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1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Graber Drophead Coupé

1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Graber Drophead Coupé

1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Graber Drophead Coupé

In 1954 a well appointed DB2/4 was send to Graber of Switzerland for custom Drophead Coupé bodywork. Distinct from it’s Tickford-built counterparts, the Graber had many of the typical Aston Martin traits in a much cleaner overall shape.

The car was first ordered by A.N. Norrish Esq. of Genova-Quarto, Italy who sent a bare chassis from Astin Martin to Graber in Wichtrach, Switzerland.

Graber’s techniques differed from those in the UK. For instance, they fashioned the entire front end in aluminum and left everything behind the front windsheild in steel. This let them weld the body directly to the frame. The doors and posts were supported by wooden oak framing.

Details of the car included Bosch switches, Smiths instruments, Marchal lights, Dunlop tires and Armstrong shock absorbers. Naturally, the car had all the hallmarks of the DB2/4 with it’s 125 bhp inline-6.

The car was completed in May of 1955 and sold through the Stierli Garage in Zürich, Switzerland. After spending considerable time in Switzerland, the car was put in long term storage in Basel. There it stayed until 2007 when it was sold to Los Angeles.

Not long after the car was subject to a comprehensive restoration by Kevin Kay Restorations in Redding California. 1000 hours along were spent on the bodywork which was finished in Dove Grey with dark blue leather interior.

Upon completiton the car debuted at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and placed third in the Post-War Sports & Touring class.

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
type Series Production Car
built at Wichtrach, Switzerland, Other
body stylist Frank Freeley
coachbuilder Graber
production 1
engine Inline-6
valvetrain DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
displacement 2580 cc / 157.4 in³
bore 78 mm / 3.07 in
stroke 90 mm / 3.54 in
power 93.2 kw / 125.0 bhp @ 5000 rpm
specific output 48.45 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 106.02 bhp per tonne
torque 195 nm / 143.8 ft lbs @ 2400 rpm
driven wheels Front Engine / RWD
front brakes Drums
rear brakes Drums
f suspension Trailing Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Live Axle w/Trailing Links, Panhard Rod, Coil Springs
curb weight 1179 kg / 2600 lbs
wheelbase 2515 mm / 99.0 in
front track 1372 mm / 54.0 in
rear track 1372 mm / 54.0 in
length 4305 mm / 169.5 in
width 1651 mm / 65.0 in
height 1359 mm / 53.5 in
transmission 4-Speed Manual
final drive 3.77:1
top speed ~193.08 kph / 120 mph
0 – 60 mph ~12.6 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile ~18.9 seconds

Auction Sales History

1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Graber Drophead Coupé

1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drop Head Coupe LML/562 – sold for $715,000 An Elegant, One-Off Aston Martin. The Only Graber-Bodied DB2/4. Matching-Numbers Show Chassis. Just Two Owners Since the Mid-1970s. Spectacular Kevin Kay Restoration. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Class Award Winner. Eligible for Leading Concours and Driving Events. A Must for the Serious Aston Martin Collector.
Auction Source: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company