Unique Aston Martin to be auctioned at NEC show

Silverstone Auctions is to offer an Aston Martin with a fascinating history at next month’s Classic Car show at the NEC, Birmingham.

The Aston DB2/4 was bought by Mr Frank Defty in February 1954 from Kirk & Kirk Ltd in Putney, whereby it was almost immediately entered into the 2000 mile RAC Rally. It didn’t end there, with the almost completely ‘road-standard’ Aston also participating in subsequent race events at Oulton Park, Snetterton and Goodwood. Just months later, the car would see action at Aintree Race Circuit’s first-ever event – going head-to-head with highly bred racing cars and equally special drivers, including Colin Chapman, Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori.

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Defty’s trusty Aston went on to finish the race – which was more than could be said for Chapman, who crashed out!

‘UPC 893’ went on to attend race meetings throughout the country, before being sold by Defty in 1955. Later in its life, ‘UPC 893’ experienced some lows to go with the highs – most notably being damaged by a garage fire in 1978. Thankfully a comprehensive restoration by its subsequent owner saw the Aston be returned to its former glory, once again. This bill of good health stayed remarkably intact, throughout its prolonged storage, with the current vendor only needing to carry out simple recommission work in 2007. Maintaining its authenticity along with it colourful past, the Aston is now estimated to be worth in between £130,000 and £160,000.

Silverstone Auctions, Paul Campbell remarked: “This is an amazing car, with an equally amazing history and the vendor’s enthusiasm for the car is infectious. The car is completely authentic, ready to be enjoyed and begin a new chapter of its fascinating story.”

The car will be sold as part of Silverstone Auctions’ sale at the UK’s leading classic car event, which will be held at the NEC, Birmingham next month.

More information on this unique Aston Martin can be found at www.silverstoneauctions.com/1954-aston-martin-db24-with-period-competition-history.

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