Aston Martin DB2/4 MKIII 1957 – 35 531 KM 

Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, the company that would later become Aston Martin did not benefit from the name until 1927. For over 10 years, the two partners set about building the perfect model under the Bamford & Martin name. From the "Coal Scuttle", the first car produced, to the TT1 and TT2, specially designed for racing in 1920, the company failed to make a profit. Financial difficulties arose as early as 1924, when the takeover was decided. A second internal financial crisis occurs in 1925, forcing Lionel Martin to sell the company (Robert Bamford having left the company in 1920). Bill Renwick, Augustus Bertelli and Lady Charnwood took control of Bamford & Martin. They renamed the company Aston Martin in 1927.  

From 1947, Aston Martin was bought by David Brown. He also acquired Lagonda, in particular for the 2.6L in-line 6 engine developed by Walter Owen Bentley. The first model to appear under David Brown's aegis was the Aston Martin 2-Liter Sports, known as the DB1. Presented at the London Motor Show, the DB1 was based on the Atom prototype. Only 15 examples were sold. Although rather confidential, the DB1 inaugurated a line that would become historic for the British automaker. Its replacement was decided in 1950, with the launch of the DB2, officially named after its predecessor. Launched at the New York Motor Show in April 1950, the DB2 was a two-seater available as a coupé and cabriolet, powered by a 2.6L six-cylinder engine designed by W.O. Bentley. With 105 hp, the DB2's performance was quite respectable, with a top speed of 175 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 12.4 seconds. A 125 hp engine was offered as an option from 1951.  

In 1953, the DB2 gained two rear seats, becoming the DB2/4. It also benefited from the appearance of an open door in the fastback, becoming the first hatchback model. The roof is raised, while the windscreen loses its central pillar. The DB2/4 received a new engine version in 1954, with its six-cylinder engine increased to 2.9L and 140 hp. The appearance of the DB2/4 Mark II in 1955 inaugurated a new body type, the two-seater coupé. But the most important change to the DB2/4 was the appearance of the Mark III. In 1957, the Mark III featured a lowered roof, a one-piece racing grille (DB3S), a redesigned dashboard with driver-facing instrumentation, vertical, elongated taillights and the removal of side chrome. Produced in 551 units, it remains far more confidential than the DB4, DB5 or DB6. Nevertheless, the DB2/4 Mark III inaugurated the design that would make its lineage so successful. Its powertrain was largely inspired by the Aston Martin DB3S, and featured a new engine block, a twin SU H4 carburetor, an oil pump, Girling front disc brakes and a new exhaust and intake. The DB2/4 MKIII's power output climbed to 160 hp, enabling a top speed of 193 km/h. Production continued until July 1959, although the Aston Martin DB4 had already replaced it in October 1958.  

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