Just 98 examples of the convertible DB2 rolled out of the Feltham factory gates between 1950 and 1953, of which only 23 were built in right-hand drive. Chassis LML/50/34 is rarer still, courtesy of the unique bodywork applied in the 1960s by Spanish coachbuilder, Serra.

Per an accompanying copy of the guarantee form, this car was delivered to the J Black & Co dealership of Liverpool in February 1951 finished in Maroon over Beige hide. Being one of the earliest DB2s built, it featured a very rare ‘washboard’ three part grille. The Drophead Coupé enjoyed early competitive use, scoring class wins in that year’s Waterloo and DMC Speed Trials, plus events at Turnberry, Croft, and Gamston—the latter three achieved with 24 Hours of Le Mans participant and accomplished national racer, Peter Reece, at the wheel. Then spending time with a run of three owners, a note from August 1952 records that the car’s standard 105 horsepower engine was upgraded to the more powerful 2.6-litre Vantage motor by Wood Lane Garage of Timperley.

The Drophead Coupé was subsequently purchased by Royal Air Force pilot, Mr James Wears. He initially ran the car in Barcelona. However, according to his account, the rough Spanish roads meant that the aluminium body began showing signs of fatigue. As such, he approached Pedro Serra, best known for work on Pegasos, to design new coachwork. It is said that inspiration was drawn from the Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet by Pininfarina for this dramatic facelift of the DB2, which was changed to dark blue at this time. Wears recalled that Aston Martin was particularly co-operative as he sought later DB4 instrumentation to finish a custom-designed fascia. Then, an incident in 1968 left Serra to rebuild the car over the following two years, with an ivory hue applied. Chassis LML/50/34 would resurface in Spain in the 1980s, albeit in a state of disrepair. Purchased in July 1986 by Mr Kevin Bryant of Devon, the car returned to the United Kingdom before being acquired by The Best of British Collection.

Offered now as a restoration project, with the engine rebuilt by Clark & Carter Restorations and body panels in bare metal, this fascinating and unique piece of Aston Martin history not seen for several decades is ready to be returned to its former glory. Upon completion, this Aston Martin would be the perfect tool for shows and touring the roads of Europe.