Back to back: (relatively) cheap Aston Martins

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We picked out two cars from Bonhams’ traditional Aston Martin Sale, to take place on the 2nd of June this year but in Reading rather than Newport Pagnell this time. But why this most unusual duo, you may ask? Well, apart from being Aston Martins it may indeed seem hard to find a link between the two, as they are more than miles apart. But this time it’s their price: both are estimated to make £40- to 60,000, and we simply wondered which one you would prefer to take home?

First is a 1951 DB2 Sports Saloon of which there can be no mistake about its barn find appearance. It’s an early ‘washboard’ model that’s been owned by the same man since 1966 and obviously in need of total restoration. The engine has supposedly been converted to 3-litre capacity from the original 2.6, and it is believed to have been fitted also with a Butler close-ratio gearbox and Alfin brake drums all round. All pretty desirable. But it also comes with a little difficulty though. Registration number, chassis number and engine number all appear to be correct ‘However, the car no longer has a chassis plate, and at time of cataloguing it had not been possible to locate a second chassis number on the front sub-frame; also, there is no engine number on the front timing cover in the usual place.” It will sell strictly as viewed and there are no documents with the car. To further quote the seller: “It once had an old-style buff logbook; if found, the logbook will be forwarded to the new owner.” The DB2’s full details can be found here.

Is that all a bit too much shrouded in mystery for you? And would you like to enjoy driving your Aston a bit sooner than that? Then the 1976 V8 Series 3 may be more in your street. It’s been off the road for 20 years and requires re-commissioning but is running and driving and has just some 99,000 miles on its clock. The original colour was changed from blue to what seems to be Primrose yellow, which – we think – does suit the model very well. Further good news is that the car comes with substantial history in the form of bills and expired MoT certificates, the former recording, amongst others, a full engine rebuild in April 1992 at 77,017 miles. A speedometer change is noted at 79,198 miles. Oh, and all the paperwork is present, too. All information is here. What would be your choice..?

(Words editor, pictures Bonhams)

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