20th Sep, 2023 12:00

30th Anniversary Sale at The Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire

 
Lot 348
 

1953 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage
Offered from the late Jens Pilo collection

Estimated at £140,000 - £170,000

Lot details

Registration No: VDV 418
Chassis No: LML50322
MOT: Exempt

  • A rare and desirable DB2 Vantage
  • Thought to be Mille Miglia eligible
  • In current ownership for over 35 years
  • Prepared for competitive rallying at the highest level
  • Incredibly well-maintained
  • Large history file

"In sum, this latest Aston Martin is a car of superlatively high performance, great docility, comfortable suspension, and unusual road-holding powers which must lend lustre not only to the name of Aston Martin and David Brown, but also to the British automobile industry as a whole" (The Motor magazine).

The Aston Martin DB2 stands as a distinguished icon in the world of sports cars. Its journey began with the inaugural prototype, which bravely took on the Le Mans circuit in 1949. Soon after, the production version made its grand entrance at the 1950 New York International Auto Show, capturing hearts and imaginations alike. Under the hood, the DB2 boasted a potent 2.6-liter straight-6 engine, originally conceived by the legendary W.O. Bentley. But this particular model had the fortune of being in "Vantage" specification, elevating its performance with a higher compression ratio and larger carburettors, cranking up the power from 105 to 125 horsepower. Aston Martin's prowess with the DB2 was further demonstrated on the racetrack, where it clinched both 1st and 2nd positions in its class at the gruelling 24-hour Le Mans race in the same year. Compared to its prototype, the production model provided occupants with more headroom. In the words of The Autocar from that era, "the DB2 will appeal to the connoisseur who relishes long-distance, high-speed driving or the businessman seeking to minimize travel time. And when called upon, it's still ready for competitive action."

This DB2 Vantage made its debut in the hands of its first owner, H.L. Quartermain of East Virginia Water, Surrey, in April 1953. Quartermain had acquired it from a Brooklands dealer, and the car originally featured a Deep Carr Green exterior complemented by a Beige interior. A well-documented history reveals meticulous service work, including a near-full engine rebuild in 1965, complete with new parts and a fresh clutch assembly, propshaft, and exhaust pipes. Under Jens Pilo, the late owner, VDV 418 boasts an impressive 35-year history, detailing major and minor maintenance and restoration work up to the present day. In 2001, the car even conquered the Classic Marathon Rally, a challenging 3000-mile journey from Belgium to Croatia. As a testament to its enduring legacy, A. Archer of Great Dunmow was entrusted with a comprehensive mechanical rebuild in 2003, with meticulous records chronicling every step of the process. Having been lovingly preserved throughout its journey, this remarkable car offers its new owner a classic sports car experience that combines the style and performance one expects from a 1950s Aston Martin.

For more information, please contact:
Julian Pinkster
julian.pinkster@handh.co.uk
07889 223 904

 

Auction: 30th Anniversary Sale at The Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire, 20th Sep, 2023

Established in 1993, H&H has sold some of the world's most significant motorcars and motorcycles over the past 30 years. Now owned by its employees and trusted by over 75,000 clients worldwide, we are the longest established auction house of our kind in Europe.

 

Buyers, bidders and attendees will enjoy a special day in the prestigious Imperial War Museum with some fantastic treats including.
Drinks Reception   |   Music   |   Guest Speakers

With each successful bidder receiving a specially selected hamper.

Watch the website for more details.

 

To take part in the bidding action please click 'Register to Bid | Sign In' at the top of the page

 AUCTION VENUE  GET A VALUATION

Viewing

Tuesday 19th September 2023 from 1pm to 8pm
Wednesday 20th September 2023 from 9am

VIEW CATALOGUE

View all lots in this sale

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Do you have an item to sell?

If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.

If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035

Contact Us Today!

 

Images

Drag and drop .jpg images here to upload, or click here to select images.


Quality and quantity represented at mammoth classic motorcycle auction
Quadrophenia album scooter with links to Pete Townsend and Liam Gallagher up for auction
H&H Classics last Cambridgeshire auction in 2024 sees ‘star’ results
Ducati delight as six superb examples from one collection go under the hammer
German engineering and style showcased at classic car auction
Norton’s first F1R ever produced up for auction
Best of British heads impressive collection of 160 classics for auction
Exciting new premises are close to hand for H&H Classics
X-press yourself…Jaguar purchased by Madonna could be yours to cherish
Oldest known surviving Ford Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) car heads to auction
James Bond’s Vanquish available to ‘Drive Another Day’
Chalky’s actual Lambretta which featured in Quadrophenia heads for auction
Automobilia auction raises more than £194,000 with all 329 lots sold
Entire catalogue offered without reserve in one-off automobilia auction
Impressive results at latest H&H Classics auction
Dozens of ‘no-reserve’ classics head to auction
Recently restored Audi Quattro press car heads to auction
Classic motorcycle auction highlights buoyant market
Rare barn find stars in classic motorcycle auction
Highly original Jaguar SS100 flies away at Duxford sale
Modified classics add a twist to H&H’s next motorcycle sale
Century of motoring history represented at H&H auction
World’s biggest production pick-up truck roars to auction
Mercedes-Benz 500SL delivered new to Sir Stirling Moss heads to auction
Cars from the 1910s to the 2010s head to auction for Buxton sale
H&H’s motorcycle sales off to a flying start in 2024 with market-leading 88 percent sales rate
Goon, Goon, Gone: Unique Peter Sellers 1960 Bentley heads to auction
Eclectic 150-plus classic car auction helps round out H&H’s milestone 30th year celebrations
One of the UK’s best driving Aston Martin DB5s heads to auction
Mid-century sports car icons race to Buxton auction
Former front cover ‘star’ heads to auction
Classic British motorcycles shine as 230 lots head to the National Motorcycle Museum auction
Racing legend Patsy Burt's Jaguar XK120 speeds to Buxton auction
22-strong single owner classic motorcycle collection heads to auction
Norton's racing heritage set to ignite the auction stage
Rare Frazer-Nash BMW with rich racing history to be auctioned
“The Rolls-Royce” of the motorcycle world, heads to      auction
Martini inspired Porsche 911 ‘RSR’ Tribute to head under the hammer
Rare ‘Car on Two Wheels’ heads to auction for the first time in 30 years
More than 100 classics sold in H&H’s 30th anniversary sale
Stunning classics worth more than £9 million offered in 30th anniversary auction
Rare Aston Martin DB1 heads to anniversary auction from long-term ownership
Rare Bentleys to star in 30th celebration auction
H&H Classics 30th Anniversary Auction
H&H unveils details of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Classic car owners handed ULEZ lifeline
H&H Classics auction Hurricane X-75 Prototype to National Motorcycle Museum
Vintage and modern classics lead the way at latest H&H sale