Aston Martin DB2

The DB2 was a sports car sold by Aston Martin from 1950 through 1953. It was a major advancement over the 2-Litre Sports model it replaced, with a dual overhead cam straight-6 in place of the previously-used pushrod straight-4. The engine was larger, too, at 2.6 L, and the car was designed as a closed coupe. A later drophead coupe model was also introduced, accounting for ¼ of the model’s total sales. The DB2 was extremely successful in racing, setting Brown’s company up for future success. 411 DB2s were produced from their 1950 introduction through 1953. The first 49 cars used a square three-part grille in front with large rectangular side vents. This was soon updated with the more familiar integrated and rounded Aston Martin grille with horizontal slats. The three racing models were similarly upgraded to show the company’s new face. The car was a fixed coupe with a tiny top-hinged boot in back used to store the spare wheel. Luggage space was behind the front seats, accessed from inside the car as on the later Corvette. A large single-piece bonnet was hinged at the front.