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Curated Auction

1949 Aston Martin 2 Litre “DB1”

At a Glance

1 of 15 2 Litre "DB1's" | Rebodied by Swallow Coachbuilding Company | ~34 Year Ownership | Solid Rolling Restoration Project

  • Mileage~75,143
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.6L
  • LocationWolverhampton

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£1,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Photographer and Editor

One of just 15 DB1s produced, this uniquely bodied racer is the rarest of the DB models.

The Aston Martin name has an enviable reputation in motorsports, with over 100 years of success. However, it was only when an established machine tools manufacturer called David Brown took over control that the Aston Martin brand became synonymous with prestigious competitions. Debuting in 1948, the open roadster DB1 was based on a pre-war Atom prototype. Just 15 DB1s were built, and just one was produced as a chassis for custom coachwork.

Originally powered by a 2.0-litre Claude Hill engine, this unique car was upgraded with a later 2.6-litre six-cylinder Aston Martin engine. Road legal, but eligible for competition, it saw the next 3 decades as a competition car, and saw further modifications including a DB3S gearbox, axles and seats upgrade. At the same time, the nose of the car was modified to resemble the DB3S, thus completing the car's coach building story. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the rarest Aston Martins ever, and the new owner will have the chance to restore this solid car and become involved in the world's most high-profile classic car events. Naturally, the car will have to be trailered away, but it rolls easily and is believed to be complete.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Gary the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

My father and I have a keen interest in motorsports, forging a knowledgeable and respected experience in Renault Alpine models.

Purchased by Gary's father in 1991, who was aware of its fascinating history, his original intention was to get the car back to its former glory. Having spent 30 or so years in dry storage in the South-West, the DB1 was then brought up to Gary's storage unit in Wolverhampton.

Other commitments and the realisation that they will never get round to restoring the DB1 force the sale of the car. Gary will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Gary
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Crafted with Le-Mans style body, the structure and exterior is solid and offers a firm foundation for the restoration.

Wheels and Tyres

The wire wheels and spinners are complete, with typical signs of age and ripe for refurbishment.

The tyres will need replacing of course, as they’re likely to be decades old.

image

Bodywork

The aluminium panels are generally in good shape, except for some damage on the nearside sill, corrosion on the door bottoms and rear wings/valance. The boot lid and passenger doors open with relative ease. The bonnet is removable and offers a flush fit. The rectangular-section steel tube structure, engine bay and floor pan look solid, with external panel wear and marks consistent with a car that has been stored for four decades.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

image

Paint

The green paint is consistent in colour. It has a dull lustre and the finish is peppered with under-paint reactions, surface marks and scuffs. There are cracks to the paint on the rear wings too.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The race screen is free of cracks. The headlamps and lenses are in good condition.

The trim appears to be complete, and the light bezels, grill, external hinges, and door handles are in line with the car's age.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The interior is cleanly presented and is furnished with DBR3 seats.

Seats and Carpets

The bucket seats are complete with red harnesses. Believed to have been sourced from a DBR3 sports racer, they are generally free of significant damage.

The carpets are dry but show their age. The centre console fabric has worn too.

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Dashboard

The dashboard and facia is clean and are generally free of rips, just the expected sheen of age on the padding. The switches and dials are decent. None of them could be tested for their functionality. The door cards are well mounted.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are in line with the car's age, but have survived remarkably well.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The modified 2.6-litre straight-six will need a rebuild, but looks complete and has been well stored.

Engine and Gearbox

Gary has informed us that the engine and gearbox are complete. The engine components are stored in boxes, and the main block is out of the car. The radiator is in decent condtion, with some age-related wear on the engine castings. The fuel tank is mounted in the car and appears to be in good shape.

image

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension, brake and steering components have a sheen of surface corrosion but appear to be solid. The wheels roll freely, and the steering is operational.

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The Drive

It has been fitted with a 2.6-litre six-cylinder Aston Martin engine, replacing the original 2.0-litre unit. It offered a considerable power hike and proved handy on several racetracks participating in several Aston Martin Owners Club track days right up to the 1980s.

The engine was removed in the early 1990s, as it was showing low oil pressure. It was dismantled and subsequently remained apart and in boxes ever since. At the time, the car was otherwise in good working order.

In addition to the uprated engine, the car is fitted with a DB3S gearbox and with a stronger back axle and a DB2 front axle.

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Electrics and Other

The car comes with a full tonneau cover, which looks to provide a good seal.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~34 year ownership, this car is 1 of 15 2 Litre "DB1's" and is effectively a "Special" which has been raced with an upgraded later 2.6L engine.

Originally built as one of 15 DB1s in 1948 to 1950, this car is chassis number AMC/49/8, making it the 8th model to have left the production line. First registered in October 1949, the chassis was handed over to A.B Hunter of Park Langley, who had a coach builder, Gurney Nutting Ltd, install a saloon body.

Retaining the tubular construction, it featured independent front suspension with all-round coils, Girling drum brakes and a four-speed gearbox. In the late 1950s, the car was handed over by its then-owner to the Swallow Coachbuilding Company, who rebodied the car into a Barchetta-style roadster, which pays homage to both the Le Mans-winning Aston Martins of the period and the short-lived Swallow Doretti sports car. Fitted with a later 2.6-litre six-cylinder Aston Martin engine, it also received a DB3S gearbox.

Raced throughout over the intervening decades, it spent a short time in France before coming back to the UK in 1987, where it has been believed to have seen further engine modifications. It was sold to the current owner's father in 1991. The car comes with its V5 certificate and has been documented in the print and web media due to its provenance and rarity.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Key Details
  • Model 2 Litre "DB1"
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 13-10-1949
  • CC 2,580
  • Mileage 75,143
  • Colour Green
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Chassis # AMC/49/8
  • Engine # LB6B50630
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • Former Keepers 3
  • Tyre Brand Dunlop
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~34 years
  • Key Feature 1 of 15 "DB1" with a Special body
  • Auction ID 2982
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Wolverhampton

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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Aston like this is TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Wolverhampton

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