Aston Martin DB2/4
The Aston Martin DB2/4 is a grand tourer produced by Aston Martin from 1953 until 1957. It was available as a 2+2 hatchback saloon, drophead coupé (DHC) and 2-seat fixed-head coupé. A small number of Bertone bodied spiders were commissioned by private buyers.
| Aston Martin DB2-4 Mark I | |
|---|---|
Aston Martin DB2-4 Mark I | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Aston Martin |
| Production | 1953–1957 764 produced |
| Designer | John Turner |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2+2 hatchback 2-seat drophead 2-seat fixed head |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.6 L Lagonda I6 2.9 L Lagonda I6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 99 in (2,515 mm) |
| Length | 169.5 in (4,305 mm) |
| Width | 65 in (1,651 mm) |
| Height | 53.5 in (1,359 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Aston Martin DB2 |
| Successor | Aston Martin DB Mark III |
.==Overview== The DB2/4 was based on the DB2, which it replaced. Changes included a singe-piece windscreen, larger bumpers, and repositioned headlights. The body was designed by draftsman John Turner who was 17 years of age at the time.
The Lagonda straight-6 engine, designated the VB6E, was initially the same dual overhead cam straight-6 designed by W. O. Bentley and used in the Vantage version of the DB2. Displacement was 2.6 L (2,580 cc/157 in³), giving 125 hp (93 kW). In September 1953 the Saloon received a 140 hp (104 kW) 2.9 L (2,922 cc/178 in³) VB6J variant, folllowed by the Drophead in April 1954. Maximum speed was raised to 120 mph (193 km/h).
Of the 565 Mark I models produced, 102 were Drophead Coupés.
A 2.9 litre DB2/4 tested by British magazine The Motor in 1954 had a top speed of 118.5 mph (190.7 km/h) and accelerated from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23.0 miles per imperial gallon (12.3 L/100 km; 19.2 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £2621 including taxes.
Three works cars were prepared for the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally and two for the Mille Miglia. Aston Martin pursued its competitive ambitions more intently with the DB3, which was designed specifically for sports-car racing.
A DB2/4 Mk I Drophead Coupé appeared in the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds