationSteel Wings
Comprehensive, fully documented nut-and-bolt restoration carried out over roughly five years, encompassing all aspects of the car and aimed at concours-level quality.
Commissioned by the owner following acquisition in 1993; completed prior to the car's 1998 Pebble Beach appearance. Steel Wings are described as Aston Martin specialists based in Ivyland, Pennsylvania.
- —Engine rebuildSteel Wings
Engine rebuilt using a replacement block sourced from Ecurie Bertelli; the original engine block was retained and is included with the car at sale.
Carried out as part of the broader five-year restoration programme.
- —Service
Ongoing routine maintenance and cosmetic detailing to preserve show-condition presentation.
Described as a regular programme undertaken following completion of the restoration.
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