VIN: Aston Martin DB2 chassis LML/50/12
History of chassis LML/50/12
Chassis LML/50/12 was the second DB2 production car. The first was LML/50/11, prior to which Aston Martin had built an array of prototypes and works racing cars.
Like chassis 11 and 14, chassis 12 was among the first batch of cars shipped to Aston Martin’s US agent, Max Hoffman in New York.
Chassis 12 was sold to Aristodeme J. Cosmetto, a successful manufacturer of homeware from Rye, New York. The car had been configured with Alpine Blue paint and Beige upholstery. Like all these early DB2s, chassis 12 was built in right-hand drive.
During the course of the 1950s, chassis 12 went through the hands of another two owners. The first was Park Avenue physician, Samuel L. Schen MD. Next was C. R. Bradshaw of Delphi, Indiana, who retained the car until some time in the 1970s.
Later that decade, chassis 12 was purchased by J. P. Gillham of Fort Knox, Kentucky. It then dropped off the radar until being discovered in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1989.
By this time, the DB2 needed restoration and had lost its original engine, gearbox and several other parts to include the chassis plate. Fortunately, Aston Martin stamped the VIN on the front chassis leg of each car which allowed LML/50/12’s identity to be confirmed.
Soon after discovery, chassis 12 was shipped back to the UK where it was restored by Douglas Blain who was best known as publisher of The Automobile magazine.
Notable History
Alpine Blue / Beige
Sold to Aristodeme J. Cosmetto, 336 Purchase Street, Rye, New York
Sold to Samuel L. Schen. Park Avenue, New York
Sold to C. R. Bradshaw, Delphi, Indiana
1970s sold to J. P. Gillham, Fort Knox, Kentucky
1989 discovered in Baltimore, Maryland
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Aston Martin - https://www.astonmartin.com
