1955 | Aston Martin DB 2/4 Mk II

1955 AstonMartin DB2/4 3.0 litre
Chassis Number: LML/1038
Engine Number: VB6J/628
UK Registration Number: PNP 828
Date of first reg: 6th October 1955
Coming to us in impeccable condition from a lady owner whom had this car purchased as a gift for her by her late husband.
The car is finished in immaculate British Racing Green paintwork in flawless condition thoughout. To the interior is pale green leather piped in dark green, again in super condition. It has just had a full recommissioing service by Kenworthy Engineering after a brief lay up & is runniing superbly. This is a car with a massive history file the contents of which is detailed below. It was far too big to photograph in its entirety. Suffice to say it wants for nothing.
Options Include: 72 spoke Wire Wheels, Moto Lita Steering Wheel, Alperform Cylinder Head, Electric Power Steering, LED Headlamps, High Lift Cam Shaft, Twin Stainless Steel Exhaust System.
The DB 2/4 was introduced at the London Motor Show in 1953. A development of the well received DB2, the 2/4 was to overcome the restrictions of a two seater with the addition of two occasional rear seats. Luggage capacity also increased with access via a third door or tailgate featuring an enlarged rear window. The luggage space can be further enhanced by folding down the rear seats. At the time, when three door cars were a rarity, this almost justified the comment, attributed to the Bentley Drivers Club, that the car was then the fastest shooting brake in the world.
The DB 2.6 engine is the production version of W.O. Bentley's last brain child, conceived during the latter part of the second World War. With a capacity of 2,580 c.c. the Vantage engine was fitted as standard equipment until the 3.0 litre engine was introduced in April 1954 In 1955 three cars were prepared as works entries for the Monte Carlo Rally and won the team prize. Later that year two of the cars went on to compete in the Mille Miglia. The Mark II was introduced at the London Motor Show in October 1955. It has the same chassis and mechanical specification as the DB2/4. Fitted as standard, was the 2922 c.c. VB6J engine, which developed 140 b.h.p. at 5,000 r.p.m. However, as David Brown had bought Tickford at Newport Pagnell two years earlier, the bodywork for the Mark II was the first to be made there. There was little change in the general appearance, but there are many minor trim differences and modifications. The roof line was increased by 3/4 inch to give extra head room and this model is longer by 2 inches. Inside, the seats have a better shape and the hand brake was replaced by a proper fly-off lever now situated on the floor. In all 199 Mk II's were built.
A special series engine, denoted by an L suffix, said to develop 165 b.h.p., was offered as an option. The L cylinder head has larger valves and high lift camshafts. High compression pistons, giving 8.6:1, were also offered as an optional extra for competition, along with a larger fuel tank, close-ratio gearbox, racing clutch and 40 DCO Weber's. A Mark II with standard cylinder head (chassis number AM300/1145) was road tested by Autosport (May 31st 1957), for which 0-60 and 0-100 m.p.h. acceleration times of 10 and 28 sec., a standing 1/4 mile in 17 sec. and a maximum speed of 118.4 m.p.h. were recorded. Roy Salvadori described the same car in Autocourse, (May 1957).
Feltham Astons have developed a real following as their values and virtues have converged making them a real asset to any collection or a great car for any motoring enthusiast.
Presented with a sense of timeless patina & the match of the car colour with its wire wheels delivers a real essence of period. But the maintenance over the past 20 years means that the beauty is much more than skin deep. And it is truly ready for a new owner thanks to an expenditure by the current owner of over £75,000 pounds during his stewardship of the car & the Alperform head means smooth power delivery whilst the electric power steering makes the car much easier to handle and good vision with the new lights
If you are a Goodwood regular, you may have seen this lovely car on the Lavant Bank, a great example of a great Aston Martin & next time, you may be the owner!
Vehicle History
According to a copy of the original record card from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd., this particular car was supplied new via Cyril Williams Motors to one Mr R E Palethorpe of Palethorpes Ltd, Tipton, Staffs. With the manufacturers guarantee being issued on 6th October 1955. On the same record card, a further three owners are recorded, two of them being in the Sussex area, the third being a Mr Derek Shaw, of Boston, Lincs owning the car in 2001.
However, the best record we have predates Mr Shaw and are the well documented service records that run from 1994. The first set of invoices relate to a Mr Rondeau of Wickford in Essex who bought the car from a Timothy Page of Worthing. The history file includes his successful efforts with the Aston Martin Owners Club to restore the original registration number to the car. He conducted a fair amount of work with Central Auto Repairs.
One assumes that Mr Rondeau sold the car to the above mentioned Mr Shaw but the history folder's next entry shows the car for sale by a dealer, John Brown in an advert in Classic Cars in July 2002. It was purchased from the dealer by a John Bullock of Somerset and what follows is an object lesson in the sense of having an Appraisal Report as the Bill of Sale notes a warranty of just one month on moving parts only of the engine, gearbox and axle. The appraisal was closely followed by a number of invoices from Chris Shenton involving a substantial engine rebuild!
Mr Bullock was happy with the car and the history records ongoing maintenance and service through to 2007 when it was first brokered with the services of Byron International to its current owner. Pleased to note that prior to purchase, the car received a thorough Road Test & Report and on 11th October the car changed hands.
The previous owner but one was a true Aston enthusiast and the DB2/4 has shared garage space with a DB6 and we are pleased to say that the owner continued to maintain the car thoroughly, to improve it and invested substantially & notably having a comprehensive overhaul of the car through Trinity Engineering in 2013 and most recently, the car had the benefit of a new Alperform Head fitted by Vantage Engineering along with electric power steering, which has allowed the fitment of a smaller diameter Moto Lita Steering Wheel Steering Wheel for comfort and ease of access (original included), also LED lights for improved nighttime vision.
The focus of is faultless running & because the current owner is a user of the car & perhaps illustrated by his participation in the Goodwood Road Racing Club (GRRC) Tour de France. A photo taken at the top of Mount Ventoux on that tour shows the expectation of true Aston enthusiasts of their cars.
MOT History

MOT Date Odometer
18.12.97 00,012
06.07.99 01,482
06.02.01 01,513
04.02.02 02,392
11.07.02 02,878
18.06.03 02,984
31.07.04 05,709
01.07.05 07,143
16.09.06 08,242
24.07.08 08,790
29.07.09 10,433
19.07.10 10,897
22.07.11 11,879
27.07.12 12,534
11.09.13 12,952
Service and Maintenance Record
28.11.55- Mileage: 01,910- Service Agent: Aston Martin
Air intake grille made up and fitted, plugs checked and refitted, clutch carbon ring replaced. Allen screw on N/S Jacking Pad replaced, interior light rectified. Paintwork on boot rectified
16.11.56- Mileage: 18,134- Service Agent: Aston Martin
Engine stripped, cylinder liner seals in crankcase renewed, new oil control rings fitted, radiator hoses renewed. Large port type cylinder head fitted, twin exhaust system fitted, brake shoes replaced, brakes bled, handbrake cable replaced. Trailing arm bushes and pins fitted. Rear shock absorber fitted, dent in panel beaten out, o/s door panel rear wing panel repaired. Paintwork renovated. Rear brake 3 union modified for clearance
21.07.59- Mileage: 06,615- Service Agent: Aston Martin
Repairs carried out to rear suspension, supply and fit new trailing arm brackets to both sides of chassis
24.10.94- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: The Aston Workshop
Parts only: Gallery housing
10.07.95- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: AMOC
Registration number recovery
29.05.96- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Cylinder block assembly, thermostat housing connection
19.11.97- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Central Auto Repairs
To makeup section in near side rear wing and weld in. To make up section in boot aperture and weld in. Weld in section to tail gate, weld in section in bulkhead and lead load. Repair damage to rear panels, roof and off side rear wing. Touch up offside door. Paint back end, blow in roof as necessary. Paint bulkhead. Make up battery holder and paint. Make up front and rear number plate backings, modify overiders to fit bumpers, modify door lock
05.07.02- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: JohnBrown
Sale of car to new owner
25.07.02- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Robert Thorne Motor Repairs
Car inspection on sale of the car
15.01.03- Mileage: 02,983- Service Agent: Chris Shenton
Investigate head gasket problem, No 1 liner seating incorrectly. Remove bonnet, drain off and remove sump & plate. Note excess fuel in oil. Remove caps & pistons and rods Remove liners and shims, clean all parts to inspect. Check liners, rebuild cylinder head, head skimmed
12.02.03- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Rudler
Custom Car Cover
27.02.03- Mileage: 02,983- Service Agent: Chris Shenton
Valve seats etc machined, rebuilt engine, fit ancillaries. Water pump housing corroded so replaced. Engine continued to give problems & advise for new liners, pistons and possibly new con rods
07.07.03- Mileage: 02,983- Service Agent: Chris Shenton
Remove dashboard top, source period type interior mirror and fit, drilling and tapping dash board top to suit, refit top. Remove doors to & adjust catches and hinges for best fit, supply and fit driver's door mirror. Touch in paint chips. Adjust catch on boot lid to allow to open freely.
07.07.03- Mileage: 02,983- Service Agent: Chris Shenton
Clean liner landing surface & crank shaft ready for rebuild. Remove old pistons from conrods and fit new piston sand rings. Set liner heights. Fit pistons into liners, fit pistons and liners, refit head and timing chains, fit new oil filter and fill with oil. Replace fuel line and filter. Replace indicator relay, compression test and 40 mile road test
18.07.03- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Radiator cap, wing nut
09.10.03- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: John Moore
Overhaul carburetors, adjust to cure over rich running, Rebuild choke linkage mechanism. Repair trafficators, balance front wheels and spare, replace and paint two spokes. Supply, refurbish and repaint jack and handle, Fill with anti-freeze, touch up paint chips, supply lead additive
12.01.04- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: John Moore
Engine oil and filter changed, car greased and axle checked, rear brakes stripped and freed off., stripped front brakes and replaced linings
14.01.04- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Timothy J Stamper
Parts only: Rear trailing arm, adaptor silent bloc rear axle, silent bloc bush lower link, hub oil seal
21.01.04- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Peter Clarke
Repair wheels spokes 5,6,4,2,1 replaced
26.01.04- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Timothy J Stamper
Parts only: Front hub bearing, lower trailing arm bolt
07.02.04- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: John Moore
Change oil & filter, grease all points, axle and gearbox checked. Rear brakes freed off and checked. Strip front brakes and replace linings. Checked plugs and carbs. Sump bolts tightened. Stripped rear suspension replacing parts supplied by Stamper. Replace front hub. Starting handle fabricated, steering box side loose, tightened and track rods turned
14.04.05- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Wheel cylinders
15.04.05- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: John Moore
Change oil & filter, top up axle and gear box, plugs and points cleaned, carbs cleaned, tyres and wheels balanced, waxoyl chassis, replace hand brake cable
13.07.05- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Clutch cover, release bearing, driven plate, gearbox rear oil seal, pedal rubber
28.07.05- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Starter motor
01.08.05- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: John Moore
Remove starter motor for Bendix rattle, remove gear box tunnel, remove gearbox and clutch, fit new clutch, fit new rear flange oil seal, replace gearbox, prop shaft and tunnel, fit new starter motor, straighten seat runners, refit seats
13.07.06- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: John Moore
Fit new coil and points, inspect Dynamo, skim commutator, re-cut mica by hand & order and fit new dynamo
20.04.06- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only Dynamo
02.10.06- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: John Moore
Fit new plug caps, fit new lead coil to distributor, replace side lamp/flasher bulb. Wash out and refill washer bottle, replace number plate bulb and check electrical connections, check hubs, replace pinion oil seal, fit new thermostat, clean air filters and refit, make new chain cover bolts, road test
22.02.07- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Spark plugs, thermostat, gaskets for housings and thermostat
27.02.07- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: John Moore
Drain water and remove thermostat housing, fit new thermostat, make up timing indicator, fit and check timing, clan air filters and refit
22.03.07- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: John Moore
Battery cut out switch faulty, replace. Clean and replace fuel filter in tank, reserve tank tap not working, unable to repair left it in on position, fuel filter and condenser replaced
27.03.07- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Low pressure fuel pump, rotor arm
12.04.07- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: John Moore
Removed rocker covers, checked tightness of head bolts – all ok. Cleaned oil seals, refit covers with new water jacket gasket
21.05.07- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Bottom radiator hose, breather pipe hose, bonnet hinge bushes
29.05.07- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Eccentric pin, bush
11.06.07- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: John Moore
Remove bonnet and remove dynamo, carbs, exhaust and cylinder head and drain water. De-coke head, check valve seating & ok. 2 coats red engine paint to block and head. Refit new cylinder head with new gasket, replace carbs, fit new bottom hose, clean off exhaust manifolds and repaint. Refit manifolds and exhaust, fill rad. Fit new bushes to bonnet mounts. Strip n/s front suspension & coil ring, remove eccentric pin & bushes. Fit new bushes and bump stop., refit and adjust suspension
09.10.07- Mileage: 08,724- Service Agent: Newlands Motors
Appraisal report on vehicle purchase
11.10.07- Mileage: 08,724- Service Agent: Byron International
Purchase of car by current owner
15.01.08- Mileage: 08,742- Service Agent: Newlands Motors
Replace engine gaskets, fit UJ kit to propshaft, replace rear shock absorbers, replace steering box output oil seal, repair wiper mountings, fit seat belts, repair front wiring loom, attend to brakes, & general list. Road test, remove & refit speedo. S/fit and balance 5 x tyres
31.07.08- Mileage: 08,796- Service Agent: Newlands Motors
Adjust tailgate, adjust bonnet catches, rectify seized steering column adjuster, Touch in green paint on wheels, check levels and take for MOT
13.08.08- Mileage: 08,796- Service Agent: Newlands Motors
Fit pedal gaiters
24.07.09- Mileage: 10,339- Service Agent: Newlands Motors
Pressure test cooling system, remove radiator, send for specialist repair and refit. Adjust clutch, replace handbrake cable, modify clevis etc, rebuild master cylinder
10.07.10- Mileage: 10,893- Service Agent: Newlands Motors
Remove / refit master cylinder, bleed brakes, remove carbs, refit balance pipe, seal joint. Service/ tune, clean engine bay refit rear door trims, glass etc, adjust doors, replace bolts on driver's seat, adjust brakes
01.05.11- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Tim Baker
Replace sump gasket, change oil & filter, replace diff pan gasket and change oil, grease as per service manual. Replace distributor cap and rotor arm, replace spark plugs, drain and flush radiator, free off o/s/f brake, fit new heater control cable, fit new choke cable, repair boot release mechanism, secure driving lamps
10.08.12- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Contact set, condenser, sump plug washer, oil filter element, spark plugs, filler neck tube, grommet for filler neck tube, locking petrol cap
07.06.13- Mileage: 12,879- Service Agent: Trinity Engineering
1st stage payment for work in progress (£18,000)
12.09.13- Mileage: 12,955- Service Agent: Trinity Engineering

Engine: full overhaul, incl torqueing cylinder head, replace all timing chains, new camshaft Vernier gears, reset timing, fit new front timing cover, , replace gaskets, pulley bearings, replace dynamo with alternator with period look, new radiator mountings, straighten distorted sump pan, replace oil, filter, spark plugs, HT leads, distributor, fuel pump, repair crack on rear manifold, replace carburetor floats, fit additional electric cooling fan. Transmission: Remove gearbox and clean, replace clutch with modern diaphragm unit, replace spigot shaft bearing, replace clutch release fork. Refurbish propshaft with new UJ’s, disconnect and remove rear hub assemblies, set up half shaft end float, refit hub assemblies with new seals, refit gearbox with new heat retardant materials and new rubber bush mountings Steering: Replace front hubs with higher specification items, dismantle n/a kingpin assembly, replace thrust washers fit replacement steering box with all new internals, reset caster and wheel alignment settings, refit and centralise steering wheel. Front Suspension: Replace outer trailing arm bushes, remove and replace front spring turrets, fit uprated front springs, replace bump and droop stops, set front ride heights. Rear Suspension: Replace all aluminium castings with new items, replace trailing arm bushes, replace Panhard rod locating bracket, replace road springs, set rear ride height, replace damper links, replace axle check straps. Brakes: Replace pedal shaft bracket, refit pedals and set height, remove all brake drums, refurbish front wheel cylinders, replace rear wheel cylinders, replace front and rear brake shoes, refit drums with new studs and set up shoes, replace master cylinder with tandem unit. Manufacture new Kunifer brake lines, manufacture Aeroquip flexible hoses, bleed system and pressure test for leaks. Wheels: Replace all road wheels with 72 spoke items, paint wheels to match body colour, fit new inner tubes Bodywork: Cut out all worn door pivot pins and bushes, replace with new items, set door alignment and weld in place, fit new door buffers, check strap bushes, secure o/s exterior trim, tighten front bumper, replace door seals, sundry replacements. Boot: Adjust fitment of lid in aperture, fit correct boot seal. Disconnect and repair fuel pick-up. Electrical: Carry out polarity conversion, supply and fit new battery, refurbish clock, replace headlamp bulb harnesses, rectify interior light, rewire heater blower, fit fire extinguisher Service & MOT, road test and present for collection.
30.11.13- Mileage: 15,604- Service Agent: Trinity Engineering
Attend to carburetor dash pots, replace spark plugs, replace radiator hose, replace exhaust manifolds with stainless steel fabricated manifolds. Manufacture and fit stainless steel exhaust system. Fit new clutch release bearing. Surface grind brake drums, remove, clean and re-align front and rear brake shoes, refit and bleed system. Replace driver’s door exterior handle. Remove and refit rear screen with new seal. Fit new tailgate release cable. Replace headlamp bulb and service wiper switch
28.08.15- Mileage: 16,319- Service Agent: Trinity Engineering
Drain oil and remove sump pan, refit sump with new gasket, replace oil and filter, clean fuel filters and air filters. Identify / repair vacuum leak through balance pipe seal. Reset engine timing, idle speed and mixture settings, carry out balance of 5,000-mile service. Check all aspects of transmission. Reset caster and wheel alignment settings. Replace leaking trailing arm seals on front suspension, check front and rear damper oil level. Replace front and rear brake shoes, bleed system. Replace cross shaft pins on bonnet mechanism. Replace rear window seal and address rear seating
16.08.17- Mileage: 16,680- Service Agent: Trinity Engineering
Replace wiper switch, s/fit service exchange wiper motor, repaint under bonnet area
05.09.17- Mileage: 16,806- Service Agent: Trinity Engineering
Remove spark plugs, carry out compression test, carry out cylinder head leakage test. Drain oil and replace oil filter, replace tachometer cable
21.02.18- Mileage: 17,467- Service Agent: Vantage Engineering
Remove and replace seized steering arm and adjust tracking, adjust clutch free play fit LED bulbs
23.05.18- Mileage: 17,971- Service Agent: Vantage Engineering
Diagnose engine misfire, exhaust valve #5 stuck in open position, strip head and timing cover, plastigauge camshafts and note excessive wear on camshaft bearings. Weld holes in manifold and repair damaged threads.
30.06.18- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Vantage Engineering
Remove tailgate from car, remove glass and trimmings, repaint, rebuild and refit. Cylinder head porting, polishing and balance of combustion chambers
26.07.18- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Vantage Engineering
Trial assembly of Alperform cylinder head, grind in valves and measure clearances. complete assembly of head and prepare cylinder block, fit cylinder head with all new gaskets, fettle inlet manifolds to match, fit head assembly to cylinder block, fit dynamo and all ancillaries. Change front brake wheel cylinder
13.08.18- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Vantage Engineering
Attend to screen wash pipework
21.12.18- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Vantage Engineering
Replace steering box with upgraded Marles steering box for electric PAS
11.04.19- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Vantage Engineering
Replace steering wheel with Moto-Lita version and replace seized speedo cable. Replace EPAC speed sensor
24.07.19- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Vantage Engineering
Investigate speed related noise & front hub bearings found in need of replacement. Replace both front brake cylinders, bleed brakes, top up anti roll bar housing with oil.
02/06/2024 To Lee Kenworthy engineering for a full recommissioning service.