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‘David Brown had a good eye for styling; he even made his tractorslook good. He was also one of the few people who could change theshape of the DB2 without detracting from its appearance.’ – ChrisHarvey, ‘Aston Martin and Lagonda’.David Brown’s acquisition of Tickford Ltd in 1953 led to bodyworkfor the revised DB2/4 MkII being manufactured by the NewportPagnell coachbuilder. With the launch of the ‘2+2’ DB2/4 in October1953, Aston Martin had extended the DB2’s appeal to the hithertountapped yet increasingly important market comprised of ‘sports carenthusiasts with a family’. Modifications to the rear of the chassisplus a reduction in fuel tank capacity from 19 to 17 gallons liberatedsufficient space within the existing design for two child-sizedoccasional rear seats.Mechanically the same as the ‘MkI’, the MkII was identifiable by itssubtly altered lines, the most significant change being a ¾” increasein roof height that afforded greater headroom. In MkII form theDB2/4 continued to be available as a close-coupled sports saloonor drophead coupé, while for the first time an alternative fixed-headcoupé was made available, of which 34 were made.Standard specification included the 2.6-litre ‘VB6E’ engine in 125bhpVantage tune, but from early in 1954 the 3-litre 140bhp ‘VB6J’engine was installed, providing 118mph top speed and 60mph inaround 11 seconds. This was one of the fastest cars then built inGreat Britain - with l00mph achievable in third gear and around120mph maximum - possessing impeccable handling plus a level ofcomfort rare in any high-performance car.The accompanying copy guarantee form shows that left-hand drivechassis number ‘1185’ was sold new via Majestic Automobilesin France to its first owner: Raymond Gallizia of Montbeliard. Thecolour scheme is recorded as Sea Green (top) with Deep CarriageGreen (lower) and red Connolly hide interior, while the only nonstandarditem listed is Alfin brakes. Additional owners recordedare C Carnaghan of Ashtead, Surrey (1984) and Mr Eckard Sacuss(2003). The Aston Martin Register notes that this car had a 3.7-litreDB4 engine fitted at the Works after two engine failures, but thereis corroborating evidence establishing the date. Neither is thereformal evidence that it was retained by the Works for experimentalpurposes. Sold strictly as viewed, the car is offered with current MoTand V5 registration document.£140,000 - 170,000€170,000 - 210,000Motor Cars | 335