VIN: the David Brown / Lance Macklin Aston Martin DB2 Le Mans Prototype chassis LML/49/4
History of chassis LML/49/4
LML/49/4 was the last of four DB2 Le Mans Prototypes. Unlike the three Almond Green examples destined for competition use, chassis 4 was uniquely equipped with a fully upholstered interior and painted Maroon.
Whereas chassis 1 and 2 had been fitted with the Claude Hill-designed four cylinder engine, chassis 3 and 4 came with the first incarnation of WO Bentley’s dual overhead camshaft straight six.
First registered on April 26th 1949 (along with the other three team cars), chassis 4 spent the early part of its life as David Brown’s personal vehicle.
In May 1949, the car starred in a series of publicity photographs taken at Great Fosters Hotel near Egham.
Within a few months, chassis 4 had racked up nearly 10,000 miles which gave Aston Martin a considerable amount of useful data prior to starting DB2 production.
During this time, the car was road tested by The Motor magazine (1st February 1950 edition).
In March 1950, Aston Martin switched chassis 4 to a floor instead of steering column-mounted gear change. At the same time, a fresh engine was installed and the colour was changed to Dark Green. It was then sold to Lance Macklin who had joined Aston Martin as a works driver in 1949.
Macklin almost immediately set out for Italy with his new acquisition and called in at the Weber factory (Bologna) to have the car fitted with a trio of 35 DCO carburettors. He then headed to Monza for the 295km Coppa Inter Europa and placed second in class.
From Monza, Macklin took chassis 4 south for the Giro di Sicilia which comprised an epic 1078km single lap of the island. Unfortunately, he misread one of the corners and plunged into a mountainous cutting.
Thankfully, Macklin survived uninjured.
Chassis 4 was sent back to the factory for repair. Macklin sold the car to cover the costs.
It subsequently went through the hands of several owners in quick succession, probably on account of its very hot cockpit (cabin ventilation was an issue on all four ‘Sweatboxes’).
One later owner was John Dalton who raced the car in a couple of minor club events in the mid 1950s.
Another custodian was Bill Monk who stripped it for restoration before selling the unfinished machine to Peter Lee in 1965.
Lee completed the restoration and retained chassis 4 until 1989 at which point it was sold by Christie’s in Monaco.
Notable History
David Brown / Aston Martin Ltd.
Six cylinder WO Bentley engine
Maroon
26/04/1949 registered UMC 262
Used as David Brown’s personal vehicle
01/02/1950 featured in The Motor magazine
03/1950 gear change switched from steering column to floor, new engine fitted and repainted Dark Green
Sold to Lance Macklin
26/03/1950 IND Monza Coppa Inter-Europa (L. Macklin) 2nd S2.0+ class (#2)
02/04/1950 IND Giro di Sicilia (L. Macklin) DNF (#453)
Returned to the factory for repair after its crash on the Giro di Sicilia
Sold to the first of several private owners
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Aston Martin - https://www.astonmartin.com
