VIN: the factory press demonstrator Aston Martin DB2 chassis LML/50/5
History of chassis LML/50/5
Assembled in early 1950, chassis LML/50/5 was the first true DB2. It followed a group of four DB2 Le Mans Prototypes manufactured in 1949, three of which were raced in that year’s Le Mans 24 Hours.
One of the significant differences between the Le Mans Prototypes and production DB2s was the latter’s revamped bodywork.
LML/50/5 was equipped with the first DB2 body (number 68001). It was painted Glades Blue and the interior was upholstered with Grey leather and matching carpet.
Registered VMG 606, chassis 5 was used for development work on the new 2.6-litre engine and also featured in Aston Martin’s early DB2 publicity material.
After its red sister car (LML/50/6) made the model’s debut at the New York Motor Show in April 1950, chassis 5 was presented to the British press at the Hanworth Air Park Hotel in Feltham.
Later in 1950, a production-spec. cooling scoop was added on the bonnet along with a new engine.
The car was then purchased by Alan Godsal. At age twelve, Godsal had inherited the Haines Hill Estate in Berkshire and the Colleton Plantation in Barbados.
In July 1952, Godsal drove chassis 5 in the Alpine Rally; a six-day 2060-mile trek around the Alps that started in Marseille, looped around Cortina and ended in Cannes. He was navigated by Hugo Money-Coutts, Godsal’s rowing partner from their time together at Eton.
Stage 1 of the Alpine Rally was a two-day, 614-mile route from Marseilles to Cortina via the Izoard, Mount Geneva, Tonale, Pordoi and Falzarego passes. It also included a timed standing kilometre at Monza.
Stage 2 was the 190-mile Dolomite Cup circuit held on closed roads. However, even the flatter sections were extremely treacherous owing to sudden rain showers. In all, there were some 20 accidents including Godsel / Money-Coutts in the Aston.
Once repaired, LML/50/5 was sold via Aston’s Brooklands agency to David Emmet.
On September 28th 1952, Emmet entered his DB2 for the Firle Hillclimb near Lewes in East Sussex. Organised by the Bentley Drivers Club, the event also hosted the Aston Martin, Frazer-Nash, Lagonda and Lancia owner clubs plus various marques from the Brighton and Hove Motor Club.
Emmet completed the 548-metre route in a steady 38.4 seconds to win the DB2 class. Also in attendance was former owner, Alan Godsal, who took chassis 5 up the hill in 35 seconds dead.
Three weeks later, Emmet drove chassis 5 at the Lloyds Motor Club Autumn Rally, a short and not too serious contest held on a Saturday afternoon. It centred on the Red Lion pub at Milford, Surrey and Godsal emerged with a class win.
At some stage LML/50/5 was repainted green.
It has not been seen in public for many years.
Notable History
Glades Blue / Grey
Registered VMG 606
Aston Martin publicity and development car
4/1950 presented to the press at Hanworth Air Park Hotel, Feltham
Sold to Alan Godsal
11-16/07/1952 IND Alpine Rally (A. Godsall / H. Money-Coutts) DNF (#346)
Sold to David Emmet
28/09/1952 BDC Firle Hillclimb (D. Emmet) 1st in DB2 class
28/09/1952 BDC Firle Hillclimb (A. Godsal) ineligible for position
18/10/1952 LMC Autumn Rally (D. Emmet) 1st in class
Later repainted green
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Aston Martin - https://www.astonmartin.com
