FYI: A rare 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Coupe designed by Nuccio Bertone will be auctioned this Friday, expected to fetch $1.2 to $1.6 million.
1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Coupe by Bertone Heads to Auction
Almost every Aston Martin of a certain vintage can claim a place among the world’s most beautiful cars, and the 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Coupe, designed by the renowned Nuccio Bertone, is no exception. This captivating coupe, complete with its elegant and sleek lines, will be on the auction block at RM Sotheby’s in New York come Friday, December 8th. With its shimmering metallic blue finish and painstakingly restored condition, this extraordinary vehicle is estimated to garner bids ranging from $1.2 million to $1.6 million.
A Storied Past and Exquisite Craftsmanship
The car’s intriguing history traces back to the early 1950s. Midwest businessman Stanley Arnolt fostered a partnership with the Italian coachbuilder Bertone, resulting in the creation of seven Bertone-designed Aston Martins. The vehicle offered at auction is the only coupe among them, adding to its rarity and allure.
Historians credit Bertone’s designer Franco Scaglione for the car’s dramatic creases and distinctive wraparound rear window. Initially intended to be the prototype for a series of low-volume production cars, the project was thwarted when Aston Martin ceased supplying chassis to Bertone. Nonetheless, the DB2/4 made a splash at the Turin Motor Shows in 1957 and 1958, initially showcased in white and later resplendent in blue.
In 1976, the car crossed the Atlantic to the United States, passing through several owners before finding a home in the prestigious Blackhawk Collection. It underwent a significant restoration process in the 1980s and made an appearance at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1987. Recently, the car was selected as a First in Class at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours, following an additional restoration that cost over $800,000.
Original Mechanics, Enhanced Performance
Enthusiasts will be delighted to know that this rare coupe retains its original, numbers-matching drivetrain. Aston Martin’s iconic 2.9-liter inline-six engine resides under the bonnet, albeit with updates such as revised valves and camshafts to boost performance. This rare combination of original parts and improved mechanics only adds to the vehicle’s auction appeal.
Summary
This particular Aston Martin DB2/4 Coupe isn’t just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history. Between its sleek design by Nuccio Bertone, unique provenance, and meticulous restoration work, it will undoubtedly be a highlight at RM Sotheby’s auction in New York. With an estimated value between $1.2 million and $1.6 million, this extraordinary vehicle stands as a testament to fine craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
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Lawrence Jacobs, Editor of Automotive.fyi
