BODYWORK

The original Vignale hand-worked aluminium bodywork was found to be in remarkably good order beneath its tired paintwork, and was taken to bare metal and fully reworked to ensure it was perfectly smooth and free of imperfections. After meticulous refitting and alignment with the restored chassis, the one-off Vignale bodywork was finished in Aston Martin original Peacock Blue with Silver Birch roof, using two coats of paint followed by two coats of clear lacquer. The process consumed hundreds of hours in preparation and painting alone and results in a deep, lustrous finish.

ENGINE

The car was supplied to Aston Workshop with its replacement engine, but both the engine block and cylinder head were found to have serious defects and new replacements therefore sourced. The new engine block also benefits from new pistons, con-rods, liners with copper sealing rings, crankshaft and bearing housings while the oil galleries have been increased in diameter. The cylinder head is fitted with new valves, guides, collets, springs and core plugs as well as camshafts to fast-road specification. The carburettors supplied with the vehicle have been restored. Careful modifications to ensure longevity and reliability include an uprated oil pump, electronic ignition and a geared-type starter motor.

Both the head and block have been pressure tested to 40psi and the finished unit carefully run-in on our dyno, where it recorded strong power. The engine produces 175 BHP and 200 ft pounds of torque and an even spread of torque throughout the rev range. Crucially, Aston Workshop rebuilds eliminate the oil leaks common to these engines in period, and none were detected throughout this rigorous testing stage.

The transmission was fully steam-cleaned, reconditioned and overhauled and the clutch uprated to DB5 specification, with the original flywheel refreshed with a new ring gear.

A year later the DB2/4 Vignale made it's way to Salon Privé London as the star of the show's selection of over 70 rare and sought-after classic cars. Picking up another Best in Class trophy, the Vignale was also awarded the Prix d'Honneur for the overall finest car in attendance. These awards serve to elevate the DB2/4 Vignale above the already rare and beautiful cars produced by Aston Martin to its status as one of the most special models ever produced by the marque.

Following our award-winning appearance at Salon Privé in London, Aston Workshop were invited to enter our one-of-a-kind 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Vignale into the Cartier Style et Luxe concours event at Goodwood Festival of Speed. One of the most glamorous events of the automotive calendar, the Cartier Style et Luxe celebrates beautiful design over all else.

Our car was entered into “Wheels of Fortune – Grand Tourers of the 1950s”, a class specifically for the finest GT cars of their era. Facing opposition from cars such as a 1954 AC Aceca and a Bristol 404 from the same year, our Vignale won global recognition by being awarded Best in Class by the panel of judges including Ferrari Chief Design Officer Flavio Manzoni and Jony Ive, Chief Design Officer at Apple from 1997 to 2019.

Success at Goodwood Festival of Speed continues the DB2/4 Vignale’s record of winning silverware at every event it attends.