Today, I have the honor of presenting a 1953 Aston Martin DB2 that will be auctioned at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach, California auction on August 13th and 14th. This is a special, original, and numbers matching automobile that debuted in the early days of David Brown’s involvement with Aston Martin. This saloon is available here on Gooding & Company’s website with an auction estimate of $120,000 to $150,000. This will be a no-reserve auction.

Having been formed in 1913, Aston Martin came under the control of David Brown and his Huddersfield Gear and Machine Tool company in 1947. The year 1950 saw the introduction of the DB2 which initially started out as a LeMans prototype. And from that point forward, history was confirmed for Aston Martin and its notable series of “DB” badged automobiles.

This particular car was sold new by Stanley “Whacky” Arnolt’s Chicago dealership – you can read a bit about Mr. Arnolt on his Wikipedia page. The initial owner of this DB2 took delivery in June of ’53 and it was originally finished in Moonbean Gray with a blue interior. Over the years, this Aston Martin went missing and then turned up in a Wisconsin garage – its years of slumber evidenced by its dust blanket. It’s hard to make much of a determination around the condition of its metallic green finish but the body obviously has some small dents and contusions – and potentially some surface rust on the passenger side rocker panel. All of the trim appears to still be attached and looks to be in fair shape. Those wide-whitewall tires make quite a statement!

Little is said about the engine other than it is a matching number 125 HP, 2.6 liter, in-line six-cylinder powerplant working through a four-speed manual transmission. It is a very complete-looking motor with a claimed mileage of 51K miles though no word about operability or rotational capability.

There are three included images of the interior and all are focused on the instrument panel and gauges. We are told that the original blue upholstery, with gray piping, has given way to a black arrangement that may be vinyl; there are only minimal views of the upholstery, door cards, and floor available. This DBS is obviously, a left-hand drive version and the instrument panel is populated by Smiths’ gauges which are all very prominent and clear. The wood panel, trim and beautiful steering wheel remain in very sound condition.

It is suggested that this Aston Martin is, “A truly rare opportunity, this unrestored Aston Martin, in garage-find condition, is a wonderful candidate for a comprehensive restoration back to its striking factory livery“. That would seem to be the case due to this car’s originality and completeness – the “born with” engine is a big plus too. There is more information on this 1953 Aston Martin DB2 available here. This will be an auction to attend! I have had the good fortune of visiting the Amelia Island show and auctions several times, but not Pebble Beach. But how about you, any potential attendees for August 13 and 14?

All images copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. Photos by Brian Henniker.