Introduction
Colin Bashford
With only around 89 ever built, it’s rare to find an Aston Martin 1.5-Litre International for sale today. This particular example was once owned by the renowned American cartoonist Charles Addams.
The 1930 Aston Martin 1.5-Litre International represents one of the marque’s most charismatic pre-war sports cars – a machine that embodied the adventurous spirit of the early Aston Martin works. Developed under the direction of Augustus “Bert” Bertelli, the International was designed for spirited road use and competition, combining elegant lightweight coachwork with Aston’s lively 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Distinguished by its fine proportions, crisp detailing, and proven sporting pedigree, the model quickly earned a reputation as the driver’s choice among Britain’s sporting elite.
This example, chassis ‘S53’, boasts an especially intriguing provenance, having once belonged to celebrated American cartoonist Charles Addams, whose darkly witty creations for The New Yorker made him a household name and later inspired The Addams Family. As such, the car not only embodies Aston Martin’s golden-era engineering but also carries a unique cultural connection to one of the 20th century’s most distinctive artistic figures.
Coming to market after five and a half years with the current vendor, the car has benefitted from an engine rebuild by renowned vintage Aston Martin specialist Ecurie Bertelli. It is presently fitted with engine number ‘S48’, as the vendor explains that cars of this era often required an engine rebuild, with workshops removing the original unit and replacing it with a fully rebuilt engine from stock.
This listing was written from information supplied by Colin after meeting Colin the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
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Auction Closed
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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.
I'M INTERESTEDAsk Questions
I am interested but would want a proper on road test drive before considering an offer, is this possible?
Hi Nigel, it’s unlikely now as the car has been on auction for 13 days and ends at 7pm tonight. However, send an email to [email protected] to see if we can make it happen for you. Adam – TC
Hi If you have fully comprehensive insurance covering the vehicle and proof of identirty then posssible.A couple of questions for you . Have you driven a pre-war car before ?
With cars of this age it has straight cut gears with no syncromesh so doible the clutch is required have you experience of doing this?
Finally the reserve price is a long way off from the current offers as one would expect at this time of the auction, I would suggest you refer to previous prices. The car is in Edinburgh.
Please also see Trade Classics response below.
Hi- wondering if you’ve done any recent maintenance aside from the engine? Running gear etc?
Re the engine- was it run in at all and has it been serviced since?
Hi most of the electrics have been checked and some wiring replaced. All the instruments have been rebuilt. The radiator has been removed and back flushed. As the bonnet has been lowered to reduce frontal drag the starter handle fitting on the front of the engine has been removed and replaced with a machined plug. This to stop any possibility of the original damaging the radiator core. Things like a high torque starter has been fitted. The original ignition system has been changed from a magneto to an electronic programmable distributor and coil system. The coil etc is hidden inside the cab. The cabling is hidden inside a steel braided flexi pipe. The distributor has been hidden behind a period heat shield. A new dash board has also been made and fitted. The car was sent to an independent prewar specialist to setup both the engine on rolling road the brakes the clutch and the clutch brake setup. Petrol in-line filters have been installed. New petrol pumps installed. I could go on and on. There is no body rot at all in the timber frame. It is in such good condition I think it may have been reframed. But I have no proof of this.
I should have said the engine has had an oil and filter change. It is a dry sump system so quite a simple thing to do. It runs on the oil brand recommended by the engine builders
Good evening, Colin
How long since the car was driven on the highway ?
Thanks.
Hi. The car was last driven early summer. It performed and drove well. As all the running gear has been overhauled and renewed where required it ran, braked, steered etc well.
Is it best offer submitted or is there a reserve set
Hi Gaz,
The car has a reserve set.
Thanks,
Colin.
Vehicle Location
Edinburgh
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