Chassis Number: AM300/1264
Engine Number: VB6J/888
UK Registration Number: UNF 444
Date of first reg: 4th July 1957
Exterior colour: Connaught Green
Hood:
Interior colour: Beige Leather
Current Odometer reading: 99,690
Mileage Warranty:
Steering: Right
Transmission: Manual
Options:
Background
Background:
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 were many minor trim differences and modifications. The roof line was increased by ¾†to give an extra head room and this model is longer by 2â€. Inside, the seats had 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’ or ‘L1’ 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 competitionâ€, along with a larger fuel tank, close-ratio gearbox, racing clutch and 40 DCO Webers.
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.
Summary:
Feltham cars are recognised as David Brown’s foundation work that went on to deliver the very best of the hand-built Astons. A lovely car whose provenance is backed up by a comprehensive maintenance history and a separate folder with the handwritten notes and observations of its current keeper.
Summarising the improvements carried out by the current owner – a repaint, the fitment of specially made seat belts, an engine rebuild, new wheels and, for improved driving pleasure, a clutch conversion bringing the performance of late models to this great Mark II.
She is ready for events, touring or just the pleasure of ownership – and not a bad investment prospect!
Vehicle History
According to a copy of the original record card from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd., this particular car was supplied new by Messrs Grosvenor Garage to a Mr Edward Holbrook Franks, and registered UNF 444.
Within the history folder of the car is an old-style continuation log book issued in 1971. This indicates a further four owners, two of which were garages, before being acquired by Peter Hepworth, of Hepworth Pistons, towards the end of the seventies. He commissioned a restoration by recognised Aston Martin specialist Post Vintage Engineers. The work carried out was extensive including chassis, sills, complete bare metal respray and retrim in new leather. The end product reflected in the following concours results.
1980 A.M.O.C. - Newport Pagnell 1st Newcomers
1981 A.M.O.C. - Birtsmorton Court 4th Elite Class
1982 A.M.O.C. - Birtsmorton Court 2nd
The ownership changed again in July 1984 when the car was sold to a Rodney Must of Louth in Lincolnshire. Apart from regular maintenance throughout his ownership, the engine was overhauled in 1990 and a new stainless-steel exhaust fitted in 1996. A set of period fog and spot lamps were also fitted in 1998. However, due to overseas employment, the car received relatively little use. Other than the occasional summer excursion it was kept in controlled and dehumidified storage from1990 until sold to the current owner in October 1999.
That was a transaction brokered by Byron International and it is a pleasure to both see an original sales photo sheet produced at that time in the vehicle folder as well as having the opportunity to represent this lovely car again.
The current owner has maintained and improved the car in the period of his ownership and whilst is not an engineer he has restored and rebuilt a number of pre-war MG cars and a post war Triumph Roadster. As a result, he has established a number of engineering contacts who have been able to assist with his cars when required, including this Aston. His fastidious approach to the car is evidenced not by just the invoices and service records but more so by the copious handwritten notes that accompany those records.
For example, when Trinity Engineering diagnosed head gasket problems and the need to take remedial action, a detailed quotation and breakdown of work required to rebuild the engine was obtained from Davron. Individual elements of preparation for that rebuild were then carefully sourced by the owner which then allowed scope for additional work to be carried out during the rebuild.
And it’s worth noting that this car is MOT exempt but the owner has maintained the discipline of regular testing as a great measure of the mechanical performance of the car.
She is therefore presented in outstanding condition and represents a great opportunity to acquire one of the very best of the Feltham era, benefiting from the attention to detail by the current owner.
His has not just been an exercise in improving the car for its own sake – regular trips to and from his house in Northern France has been interspersed with trips to the Le Mans 24 hours and Classic Le Mans as well as participation in the rally that precedes the Circuit des Ramparts in Angouleme. And this will be the first year for some time that the car will be missing from the car park at the Goodwood Revival.
06.04.81 79,557
27.04.82 82,055
03.05.83 83,640
01.05.84 84,467
10.07.85 85,695
30.07.86 86,377
10.03.88 86,640
01.03.89 86,959
14.06.90 87,131
02.08.93 87,161
28.04.95 87,283
07.09.96 87,705
21.07.97 88,194
30.05.98 88,217
13.05.99 88,455
12.04.06 92,401
17.04.07 92,908
16.12.08 93,323
20.05.10 95,894
14.06.11 96,178
15.06.12 96,820
11.08.16 98,877
31.05.18 99,690
23.07.79- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Fred Binns Keighley
Fit new exhaust sections, fit new swivel pin bushes, reline front brakes, repair wiring fault to rear number plate light. 6,000-mile service, stream clean, specialist repair to bumper. Change wheels/tyres
19.10.79- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Shock absorbers, axle straps, exhaust
01.11.79- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Fred Binns Keighley
Fit new rear shock absorbers, fit new fan belt, fit new exhaust front pipe, replace axle straps
06.12.79- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Windscreen glass, windscreen glazing rubber, filler strip
14.12.79- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: VMCR
Estimate to reupholster and re-carpet car
30.12.79- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Post Vintage
Restoration work: Strip out interior, strip off chrome work, windows, doors, sills, wings etc. Make up and fit inner and outer sills, weld rear wheel arches
31.01.80- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Post Vintage
Make and fit new front wings/side panels, replace door frame bottoms, remove petrol tank, spare wheel carrier, weld inner rear wheel arches, strip off all old paintwork
30.01.80- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: VMCR
Restoration as per estimate
09.02.80- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset
Parts only: Clock
04.03.80- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Post Vintage
Paint & thinners
19.03.80- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: JH Cooper
Repair and polish dashboard
09.04.80- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Post Vintage
Shot blast 5 x wheels, set of plates, flasher switch, rubber sections, headlining materials, balance wheels
21.04.80- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: VMCR
Continuation of restoration
30.04.80- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Post Vintage
Chrome work
08.05.80- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Post Vintage
Documented summary of all work completed in restoration
23.05.80- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: VMCR
Final Account
10.06.80- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Post Vintage
Repairs and adjustments
01.02.81- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Post Vintage
Work to front chassis and suspension
05.03.81- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Post Vintage
Hoses, elbows and chroming
10.03.81- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Sports & Vintage Motors
Shot blast and vitreous enamel manifolds
11.04.81- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Post Vintage
Summary of mechanical restoration carried out during Jan – April 1981
20.01.82- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: MWS
5 x 16†Aston Martin wheels
04.05.82- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Post Vintage
Service
12.05.83- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Post Vintage
Carry out services
01.12.99- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Burlen Fuel Systems
Gasket set
29.06.00- Mileage: 89,038- Service Agent: AC Autos
Pipes, hoses and screen wash jets & MOT
31.07.00- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: AC Autos
Supply cellulose paint and thinners
11.11.01- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: AC Autos
Supply 4 x brake linings and fit to brake shoes
29.05.02- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Derby Plating Servies
Copper nickel and chrome plate over rider
12.06.02- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Queen Elizabeth Foundation
Repairs to bodywork as required and respray
31.05.03- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Andron Tooling
Front hub assemblies, rear hubs
06.06.03- Mileage: 90,663- Service Agent: Davron
Strip front brakes, replace wheel cylinders and align brake shoes correctly. Check rear brakes, set up brake cylinders in back plates, replace flexible brake hose and link pipe on n/s. Replace wheel hubs with new items provided by customer. Repair reverse light switch
24.09.03- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Tony Croxall (AC Autos)
Check for MOT, balance front brakes
05.07.04- Mileage: 91,339- Service Agent: Davron
Carry out major service, make up jack and jack handle mounts under bonnet, paint up mounts and fit to bulkhead. Fit new front o/s wheel cylinder and refit shoes, repeat on n/s. Adjust master cylinder push rod and clutch rods
29.07.04- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Davron
Parts only Door window glass support channel
18.04.05- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Tony Croxall (AC Autos)
Check over for MOT
13.04.06- Mileage: 92,401- Service Agent: Tony Croxall (AC Autos)
MOT
31.08.06- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Camberley Auto Factors
Oil filter element
17.04.07- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Tony Croxall (AC Autos)
Check over and MOT, adjust brakes, grease all points, inflate tyres, raise rear exhaust pipe, fit indicator warning buzzer
22.08.07- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Quickfit SBS
Seat belt parts and fixings
30.11.07`- Mileage: 93,305- Service Agent: Trinity Engineering
Carry out cylinder leakage test, drain cooling system and remove radiator and pipework. Remove cam covers and ancillaries, loosen cylinder head nubs ad lift cylinder head clear of block. Identify failed cylinder head gasket and cylinder liner protrusions below manufacturer limits
26.07.08- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Davron
Estimate for engine rebuild
27.08.08- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: XRN Engineering
Engine cover plate
10.09.08- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Tony Croxall (AC Autos)
Fit neg cigar lighter socket with insulated mounting bracket
19.09.08- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Davron
Exhaust valves, inlet valves, soring set, valve collets
16.10.08- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: XRN Engineering
Machine flywheel, surface crack test, pressure test hot 6-cylinder, machine 6-cylinder head, valve guides, valve inserts
14.11.08- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: JD Robertson
Supply big end bearings
20.11.08- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Coventry Auto Components
Rebuild Aston oil pump
07.01.09- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Davron
Engine rebuild as per estimate plus clean, paint and polish all parts before assembly, make up new carburettor spindle bush and fit before tuning, fit electric fan and wiring, MOT after repairing front brake, fit new mirrors, change broken gearbox mount, balance cranks assembly, crankshaft grinding of main bearing journals & polishing of big end journals + lead free conversion
16.01.09- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Davron
Parts – Exhaust guides, inlet guides, valve guide ‘O’ rings
12.02.09- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Quickfit Belts
Fit belts
04.03.09- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Coventry Auto Components
Hooks, exhaust downpipe gasket, washer bottle jar, washer bottle brackets
30.04.09- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Davron
Parts – Oil, oil filter, anti-freeze, top cover gasket, exhaust manifold gaskets, cam cover gaskets, inlet manifold gaskets, windscreen washer pump
01.07.09- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Tony Croxall (AC Autos)
Repair window frame, remove front exhaust pipes, clean and reseal, replace rear shock absorber link arms
16.07.09- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Vintage Supplies
Weather-strips
21.07.09- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: MWS International
5 x 16 spoke wire wheels, 5 x tyres, fit & balance
14.08.09- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Trinity Engineering
Bulbs, rotor arm, dynamo belt, wiper blades
14.08.09- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Holden
2 x mirror heads
04.09.09- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Auto-Design
Replace o/s door seal, replace n/s door seals and refit door caps
20.05.10- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Tony Croxall (AC Autos)
Check for MOT
14.06.11- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Tony Croxall (AC Autos)
Check over for MOT, repair screen washer
06.12.11- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Rawles
Rolling road x 1.5 hours, 2 x needles
23.03.12- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Davron
Disconnect prop shaft and other ancillaries, remove gearbox, clean and change seal, remove flywheel and deliver to have conversion done to diaphragm, remove thrust fork mount and modify for new clutch. Reassemble
15.06.12- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Tony Croxall (AC Autos)
Check over for MOT, grease all points, adjust brakes, tighten n/s/r/ wheel
02.10.12- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Trinity Engineering
Starter motor solenoid
13.06.13- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Mustang Dynamometer
Horsepower check
19.06.13- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Rawles
2 hour rolling road session
07.04.15- Mileage: 97,834- Service Agent: Motormasters
Oil & filter change and full lubrications, adjust handbrake cable
18.07.16- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Timothy Stamper
Brake light switch screw terminals
12.08.16- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: MWS International
2 x tyres
16.08.16- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Trinity Engineering
Headlamp bulb
13.09.16- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: MWS International
1 x tyre
09.03.18- Mileage: 99,668- Service Agent: Davron
Full service including engine, gearbox and axle oil changes, check brake fluid and coolant quality and levels, check brake components, adjust handbrake, grease round car, replace light switch, seal up exhaust blow, re-tension fan belt, re-wire cooling fan to only operate when ignition is on
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