VIN: the works Aston Martin DB2 chassis LML/50/7
History of chassis LML/50/7
Chassis LML/50/7 was one of three DB2 team cars produced in 1950.
First registered VMF 63 in May 1950, its Cadillac Green sister cars were consecutively registered VMF 64 and VMF 65.
For their debut appearance at the Le Mans 24 Hours (June 24th-25th), the team cars were equipped with a number of special modifications to include long-range fuel tanks with roof-mounted fillers, a variety of extra cooling ducts, bonnet cut outs for quick fluid top ups, illuminated ID plates and leather bonnet straps.
LML/50/7 was driven at Le Mans by Reg Parnell and Charles Brackenbury. It started the race in 21st position as grid slots were decided on engine size as opposed to practice times.
At an average speed of 85.25mph, Parnell and Brackenbury came home sixth overall and second in the under three-litre Sports class.
Fifth spot went to the class winning DB2 of George Abecassis / Lance Macklin which finished five laps up the road.
The three works cars next ran at the Silverstone International One Hour Production Car Race on on August 26th. By this time, their Le Mans addenda had been removed and they appeared in more or less standard trim.
Reg Parnell drove chassis 7 to sixth overall (third in the under three-litre class) while the best placed Aston was that of Raymond Sommer in fourth.
Parnell was back in chassis 7 for the Dundrod Tourist Trophy on September 16th. The three hour road race took place in appalling conditions during which the DB2s displayed remarkable roadholding.
Parnell finished fourth overall and took another class win to complement Aston’s Le Mans victory.
One week later, all three team cars attended the Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb (September 23rd).
Parnell was quickest of the Aston drivers, but the DB2s were unable to match the lightweight trio of works Frazer Nashes. Driving chassis 7 for what was its final competitive outing, Parnell finished fourth in the three-litre Production class.
LML/50/7 was road tested for the 27th September edition of The Motor magazine and subsequently retained by Aston Martin for development use.
During 1951, it was fitted with a Series 2 bonnet.
Ahead of its sale to AGF Oldworth in 1953, the car received a new engine.
Mr Oldworth kept the car until the early 1960s and occasionally used it for club level competition.
Notable History
Cadillac Green
Aston Martin Ltd.
05/1950 registered VMF 63
25/06/1950 IND Le Mans 24 Hours (R. Parnell / C. Brackenbury) 6th oa, 2nd S3.0 class (#21)
26/08/1950 IND Silverstone International (R. Parnell) 6th oa, 3rd S3.0 class (#12)
16/09/1950 IND Dundrod Tourist Trophy (R. Parnell) 4th oa, 1st S3.0 class (#23)
23/09/1950 BHC Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb (R. Parnell) 4th 3.0 Production class (#55)
27/09/1950 road tested in The Motor magazine
Retained by Aston Martin for development use
Fitted with Series 2 bonnet
1953 new engine installed and sold to AGF Oldworth
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Aston Martin - https://www.astonmartin.com
