Described by Barons as a "fascinating rolling restoration project," this 1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 MKIII sold at the auction house's September 7 British Heritage auction. Photo courtesy Barons
A 1958 Aston Martin DB 2/4 MKIII originally registered to David Brown Industries and hidden under a tarp for three decades has sold at auction in England for £186,000, or the equivalent of $287,000. The sale price at Barons‘ September 7 British Heritage auction at Sandown Park shattered the presale estimate of £80,000-£100,000, or $125,000-$155,000.
According to the consignor, “the car was originally registered to David Brown Industries Ltd, and is then thought to have been registered to his [David Brown’s] first wife (D.M. Brown) and is complete with a fully supporting history file. The car was subsequently sold to a Yorkshire mill owner and regularly serviced by Aston Martin. It was then acquired by a London based architect, who then sold it to the vendor, in 1974. While the car was with the architect, it has impeccable history. There is also a full ownership history of the car, which was commissioned through Aston Services of Dorset, which goes right back to the factory.”
“It is amazingly sound, and complete with its 2,922cc engine, original buff logbook and workshop manuals and a comprehensive history file,” said Laurence Sayers-Gillan, managing director of Barons. “‘Lost’ cars of such importance come along very rarely and, with the direct association with such a pivotal figure in Aston Martin’s history, it should be a hugely rewarding project.”
The drophead coupé is one of just 84 built. The winning bid was submitted by a private British collector, who paid a total of $317,200 with the buyer’s premium and taxes included. By the way, tractor magnate David Brown paid £20,500 for the entire company in 1947; that sum would be worth about $750,000 in today’s dollars.