DB2/4 by Vignale
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DB2/4 by Vignale

DB2/4 by Vignale

(1954 / 1955)

During the 1950's, a small number of Aston Martins were sold as simple rolling chassis so that specialists such as Bertone, Allemano, Touring and Graber could add bespoke coachwork for wealthy and very discerning individuals. The Italian company of Carrozzeria Alfredo Vignale began in 1948 making coachwork for the likes of Ferrari, Maserati and Lancia often to the designs of Giovanni Michelotti. Vignale also created a pair of unique coach built DB2/4 's, one of which is featured here.

 

DB2/4 by Vignale

DB2/4, chassis LML/802 as recorded as being delivered to master Italian coachbuilder Alfredo Vignale in Turin on the 28th September 1954 for a very special VIP, his Majesty King Baudouin of Belgium, the eldest son of King Leopold.  King Baudouin reigned from the time of his father King Leopold’s abdication in 1951 to his death in 1993; after 42 years on the throne he was the longest reigning monarch in Europe at the time.

The car was completed to a one-off distinctive fastback design with a large opening rear hatch, subtle lines and rakish good looks. The stunning Grand Tourer was delivered on 10th March 1955.

Aston Martin DB2/4 LML/802 is believed to be the only surviving original Vignale bodied Aston Martin of this era. It has recently been the subject of a comprehensive restoration by The Aston Workshop, based in Beamish, County Durham.