VIN: David Brown's Aston Martin DB2 Series 1 chassis LML/50/10
/ Ben Tyer
HISTORY OF CHASSIS LML/50/10
David Brown liked to personally put new models through the rigour of day-to-day use before signing them off for production.
The Aston Martin boss personally took delivery of the fourth DB2 Le Mans Prototoype (LML/49/4) and extensively drove the first DB2 (LML/50/5).
In May 1950, he received the first DB2 Drophead Coupe - chassis LML/50/10.
Painted Cadillac Green with a Rust interior, the handsome new roadster was registered to David Brown Tractor Engineering on May 4th 1950.
Later that year, it was displayed at the London Motor Show and also appeared in DB2 promotional literature. It was the last DB2 built without a hood scoop (although one was later added).
During the course of Brown’s tenure, LML/50/10 had two new gearboxes fitted and was converted from the original column-mounted gearshift to a floor-mounted arrangement.
On September 28th 1951, the factory changed the colour from Cadillac Green to Racing Green.
Prior to David Brown Junior taking ownership on 29th October 1952, LML/50/10 was fitted with a reconditioned engine.
Less than four weeks later, the car had been sold again, this time to its first private owner, Derek Hawkins of Fulham Road, London.
Hawkins kept the car for about two years.
It subsequently went through the hands of several more English owners and, at some stage, had its distinctive washboard grilles blanked off. They were re-instated when LML/50/10 was restored in the early 1990s.
Notable History
Cadillac Green / Rust
04/05/1950 registered to David Brown Tractor (Engineering), Feltham, Middlesex
28/09/1951 colour changed to Racing Green
29/10/1952 sold to David Brown Junior, Meltham, Huddersfield
25/11/1952 sold to Derek Hawkins, London
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Aston Martin - https://www.astonmartin.com
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