Some cars can only be described as stunning, and this 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Coupe is certainly one of them. Sleek lines, delicate folds, a teardrop shape and tiny tail fins combine to create a shape you can’t take your eyes off of. RM Sotheby’s will auction this handsome machine on December 8 in New York with an estimated selling price of $1.2 million to $1.6 million.
Besides looking great, this Aston Martin is special because it is the only DB2/4 coupe with a Bertone body. The Italian automaker produced six Conerti cars, but only one fixed-roof coupe.
The story of this machine begins with Stanley H. Arnolt II, a millionaire businessman from Warsaw, Indiana, who was passionate about cars. Arnolt established a close relationship with Bertone, including commissioning the coach manufacturer to create a unique look for the MG TD in 1952. A few years later, another collaboration resulted released this DB2/4 series.
Bertone is clearly quite proud of this coupe. Shortly after delivering it to its first owner, the coach displayed the car at the company’s headquarters for the 1957 and 1958 Turin Motor Show.
According to the auction listing, Bertone plans to produce many more of these coupes. However, Aston Martin refused to supply any more chassis to the company.
The current owner undertook an $800,000 restoration of the Aston Martin coupe in 2019. The work returned the car to its appearance at the 1958 Turin Motor Show, including a repaint The body of the car is in this light paint color. Manufacturers had to fabricate new parts for the front bumper, taillights and many interior and exterior trim pieces.
Aston Martin’s original 2.9-liter inline six-cylinder engine block is still under the hood. At some point in automotive history, a regenerative system consisting of camshafts and camshafts was improved to increase power.
This car won first prize at the 2023 Peble Beach Concours d’Elegance. And it already has an invitation to the 2024 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy, which means the new owner has a reason Justifiable to participate in this prestigious tournament.
