- A charming survivor project

- 5 previous owners

“The Aston Martin DB2/4 is an expensive car designed to cater for the connoisseur of sports cars who is not limited by financial considerations.” — The Autocar, 2 October 1953.

The DB2/4 broadened the appeal of Aston Martin’s acclaimed DB2 by introducing a practical 2+2 layout, achieved through the addition of occasional rear seats and a raised roofline. The resulting flat rear deck created one of the earliest hatchback-style designs seen on a British sports car. A one-piece windscreen replaced the earlier split-screen arrangement, while full bumpers added refinement to the already elegant styling.

Powered by the celebrated W.O. Bentley-designed twin overhead camshaft straight-six engine, the DB2/4 initially displaced 2.6 litres and produced 125bhp. From 1954 onward, a larger 3.0-litre unit delivering 140bhp became available, enabling performance figures that were exceptional for the period — with a top speed approaching 120mph and 0–60mph achieved in approximately 11 seconds. Combining outstanding road manners with genuine long-distance comfort, the DB2/4 stood among the finest high-performance British motor cars of its era.

The highly attractive Drophead Coupé was unveiled at the 1954 London Motor Show. Featuring additional chassis stiffening and produced in very limited numbers, it commanded a premium of approximately 37% over the fixed-head version. Only around 73 examples are believed to have been built.

This particular example was supplied new through Charles Sidney Ltd of Westgate, Bradford, to its first owner, Mr J. M. Potter of Manor Row, Bradford. Within only a few years, the car passed to Mr R. H. Owthwaite of Ingleby Road, Bradford. Extensive correspondence on file from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd documents comprehensive maintenance works, including a full engine and gearbox overhaul alongside numerous additional mechanical improvements.

Also accompanying the car are the original Exchange & Mart advertisement and the 1965 sales invoice recording its purchase by Mr E. J. Back for the sum of £550. An especially charming inclusion is the Automobile Association inspection report dated April 1965.

From 1965 until 1991, the car remained in Mr Back’s long-term ownership, during which time a substantial history file was compiled, including extensive correspondence with marque specialists Aston Service Dorset and Capt. Ivan Forshaw.

Following Mr Back’s stewardship, the DB2/4 was briefly owned by Mr Phillip Jones of Byron Garages Ltd, Wallington, Surrey, before being sold in 1991 to a European member of the Aston Martin Owners Club. There it formed part of a private collection and saw very limited use over the subsequent decades.

Since acquisition, the car has been sympathetically recommissioned. Work carried out includes:

-New fuel pump

- Complete draining and replacement of all fluids

-Replacement wheel cylinders

- New brake lines

-Replacement master cylinder

-New brake hoses throughout

The DB2/4 now runs, drives, steers, starts, stops, and engages gears correctly.

Retaining a wonderfully authentic patina and immense character, this rare Drophead Coupé represents a superb opportunity for sympathetic preservation or survivor-style restoration.

POA

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We are delighted to present to the market one of the earliest—and arguably most aesthetically refined—examples of the Shelby Cobra 289, chassis number CSX2082. This exceptional car retains the highly desirable early Mark I characteristics, including the elegant narrow wheel arches and distinctive wingless vents, emblematic of the model’s purest design phase.

CSX2082 was completed at the Thames Ditton works of AC Cars and dispatched to New York on 11th February 1963. The car was specified in red coachwork with a black interior, complemented by a black soft top and tonneau cover. Notably, it was also equipped with a heater. Upon arrival in the United States, it was delivered to RRR Motors of Homewood, Illinois for retail.

Period correspondence indicates that RRR Motors encountered difficulty securing a buyer for the car, ultimately returning it to Shelby American in March 1964 for full credit. Shortly thereafter, the car was resold to Ed “Ford” Flandro of Pocatello, Idaho. By the end of 1964, CSX2082 was again offered for sale, beginning a succession of private ownerships across the United States.

In the early 1970s, the car was acquired by Tim Elfrink of Akron, Ohio, who identified evidence of a prior accident and substandard repair work. Undertaking a comprehensive dismantling, Elfrink subsequently restored the vehicle for John Kaltenbach, who retained ownership for several years. Importantly, both custodians have provided valuable period photographs, contributing significantly to the documented provenance of the car.

The vehicle returned to the United Kingdom in 2003 and has since remained in the care of just three owners. Acquired by its current custodian in 2016, the car has benefitted from our close involvement since that time, including advisory support regarding its originality and historical integrity.

A meticulous restoration was carried out by our AC Heritage works, encompassing approximately 2,000 hours of work. Of this, some 1,500 hours were devoted to the chassis and metalwork, with a clear emphasis on preserving as much original material as possible. Further works included comprehensive attention to the suspension, differential, and braking systems, ensuring both authenticity and mechanical excellence.

This restoration was documented in a ten-page feature, including the cover, in Octane Magazine (Issue 214, April 2021),

A video on the vehicle is available to watch on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgRhp3I9jmc

POA

To find out more about this significant motorcar please contact our sales team for further details.
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This Motorcar is being also being marketed by our sister company AC Heritage.

-Fully restored to original specification, retaining all matching numbers.

-Factory Supplied Hardtop

-Single ownership for forty years, remaining in the UK all its life.

-A fully comprehensive history file with a substantial amount of race results

The rare AC Cobra 289 was produced alongside its Shelby sibling exclusively for the UK and European markets at the Thames Ditton factory. In the two years of production, AC produced 45 right-hand drive 'COB' Cars.

On the 30th of November 1964, this particular right-hand drive Cobra left the AC Factory at Thames Ditton. It was destined for Birmingham-based dealer Frank Grounds Ltd; they promoted the sale of the £2500 motorcar by having it on display at the Rackhams department store and changing ownership to hand three times in its early life until it was acquired by Paul Channon in 1969 at 19,000 miles, In Channon's ownership it competed in over 220 events and 100 Class wins alongside many class records.

After forty years of ownership, the Cobra found its way to a notable AC collector, who embarked on a meticulous restoration journey with marque specialists. The Cobra was stripped down to a bare chassis, with a strong emphasis on preservation and refurbishment of the components rather than replacement. This painstaking restoration, a testament to commitment to quality, was finally concluded in 2018.

After crossing paths with the Cobra over many years at race meetings, we were asked to source all boxes ticked Cobra and found this vehicle off-market in the summer of 2022. After delivery to our workshop, the metallic blue was not to the owner's preference, or that of the original build ledger, and it was decided we would return the car to the factory specification of Svecia Red. We would also carry out a full retrim using the finest leather. We also had to cover a recommissioning of engine and fuel systems.

With over thirty-five years of expertise in the marque, we can confidently say that this is one of the finest driving examples of the 289 Cobra available.

POA

To find out more about this significant motorcar please contact charlie@brooklandscarsltd.com in our sales team for further details, viewing by prior appointment. Tel: +44(0)7557 878123

This motorcar is also advertised through our AC Heritage brand.

Matching Numbers | Front Disc Brakes | Overdrive | Desirable Colour Combination

Introduced at the 1954 Earls Court Motor Show, the AC Aceca was a fastback coupé version of the celebrated AC Ace roadster. Both models shared the same ladder-frame chassis and much of the running gear and steering components. Lightweight and beautifully crafted in aluminium, the Aceca offered a more refined and enclosed touring experience compared to its open-top sibling. While early examples were powered by AC’s own Weller-designed straight-six engine, from 1956 onwards, buyers could opt for the more powerful Bristol engine — significantly enhancing performance and long-distance capability.

This particular example, chassis BE788, was delivered to K. N. Rudd Ltd of Worthing, Sussex on 6th April 1960. Originally specified in Bright Blue Metalline with Light Beige (VM3323) interior trim and chrome wheels, it was supplied with its original, numbers-matching Bristol engine: 100 D2 1065. The first registered owner was R. Durham Jnr. of Billingham, County Durham.

Provenance & Ownership History:

26th July 1962 – M. R. Dawson, Huddersfield

25th November 1964 – R. D. Smith, Seaford, Sussex

8th November 1965 – J. M. Winn, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

25th November 1968 – D. P. Warren, Hampstead

The car remained out of the spotlight for several decades until being acquired by its most recent custodian in 2006, who undertook extensive mechanical restoration and servicing with respected marque specialists. Notable work included a cylinder head rebuild, differential rebuild, and regular servicing. In 2007, the car was entered into the Goodwood to Monte Carlo Rally, affirming its reliability and touring credentials. Since then, it has been kept as part of a private collection and used sparingly.

Today, this numbers-matching AC Aceca Bristol presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-documented and highly original example, finished in a rare and attractive colour combination. Equipped with front disc brakes and overdrive, it represents the pinnacle of usability and period performance among 1960s British GT cars.

A rare chance to own one of the most elegant and sophisticated variants of the AC marque.

£89,995

To find out more about this significant motorcar please contact charlie@brooklandscarsltd.com in our sales team for further details, viewing by prior appointment. Tel: +44(0)7557 878123

-Single Ownership from new

-42 miles from new

The legendary AC Cobra story began with the 260ci (4.2-litre) prototype, which first ran in January 1962. Production commenced later that year, with early Cobras shipped from England to the USA as rolling chassis to be completed by Carroll Shelby in California. Initially fitted with the 260ci engine, only 75 cars were built before the more powerful 289ci (4.7-litre) engine was standardised in 1963. The MkII update introduced rack-and-pinion steering, significantly improving handling.

By 1965, AC developed a completely new, stronger chassis with coil spring suspension to accommodate Ford's monstrous 427ci (7.0-litre) V8. This MkIII version, capable of well over 400bhp in race trim, became the definitive Cobra, sporting wider bodywork, flared arches, and a prominent radiator intake — a shape that has become one of the most iconic in motoring history.

Although production ceased in 1967, the Cobra was far from finished. In the early 1980s, Cobra restorer Brian Angliss acquired the rights to the AC name, as well as tooling and jigs from the Thames Ditton factory. Under the Autokraft name, and later as AC Cars, Angliss revived the Cobra in the 1990s with a series of official MkIII Continuation Cars, built using original tooling and period-correct methods.

Vehicle Overview

This car is one of those rare continuation examples — built using original 1960s tooling and to 1966 competition specification. Originally supplied as a rolling chassis under the “glider” program, it has remained in single ownership since new.

Painstakingly finished to full competition specification, this MkIII continuation Cobra features a host of period-correct components and race-grade upgrades:

Technical Specification

Engine: 427ci (7.0-litre) Ford Side-Oiler V8

Competition Alloy Block & Cylinder Heads

Lightweight Ancillaries

Edelbrock Intake Manifold

Holley Carburettor

Competition Oil Cooler

Bespoke Fabricated Exhaust System & Side Pipes

Power: 443.7 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque: 490 ft/lbs @ 4000 rpm

Transmission: Toploader 4-speed manual

Progressive Clutch

Differential: 331 Sailsbury

Heavy Competition Driveshafts

Suspension & Brakes:

Period-Correct Rose Jointed Suspension (as per competition Cobras)

Spax Adjustable Shock Absorbers

Girling CR/ORA Brake Calipers

Wheels & Tyres:

7.5j & 9.5j x 15" FIA-Style Halibrands

Avon CRZZ Tyres

Body & Interior:

Hand-formed Aluminium Body

Laminated Chrome Brass Windscreen

Roll Hoop

Smiths Gauges

Lucas Electrical System (period correct)

P700 Period-Style Headlamps

Competition Quick-Lift Jacks

Other Features:

Braided Fuel Lines

This example captures the essence of the original 1960s competition Cobras, built with authenticity, performance, and legacy in mind. An exceptional opportunity to own a continuation car with direct lineage to one of the most iconic sports cars ever produced.

£349,995

To find out more about this significant motorcar please contact charlie@brooklandscarsltd.com in our sales team for further details, viewing by prior appointment. Tel: +44(0)7557 878123

Manufactured in August 1950, this Jaguar XK120 Roadster is among the earliest steel-bodied examples produced following Jaguar’s transition from aluminium-over-ash construction. Distinctive early features include the absence of wing vents, separate chrome side lights, the original ‘studless’ camshaft covers, and tall SU carburettor dashpots. Built at Jaguar’s Browns Lane factory in Coventry, a letter from Jaguar Heritage confirms its original delivery to Brylaw Motors of Melbourne, Australia. The car remained in Australia until the late 1980s when its long-term owner repatriated it to the UK upon relocating for professional reasons.

The vehicle has recently undergone cosmetic restoration, including a high-quality repaint in iconic British Racing Green and a retrim in tan leather. The result is a beautifully presented example with a timeless and authentic appearance, enhancing its already strong visual appeal.

Tasteful and reversible modifications have been made with the intention of improving usability and reliability without compromising the car’s original character. These include the installation of a five-speed gearbox, telescopic shock absorbers, polyurethane suspension bushes, an aluminium fuel tank, an electric Kenlowe cooling fan, adjustable electric power steering, aluminium bucket seats, Brooklands-style wind deflectors, a recessed Monza-style fuel filler cap, bonnet strap, and bonnet louvres. These upgrades provide a more engaging and reliable driving experience while respecting the XK120’s historic roots.

Supplied with a UK V5C registration document and a file of supporting receipts and correspondence, this particularly early XK120 Roadster presents a rare opportunity to acquire a thoughtfully updated, beautifully restored example of one of Jaguar’s most iconic post-war models.

POA

To find out more about this significant motorcar please contact charlie@brooklandscarsltd.com in our sales team for further details, viewing by prior appointment. Tel: +44(0)7557 878123

- The first Ace Bristol exported to Australia.
- Sponsored by Ampol Petroleum and set a Women’s Land speed record in 1957.
- Extensive Race history in the NSW road racing championships,1961 Australian Tourist Trophy.
- Full matching numbers and conservation restoration by AC Heritage Works.
- Eligible for Goodwood Revival, Tour Auto, Mille Miglia and many more. FIA HTP expiry 2030.

We are delighted to bring this historic motorcar to market from our personal AC heritage collection.
This early long boot AC Ace Bristol was built by the Thames Ditton works at the start of 1956,first registered on the 19th of April, and left the works on the 10th May direct for export as the first Bristol engined Ace to Australia.

The order was for Mrs Mary Seed, a wedding present from her husband Commander Peter Seed, who lead the Venom Jet Squadron on HMAS Melbourne. Purchased from the factory as a competition car. Mrs Seed was a glamorous London society girl and established racer at this point, having been taught to race by Mike Hawthorn. After some successful campaigning in her Austin Healey, a race win at BARC Goodwood and then an unfortunate crash left Mrs Seed without a race car. The search for a new motorcar began, initially desiring a Jaguar. However, under Hawthorn's guidance, she ordered the newly launched Ace Bristol.
Upon arrival to Australia, Mrs Seed competed in October 1956 in the New South Wales road racing championship at Mount Panorama, Bathurst placing 3rd overall in the 13 lap race, it also appeared in the Sedan and Sports Car Handicap race later that day, however finishing outside the top 5.

Furthermore, Mary competed at the Australian Hill Climb Championship at Bathurst on October 21st 1956, resulting in fourth overall and 1st in class with a time of 51.46.
Mary’s most notable achievement with the Ace was becoming Australia's fastest woman driver, in February 1957, the record speed runs were held as part of an event held at Carathool in the Riverina District in the state of New South Wales. The runs were sponsored by Ampol Petroleum alongside David Mckay in the Aston Martin DB3S. Seed achieved 112.95 mph over a flying kilometre breaking the class E (1500cc - 2000cc Sports Cars) record. On February 22nd an advertisement appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald showing a headshot of Mary Seed, details of the record and highlighting all the cars used by Ampol Petroleum.

Mrs Seed furthered her racing career at Gnoo Blas, Orange entering the Sports Car Handicap race on the 16th of June 1958 placing second behind Leaton Motors racer Frank Matich. The Seeds then returned to London and sold the Ace to Oliver Steel in early 1959, further preparation had been carried out as part of the Sydney-based Leaton Motors Race Team. A hood scoop was added, dunlop disc brakes,9.5 -1 CR pistons reputedly running 140 bhp and lastly the colour change to the team's colours light yellow with black stripe.

Leaton Motors Race Team competed with Oliver Steel in the Ace on 15th June 1959 in two scratch races in which no result was published, This is also the case with the Queensland Centenary Road Racing championships on the 30th August 1959.

Its most glorious run was surely in the hands of Doug Chivas at the NSW Road Racing Championship (13 Laps) at Mount Panorama,Bathurst on the 4th of October 1959. On a rain soaked track, Chivas stormed through a field consisting of a Cooper Jaguar, DB3s Aston Martin, Maserati and several other Astons.

In the words of an onlooker: “But what was this? Chivas Lay third in the yellow and black Ace. Closer and closer he came, hurtling through the corners as if this was high summer and the road were bone dry. No one could believe an Ace would go that fast and yet there it was”
Only Frank Matich could match Chivas’ pace, finally, the ace passed the DB3S and finished an unbelievable second to Phillips in the Cooper Jaguar.
A spectacular result for the Leaton Motors Team, 1st in class and 2nd overall.

It was then sold Ray Hopwood of Sydney who repainted the Ace red with black trim, it was road tested by Sports Car World and published in September 1960. Around this time the Ace changed hands to Ron Marshall of Yass, New South Wales. He commissioned a hardtop in north Sydney to comply with the new rules of the GT class. It next appeared at Bathurst in October 1960 in event four of the Australian GT championship, finishing 5th overall and 1st in the 1600-2000 cc class.

Marshall entered the Easter 1961 Bathurst Meeting, in event two Grand Touring Scratch Race placing 7th, and resulting in the same finish in the latter main event.
In September of that year, the Ace raced at Albury for the first time on the Hume Weir Circuit as part of the Victorian Short circuit championship achieving a 2nd overall.
The Ace's final entry into motorsport was at the hands of Marshall in the 1961 Australian Tourist Trophy, run by the Australian Drivers Club placing 15th overall. Marshall then traded in BE167 on a Cooper Climax 1.5 Litre with Alec Mildren, passing through various owners until 1978 when it was purchased and restored by Geoff Dowdle, the current Australian Officer for the AC owners club and Bristol Historian, during his ownership it was registered for the BOAC Easter Rally to Merimbula in 1972. He would go on to sell the car in 1976 and was passed through four more owners until it was imported back into the UK.

BE167 returned to England for the first time in 2015, imported by one of our customers for us to restore, his circumstances changed and we purchased the car from him. We then carried out a conservation-restoration through our AC Heritage Works.

After a use over the summer of 2016, we stripped the car to bare metal and carried out are award winning restorations stripping the car to bare metal, rectifying the panel and chassis work to our factory jigs. We carried out a full suspension rebuild and all the drivetrain. The original dunlop brakes are still fitted to the car and homologated for FIA use, as used in the period.
The matching numbers engine and overdrive gearbox are in road tune with a light refresh to cylinder heads and carburettors.

We decided to retain the patina of interior, and most importantly we returned the car to its original white and kept many original features including the bonnet scoop by Leaton Motors.

We ensured that the car was rebuilt to FIA specification and had fitted many upgrades to the car as follows:
- Front and rear antiroll bar
- Removable roll hoop (included in the sale)
- Gripper LSD
- Foam filled aluminium Fuel Tank
- Battery cut off switch (internal and external
- Fire extinguisher Twin coils
- Red top fuel pump
- Uprated rear Hubs
- Dunlop racing Tyres
- Kenlowe electric Fan
- Discreet Four point harness fixture
- Also with the car are the original flat windscreen, tonneau cover, hood and side screens .

We have fond memories of ‘BE167’ since its completion in 2017, the most memorable being driving it south of Milan for the prestigious Vernasca Silver Hillclimb. Closer to home it participated in the parade for the 60th Anniversary of Mike Hawthorns World Championship win in Farnham in 2018.
The early history of this AC Ace is the most comprehensive that we have ever seen and is fully documented throughout from the original buff logbook, export documents, AC Cars correspondence, Ampol contract, and newspaper clippings. The list goes on.

This a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire an early competition ace Bristol that retains all the original body/chassis/engine and gearbox that is eligible for all the major events.

POA

To find out more about this vehicle please contact charlie@brooklandscarsltd.com in our sales team for further details, viewing by prior appointment.
Telephone: +44 (0)1932828545
Mobile: +44 (0)7557 878123

Also advertised through our AC HERITAGE brand.

Significant Rally and Race History

Tour de France, Monte Carlo Rally, Tulip Rally, 3 Hour GT Race

Single Ownership for 58 Years
Recently Featured in Octane Magazine
Offered as a Restored Matching Numbers Example
Eligible for Prestigious Motorsport Events

Chassis BE602 left the Thames Ditton Factory on 4th June 1957, ordered by 21-year-old John Sunley through renowned dealer K. N. Rudd Ltd of Worthing. Most enthusiasts will be familiar with Ken Rudd’s pivotal role in the development of the Ace/Aceca race cars, with many historic models having been ordered through his dealership.

This particular Aceca was specified with unique custom coachwork, finished in Deep Chrome M.16, paired with a green leather interior. The vehicle retains its original engine, 100D639. Notable rarities include the hand-painted race cowl, which is a signature feature of vehicles that underwent ‘Ruddspeed’ refinement, as well as the distinctive twin fuel fillers and a period-correct cut-off switch—features seldom seen on other examples.

John Sunley, along with co-driver Tom Piggot, competed in the 1957 Tour de France Automobile, where the car achieved a commendable 14th place overall. In 1958, Sunley and Piggot participated in the Monte Carlo Rally, a notoriously difficult event, and despite gearbox issues, they reached the final stage, securing 42nd place overall and 6th in their class. A few weeks later, Sunley entered the 3 Hours for GT class at Pau, where an unfortunate small fire—successfully extinguished—did not prevent him from completing the race. The final rally appearance by Sunley was at the Tulip Rally on 30th April 1958, where, due to heavy rain and challenging conditions on the Eifel Mountains, the race ended early as a DNF.

The last motorsport outing occurred in May 1958, when the car was piloted by ten-time Le Mans competitor Peter Bolton at Full Sutton.

Following these remarkable events, the AC Aceca passed through several hands before being acquired by Mr. Genry. In its later years, the car was hastily repainted in gold and, after a collision with a Ford Ten in autumn 1969, was placed out of use. The accident damage, still evident today, marks the car's last spirited run. Despite plans to restore the vehicle, it remained untouched due to the owner’s personal commitments. It is with great excitement that we present this car to the market for the first time in nearly 60 years.

We are pleased to confirm that the car’s original components, including the inner panels, differential, and drivetrain, were preserved and retained alongside the vehicle, further enhancing its originality.

This represents a unique opportunity to acquire an untouched historic motorcar, now available for full restoration to your exact specifications through our AC Heritage Works. Examples of our previous full restorations can be viewed on our website in the ‘Past Restorations’ section.

Additionally, we can assist in providing the necessary FIA and FIVA documentation required to enter the car in prominent events, such as the Mille Miglia, Goodwood Members' Meeting & Revival, and the Tour Auto, among others.

POA

To find out more about this significant motorcar please contact charlie@brooklandscarsltd.com in our sales team for further details, viewing by prior appointment. Tel: +44(0)7557 878123

This motorcar is also advertised through our AC Heritage brand.