1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Convertible

The 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Convertible is a rare and elegant British sports car with a rich story that intertwines motorsport heritage, post-war innovation, and high-end craftsmanship. Here's an overview of its history and backstory:

Background: The DB Series

The DB2/4 is part of Aston Martin’s prestigious DB line, named after David Brown, the industrialist who bought Aston Martin in 1947. Under his ownership, the brand began focusing on performance cars that could also compete at Le Mans.

Predecessor: The Aston Martin DB2, introduced in 1950, marked a turning point for the company with its powerful engine and racing pedigree.

Evolution: The DB2/4, introduced in late 1953, was an evolution of the DB2 — more practical and refined, with rear seats and a unique hatchback-style rear, making it one of the earliest production cars to feature this design.

Key Features of the 1954 DB2/4 Convertible

Coachwork: Hand-built by Tickford, which Aston Martin acquired in 1954. The convertible version was a rare variant — most DB2/4s were coupes or saloons.

Engine: 2.6L or 2.9L Lagonda inline-6, designed by W.O. Bentley (yes, that Bentley).

Performance: Around 125–140 hp, top speed over 115 mph — impressive for the era.

Design: Subtle styling changes from the DB2 included:

One-piece windshield (vs. split in DB2)

Higher roofline for better rear seating

Rear-opening hatch (in fixed-head coupes)

Optional overdrive and wire wheels

Historical Significance

Post-war Innovation: The DB2/4 was designed during a time when post-war Britain was rebuilding its industries. It symbolized British ingenuity and sporting ambition.

Racing Pedigree: Though more of a GT car, it had direct lineage to Aston Martin’s racing efforts, including Le Mans victories.

Celebrity Status: DB2/4 found favor among celebrities and dignitaries. One famously appeared in the 1963 film Charade, driven by Audrey Hepburn.

Rarity: The Convertible version (Drophead Coupé) is especially rare:

Only ~102 DB2/4 Drophead Coupés were built between 1953–1955.

Each was custom finished, making survivors extremely collectible today.

Legacy

The DB2/4 paved the way for legendary models like the DB4, DB5 (made iconic by James Bond), and later the DB series cars. It represents a bridge between Aston Martin’s racing roots and its luxury GT future.

Today, a 1954 DB2/4 Convertible is a prized collector’s item — valued for its rarity, craftsmanship, and its place in Aston Martin’s storied evolution.

This Motor car

This car, Chassis number LML/640 was delivered new in late November 1954 by agent Cyril Williams (Motors) of Wolverhampton to the engineering firm Delson and Company of nearby Alvechurch, on behalf of Mr. K.C. (Ken) Delingpole. Ken Delingpole was a prominent pre-war trials competitor and co-founder of respected road-going trials, rally and hill-climb car maker Dellow Motors Ltd.

The DB2/4 was supplied in Moonbeam Grey with red Connolly leather trim, matching red roof, grey carpets, also a wireless and heater.

Delingpole promptly sold the Aston-Martin to the first private owner, Mr. Ronald Baker of Bath, who kept the Aston-Martin for a further 40 years until 1994. In June 1959 the engine was replaced by the works with a 3-litre replacement unit, due to an engine failure.

In 1994 the third and last registered change of ownership finally took place, the DB2/4 finding its way into the garage of a passionate collector living in Düsseldorf Germany. The Aston-Martin was used for special occasions only, but maintained in good order, with the last German TÜV in 2015 at the current mileage.

Having been dry stored in recent years, the Aston Martin has recently been recommissioned, with the coachwork expertly refinished in its original colour scheme.

An invoice of £27,950 (GBP) supports this work. The Connolly leather trim shows a delightful patina; the convertible roof appears to be original, as is the engine bay.

A rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful example of these ground-breaking convertible sports cars of the 1950s. The Aston Martin still has its original instruction book, copy warranty sheet and older registration documents.