Aston Martin DB 2 (1950-53)
Overview: The **Aston Martin DB2** (1950–53) was a **pivotal model** in the company's history, marking the beginning of the **DB series** and establishing Aston Martin as a serious contender in the **luxury sports car market**.
**Key Significance of the Aston Martin DB2**
- **First Successful Post-War Model**: The DB2 was Aston Martin’s **first commercially successful car** after World War II, setting the foundation for future models.
- **Lagonda Engine Integration**: Following David Brown’s acquisition of **Lagonda**, the DB2 was the first Aston Martin to use the **2.6L Lagonda straight-six engine**, designed under the supervision of **W.O. Bentley**.
- **Racing Pedigree**: The DB2 had **strong motorsport credentials**, competing at **Le Mans** and securing **1st and 2nd place in the 3-litre class** in 1950 - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/cars/aston-martin-db2-1950.html).
- **Luxury & Performance Blend**: It combined **high-speed capability** with **refined grand touring comfort**, making it one of the best British sports cars of its era.
- **Foundation for Future DB Models**: The DB2’s success led to the development of the **DB2/4, DB4, and eventually the iconic DB5**, shaping Aston Martin’s identity as a maker of **high-performance luxury cars**.
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Production Total: 411
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Price New The new price of a 1950 Aston Martin DB2 in the UK was approximately **£1,915**. £1,915 in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£70,000** today.
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Sales: The **Aston Martin DB2** was indeed a **sales success**, especially compared to its predecessor, the **2-Litre Sports (DB1)**, which sold only **15 units**. The DB2, introduced in **1950**, saw **411 units produced**, making it Aston Martin’s **first commercially successful post-war model**.
Its combination of **Lagonda’s 2.6L straight-six engine**, **racing pedigree**, and **luxurious grand touring design** helped establish Aston Martin as a serious contender in the **high-performance sports car market**. The DB2’s success paved the way for future models like the **DB2/4, DB4, and DB5**, solidifying Aston Martin’s reputation for **luxury and performance**.
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Historical Pricing Comparisons: The **Aston Martin DB2** has seen fluctuating prices over the years, reflecting its rarity and appeal among collectors. Here’s a breakdown of its historical pricing:
- **Lowest Recorded Price**: £39,100 (since 2020)
- **Median Price**: £142,125 (since 2020)
- **Highest Recorded Price**: £287,649 (public sale)
The price trend suggests that well-maintained examples continue to hold value, with some appreciating due to demand among enthusiasts. If you're looking for a valuation or market insights, platforms like **The Classic Valuer** provide detailed assessments.
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Rivals In 1950, the Aston Martin DB2 had several notable rivals in the UK market. Here are the approximate prices of some of its main competitors: -
**Jaguar XK120**: £1,263 View This Rival: https://www.stillmotoring.co.uk/items-9/jaguar-xk-120-(1948-54) -
**MG TD**: £844 -
**Riley RM**: £1,106
These prices reflect the competitive landscape of luxury and sports cars during that era.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are **18 Aston Martin DB2s** licensed and **6 on SORN** (Statutory Off Road Notification) in the UK. *****
PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.
Road Tax: In 1950, the road tax charge in the UK was calculated based on the horsepower (HP) of the vehicle. The rate was **£1 per horsepower**.
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Petrol: In 1950, the average price of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately **36.25 pence per gallon**. Since there are about 4.54609 litres in a gallon, this equates to approximately **8 pence per litre**. 8 pence in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£3** today.
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Insurance: The average cost of insurance for a 1950 Aston Martin DB2 in the UK isn't readily available in historical records. However, insurance costs for classic cars like the DB2 would have varied significantly based on factors such as the driver's age, location, and driving history.
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COST OF LIVING UK In 1950, the average annual salary in the UK was just over **£100**. £100 in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£3,700** today.
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In 1950, the average cost of a house in the UK was approximately **£1,891**. £1,891 in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£63,925** today.
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In 1950, the average price of a new car in the UK was approximately **£1,016**. £1,016 in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£28,781** today.
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In 1950, the average cost of a loaf of bread in the UK was approximately **6 pence**. 6 pence in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£2.22** today.
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In 1950, the average bus fare in the UK was approximately **3 pence per mile**. 3 pence in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£1.11** today.
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In 1950, the average charge per mile for a taxi ride in the UK was approximately **1 shilling** (12 pence). 1 shilling (12 pence) in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£4.44** today.
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In 2025, the average cost per mile of a railway journey in the UK is approximately **33 pence per mile**. In 2025, the average cost per mile of a car journey in the UK is approximately **33 pence per mile**.
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In 1950, there were approximately **4 million vehicles** on UK roads. As of 2025, there are approximately **41.4 million vehicles** on UK roads.
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Common Faults
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The Aston Martin DB2 (1950-1953) is a classic car with a rich history, but like any vintage vehicle, it has its share of common faults:
1. **Engine Issues**: The Lagonda engine in the DB2 is generally robust, but head gasket problems can occur. Look for signs of water and oil mixing, such as a mayonnaise-like substance in the oil filler cap.
2. **Overheating**: Overheating can be an issue, often due to water pump failures.
3. **Rust**: While the body is made of aluminium, which resists rust, the steel chassis and other components can be prone to rust.
4. **Brakes**: The DB2 uses drum brakes, which can be less effective than modern braking systems and may require more frequent maintenance.
Despite these issues, the DB2 remains a highly sought-after classic car due to its beautiful design and historical significance. If you're considering purchasing one, a thorough inspection by a specialist is highly recommended.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.
The Aston Martin DB2 itself did not have multiple generations. However, it was succeeded by the Aston Martin DB2/4, which was produced from 1953 to 1957. The DB2/4 introduced a 2+2 seating arrangement and other refinements.
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Trim Levels
The Aston Martin DB2 (1950-1953) was primarily available in two main body styles:
1. **Coupe**: This was the standard hardtop version.
2. **Drophead Coupe**: This was the convertible version, also known as the "drophead" model.
Additionally, there was a **Vantage** specification available, which was a higher-performance version of the DB2. The Vantage model featured a more powerful engine and other performance enhancements.
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Engines
The Aston Martin DB2 (1950-1953) was equipped with a **2.6-liter Lagonda straight-6 engine**. This engine was designed by W.O. Bentley and featured dual overhead camshafts. It produced around **105 horsepower** and was known for its advanced design compared to other engines of the time.
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Performance
The Aston Martin DB2, produced between 1950 and 1953, was a remarkable car for its time. Here are some key performance specifications:
- **Engine**: 2.6 L Lagonda I6
- **Power**: 105 BHP (78 kW) @ 5000 RPM
- **Torque**: 125 lb-ft (170 Nm) @ 3100 RPM
- **Top Speed**: 110 mph (177 km/h)
- **Acceleration (0-62 mph / 0-100 km/h)**: 12.4 seconds
- **Fuel Consumption**: 20 miles per imperial gallon (14 L/100 km; 17 mpg US)
The DB2 was also successful in racing, taking 1st and 2nd place at the Le Mans race in 1950. It was available as both a coupé and a drophead coupé, with a luxurious interior featuring leather seats and a wood instrument panel.
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Rivals
In 1950, the Aston Martin DB2 had several notable rivals, each with their own performance characteristics:
- **Jaguar XK120**: The XK120 was known for its impressive speed and agility. It had a 3.4-liter inline-six engine producing around 160 horsepower, allowing it to reach a top speed of approximately 120 mph (hence the name XK120). It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 10 seconds.
- **MG TD**: The MG TD was more of a classic British sports car with a 1.3-liter inline-four engine producing around 54 horsepower. It had a top speed of around 78 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 22 seconds.
- **Riley RM**: The Riley RM series included models like the RMA and RMB. The RMB, for example, had a 2.5-liter inline-four engine producing around 100 horsepower. It had a top speed of approximately 90 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 16 seconds.
These cars offered a range of performance levels, with the Jaguar XK120 being the standout in terms of speed and acceleration. The Aston Martin DB2, with its 2.6-liter inline-six engine producing around 105 horsepower, had a top speed of approximately 116 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 11 seconds.
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Designer/Dimensions
The Aston Martin DB2 was designed by **Frank Feeley**. Here are its dimensions:
- **Wheelbase**: 99 inches (2,500 mm)
- **Length**: 162.5 inches (4,130 mm)
- **Width**: 65 inches (1,700 mm)
- **Height**: 53.5 inches (1,360 mm).
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Spares/Specialists NI
You can find spare parts for your Aston Martin DB2 (1950-53) at several locations in the UK and Ireland:
1. **Aston Martin Works**: Located in Newport Pagnell, this is the historic home of Aston Martin. They offer a wide range of services including the purchase, service, repair, and restoration of classic Aston Martins.
2. **SC Parts Group Ltd**: They provide a variety of spare parts for Aston Martin DB2, DB2/4, and DB Mark III. You can browse their extensive catalogue online.
3. **Aston Parts**: Based in the North East, they offer a comprehensive range of parts for the Aston Martin DB2. Their catalogue includes chassis & body parts, brakes, lighting, accessories, and more.
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Specialists NI
For garage services for your Aston Martin DB2 (1950-53) in Northern Ireland, you can consider the following options:
1. **Aston Martin Belfast (Charles Hurst)**: Located at 62 Boucher Rd, Belfast BT12 6LR. They offer a range of services for Aston Martin vehicles². You can contact them at 028 9038 3527.
2. **Classic Car Services**: While not exclusively for Aston Martins, they specialize in classic car restoration and maintenance. They are located in various parts of Northern Ireland and can provide tailored services for your DB2.
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Racing
The Aston Martin DB2 had a notable racing history during its production years from 1950 to 1953. Here are some of the key races it competed in:
1. **24 Hours of Le Mans (1950)**: The DB2 achieved significant success at Le Mans, finishing 5th overall and 1st in its class. This performance helped establish Aston Martin's reputation in endurance racing.
2. **Spa 24 Hours (1949)**: Before its official production, a pre-production DB2 finished 3rd in the Spa 24-hour race.
3. **Sebring 12 Hours (1950)**: The DB2 also competed in the inaugural Sebring race in the United States, where it finished 2nd in its class.
These races showcased the DB2's durability and performance, contributing to its legacy as a competitive sports car. Additionally, the Aston Martin DB2 participated in several other international races beyond the ones previously mentioned. Here are a few notable ones:
1. **Mille Miglia**: The DB2 competed in this famous Italian endurance race, which was one of the most prestigious events in the racing calendar.
2. **Tour de France Automobile**: This was another significant race where the DB2 showcased its performance and reliability.
3. **Goodwood Events**: The DB2 also participated in various events at the Goodwood Circuit, which is known for its rich motorsport heritage.
These races further cemented the DB2's reputation as a competitive and reliable sports car on the international stage.
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Valuation/2025
The value of an Aston Martin DB2 today can vary significantly based on its condition, history, and specific model. On average, a DB2 in good condition is worth around **£162,601**. The highest recorded sale for a DB2 was **£550,000**, while the lowest was **£28,125**.
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Clubs
There is an Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) in Northern Ireland. You can find more information about events, contact details for local representatives, and the latest news on their [Area 2 - Northern Ireland page](https://amoc.org/Area2).
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