The Aston Martin DB2 is a sports car produced by British manufacturer Aston Martin from 1950 to 1953. The car was designed by the Italian engineer, Augusto Monica, and was the successor to Aston Martin’s first post-war model, the 2-Litre Sports. The DB2 was initially available in a 2-door coupe body style, but a convertible version was introduced in 1951.
The DB2 was powered by a 2.6-liter inline-six engine that produced up to 125 horsepower. Which was a significant improvement over its predecessor. The engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission and could reach a top speed of 117 mph.
The DB2 was also the first Aston Martin to feature a steel tube chassis, which was more rigid and provided better handling than previous models. The suspension was independent at the front with coil springs, while the rear had a live axle with a Watts linkage and trailing arms.
In 1953, Aston Martin released a high-performance version of the DB2 called the DB2 Vantage. This version had higher compression, bigger valves, and dual exhausts, which increased the horsepower to 140.
The DB2 had a successful racing career, with notable victories including the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans. Where the car finished in first and second place in the 3-liter class. The DB2 also competed in the Mille Miglia and the Carrera Panamericana.
In 1953, the DB2 was replaced by the Aston Martin DB2/4. Which was a larger and more powerful version of the original DB2. Despite this, the DB2 remains an important car in Aston Martin’s history and is highly sought after by collectors today.