DRIVEN | 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 track test

Today, Aston Martin is perhaps the most valuable brand in the world. Trading on its perfect blend of beauty, speed and style, what separates the brand from others laying legitimate claim to the same qualities are perhaps its competition heritage and quintessential Britishness. And while the company's origins predate this 1954 DB2/4, you need only take one glance to recognise that this is where it really all began. The graceful lines, the trademark grill, an understated presence yet somehow still brimming with character and, crucially, sufficient performance to deliver real driving pleasure. With its 2+2 layout providing ample seating for small children in the rear, the DB2/4 managed to combine practicality with competition prowess, such that it was campaigned by both privateers and the works in some of the greatest road races and rallies in the world, including Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, the Monte Carlo Rally, and the Tour Auto. And it is thanks to this heritage that the model remains so eligible for the premier historic motoring events today. Join me at Donington Park in the UK for a few laps aboard this British racing icon.

[@skunstt]

This must be one of the most beautifull car designs ever !

[@adrianwelgemoed9562]

Absolutely gorgeous car. Thanks for sharing the drive with us

[@hancock_sam]

Thanks for watching Adrian, glad you enjoyed it.

[@constantinrenoir8273]

Great job man, thank you very much for this video! And thanks for the view of your footwork, so informative! I hope that you will post more reviews like that for the next year 2022! ;)

[@hancock_sam]

Thanks Constantin, glad you enjoyed it. And, yes, really hoping to do more in 2022...

[@theduckofevil]

A beautiful car. Thank you.

[@hancock_sam]

Glad you like it!

[@bv2225]

Just lovely, thanks!

[@hancock_sam]

Thanks Vassilis, glad you enjoyed it.

[@desmaisonfrancois]

Great video and gorgeous car ! Thanks a lot Sam. Lucky man 😉👍🏁

[@soriaguerrero5799]

Divinooo adorable unico los Aston gracias muy buen video maravilloso auto esos mas viejitos mas lindos Sonia G Nielsen👏👏👏👏

[@jackwilson8651]

Lovely…but who takes a £5 million ( or more?) Aston Martin DB2 to the pub? Absolutely delightful video, Sam.

[@hancock_sam]

Thanks Jack... if only it were £5m !! :)

[@tangowilliams1244]

Great vid! 👏👏

[@vemltd]

Great drive and great vid reminder of seeing them "back in the day"!

[@hancock_sam]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@cameronmilne3590]

Amazing stuff Sam, please keep this content coming!

[@hancock_sam]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Toom356]

Very lovely and competent video. Thanks.

[@hancock_sam]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@calleskoga3572]

Ohh nice.. I am lucky enough to own a sister car to that . But my car is a 2,6 litre. Cheers from Sweden!

[@pistonburner6448]

Does anyone know if that "W.O. Bentley-designed" straight six is actually an engine which is the result of him getting access to the BMW straight six (arguably one of the best engines in the world at the time) and all its plans after the war? I heard of him and other Brits (and Americans) having had access to all the materials over at BMW once the war ended, them going over to Germany to pour over their stuff and coming back with technical drawings with them. Apparently that 'deep connection'/power position resulted in 'lesser players' like importers such as Bristol getting good import deals and not only that but the position/possibility to also begin manufacturing cars based on BMWs and their fabulous engines. Bristol manufactured slightly modified BMW engines and sold them to other manufacturers also. Some say that W.O. Bentley started developing the straight six already at the end of the war (so still during it), but the timeline seems to suggest his access to the Germans' secrets and tech having been at a 'convenient timing' as the first car with 'his' new engine only came out in 1948, so plenty of time to it be true that the engine was developed based on what he learned in Germany. For sure the engine was at least influenced by the BMW straight six, but then again it's possible that it was indeed mainly his own original design as he certainly had a background in designing successful engines...if quite some time ago.