Rare Gem on Wheels: The Exquisite 1954 Bertone Aston Martin Up for Auction
by AutoExpert | 7 December, 2023
Are you ready for a breathtaking ride into automotive history? Let's talk about a real head-turner, the ultra-rare and ultra-pretty 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Coupe by Bertone. This isn't just any classic car; it's a masterpiece set to captivate hearts and wallets at an upcoming auction in New York.
Picture this: sleek lines merging into a teardrop silhouette, topped with subtle creases and dainty tail fins. It's a visual feast that screams elegance and rarity. And here's the kicker - RM Sotheby's is bringing this gem to the auction block on December 8, with bids expected to soar between $1.2 million and $1.6 million.
But what makes this Aston Martin a stand-alone star? It's the only DB2/4 coupe dressed by the Italian maestro Bertone. While Bertone graced six convertibles with its touch, this coupe remains the solitary fixed-roof sibling in the family.
The tale of this beauty starts with Stanley H. Arnolt II, an avid car enthusiast and business tycoon. His collaboration with Bertone led to this series of DB2/4s, making automotive history. Bertone, too, couldn't hide its pride, showcasing this coupe at the Turin Motor Show in 1957 and 1958.
Plans to replicate this model were halted when Aston Martin decided not to supply more chassis to Bertone. This decision only adds to the car's exclusivity.
In 2019, the current owner spared no expense, pouring $800,000 into restoring this beauty to its original Turin Motor Show glory.
A fresh coat of pale blue paint, meticulously recreated components, and the original 2.9-liter inline-six engine, now fine-tuned for better performance, make this car a collector's dream.
Its accolades? First-in-class at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, with an invite to 2024's Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. Imagine being the new owner, flaunting this classic at such prestigious events!
