1954 – Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk I Drophead Coupé, Chassis No. LML/745

“Delivered new in Paris, formerly owned by the Charbonneaux family and in the same ownership since 2001” Beautiful and elegant, the DB2/4 Mk I Drophead Coupé was produced in a run of approximately 102 examples. Delivered new in France and owned by a couple of collectors since 2001, our Aston Martin is as captivating for its history as it is for its driving pleasure. Records provided by Aston Martin Heritage and information obtained from Philip Jones of Byron International confirm that it was delivered on 31 July 1954 by Majestic Auto in Paris to Robert Duclos. Registered as 730 DC 75, it features a Deep Carriage Green body, red Connolly leather, a black soft top and Alfin drum brakes. This version is the most sought-after by collectors as it is powered by the 2,922 cm³ six-cylinder engine, traditionally known as the ‘3-litre’. In 1973, the car joined the collection of the French designer Philippe Charbonneaux, after his son Hervé came across it not far from Boulogne-Billancourt. The car was purchased from Mr Patrick Chapon, with whom we were also able to re-establish contact. Our conversations allowed us to piece together memories of that period: the designer’s wife, and later Hervé, were the ones most often behind the wheel. Family photographs show the Aston Martin alongside their Bugatti Type 43. We even found a letter dated 28 July 1975 addressed to Aston Martin Service Dorset, regarding the resolution of a gearbox issue. These documents lend a particularly endearing dimension to this provenance, linked to a family whose passion for cars is well known. Sold in May 1983 to Dr Gilbert Rollet of Villeurbanne—whose name appears in the factory records dated 4 May—it was subsequently offered for sale in Geneva by Bonhams & Brooks on 5 March 2001 (a copy of the catalogue is attached to the file). The catalogue attributed it to having previously belonged to Françoise Sagan; however, this attribution should not be accepted for LML/745, as according to our research, the chassis in which the novelist suffered her terrible accident in 1957 was LML/796. For the past twenty-five years, the couple have been taking part in numerous European rallies and events as members of the Aston Martin Owners Club. Maintained since its purchase by the same mechanic, a friend of the owner, the car was, according to the information provided, fitted with a replacement engine shortly before 2010. This 6-cylinder engine, of the same displacement, bears the number VB6J/332. Recent work includes the replacement of the crankshaft, a stainless steel exhaust system, several chrome-plating jobs, work on the front kingpins and the right-hand suspension, and the adjustment of camber and toe. The interior retains a lovely patina, with wood trim and upholstery described by the owners as original. The leather on the steering wheel has been recently reupholstered; the soft top, replaced a few years ago, is in very good condition and operates smoothly. The original jack and spare wheel are both present. Our test drive, first in Parisian traffic and then on secondary roads, revealed a particularly impressive car. The steering is precise and direct, with no perceptible play or wobble; the car is agile and handles naturally. The engine delivers generous acceleration, crisp revving and good top-end power, whilst the gears engage smoothly and precisely. The front-end set-up contributes to its excellent balance, and the braking has a reassuring bite, even in town. An Aston Martin with an endearing French heritage, whose enduring quality and driving pleasure invite you to keep on travelling!

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