DB2 ‘Washboard’ among Aston Martins consigned to Silverstone sale

Silverstone Auctions says it will offer a “fabulous selection” of Aston Martins at its upcoming collector car auction November 9-10 at the NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham, England.

The featured Aston Martins include a DB2 “Washboard,” the DB5 featured on a Royal Mail stamp, a V8 Vantage Volante and an Evanta DBR1.

“Early Aston Martins were some of the most classical of all their cars and Silverstone Auctions has four different models and an evocation of one of the most classic of all racers,” the auction company said in its announcement.

1950 Aston Martin DB2 ‘Washboard’ may be the star car at November auction | Silverstone Auctions photos

The 1950 DB2 is one of the first 49 cars produced, wears its original Almond Green over Dark Green colors, and has a three-part grille as well as the side vent that led to its nickname as the “Washboard.”

The car was the sixth DB2 produced, Silverstone said, and was delivered to an owner in Australia, who raced it on tracks and in the Rob Roy Hillclimb. The car was disassembled and put into storage from 1991-2003, when it was purchased and restored by Max Hobson. 

After its reassembly and competing in a rally, the car was purchased by Australia racer Vern Schuppan who restored the car and owned it until 2013 when it was sold and returned to England. The car was entered in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2015.

The 1965 DB5 was reunited with its original engine by the consignor, who acquired the car in 2014.

1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante is one a only a few without the extra area body kit

The 1984 V8 Vantage Volante is one of six cars upgraded by the factory to increase power and performance. The six cars also were done without the spoilers and side skirts of the standard Vantage Volante, Silverstone noted, adding that the sleeker styling was requested by Prince Charles when he ordered his car in 1987.

Also on offer are a 1966 DB6 Mk1 Vantage and the 2013 Evanta DBR1 tribute car which is not really an Aston Martin but was built by Ant Anstead’s Evanta Motor Company in tribute to the Le Mans-winning DBR1.