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Details
The ex-London Motor Show company exhibit
1933 ASTON MARTIN LE MANS SPECIAL FOUR SEATER
Registration No. AUL 635
Chassis No. I3/308/L
Engine No. I3/308/L
Old English White with black leather interior and hood.
Engine: four cylinder, single overhead camshaft, with dry sump lubrication, 1,495 cc, 70bhp at 4,750 rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: front and rear, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: mechanically operated four-wheel drum. Right hand drive.
1933 represented a marked change in Aston Martin's business and fortunes, following the acquisition by Sir Arthur Sutherland at the behest of his son, Robert Gordon Sutherland, in December 1932. The change of ownership brought the necessary financing and a clear business plan for re-structuring the company. One of optimistic goals was the building of 100 cars in the year, this when only twice that number had been completed in the 13 years prior to this. A proper production line was initiated, bodywork continued to be supplied by E. Bertelli and they set about expanding their selling network to cater for the planned increase in cars to sell. There was a solid attempt at Le Mans that year, with an entry of three cars, LM 7, LM 9 and LM 10, the latter two coming home in 5th and 7th place.
By the time of the October London Motor Show, the company was on course to achieve its production targets. The buoyant management team together with Claude Hill, 'Happy' Wood, 'Dick' Anthony, Geoffrey White of 'Winter Garden' and representatives of various agents such as Patrick Motors and Cresta Motors were all at hand to explain the merits of 'Britain's Best Sports Car'. The focus of the four models exhibited on the stand, was the Claude Hill designed Le Mans Special Four Seater. This I3/308/L the Motor Show car is the 10 ft wheelbase version of the short chassis Le Mans. It was certainly a most sporting 'family' Aston, but with practicality applied throughout. As well as providing comfortable motoring for four people, there was a small provision of luggage space in a tidy boot on which the spare wheel sat, and detail features such as the detachable glass wind-deflectors, which double as small aero-screens when the windscreen was folded. Completing the car was the transition to 18 inch wheels, which suited the low radiator and overall proportions better than the former '21s'.
When roadtested the following spring by The Motor their reports were extremely favourable, a speed of 82 mph being recorded and extremely good handling qualities noted, their verdict - 'unquestionably one of the best cars we have driven for some time from the point of view of road handling and stability. High speed cornering is an outstanding feature.'
I3/308/L was almost certainly sold on the stand as it was first registered six days after the end of the show on October 27th, 1933. Although presumed broken up, as the Aston Martin Owner's Club register for 1992 suggests, I3/308/L had actually survived, being in long term ownership in Bolton since 1960. It was there that it was discovered by marque expert Andy Bell of Ecurie Bertelli in 1995, passing to the present owner, a known Aston aficionado, in November that year.
By 1995, the car was in a dilapidated condition, and had lost the rear section of the bodywork from behind the doors. Also the engine had been separated from the chassis for many years but was re-united with it. An exacting ground up restoration ensued, carefully supervised by its knowledgeable enthusiast owner. The chassis was rebuilt, springs re-set, the engine work was entrusted to Bell, for a complete rebuild. The bodywork was rebuilt by Simon Isles to its original form, re-skinned and fitted with new mudguards. In keeping with its history and a wish to preserve its originality in every respect, it was painted in the car in its original Motor Show stand livery of white. James E. Pearce was responsible for re-wiring, the complete new interior trim in black leather, refurbishment of all the chrome and much of the detail work. The radiator was rebuilt, wheels refurbished, a new stainless steel exhaust and chromium expansion box fitted. The British Jaeger instruments were rebuilt by John Marks (Vintage Restorations). In line with the owner's exacting standards, each and every aspect was properly attended to with the result that the 'Motor Show' Le Mans Special was returned to the road in 1998. This work is detailed comprehensively through bills and with some photographs, for which the total amounts to between £40,000 and £50,000. This does not include the considerable time by the owner and others, on perfecting and 'shaking-down' any post-restoration teething troubles, nor the continued maintenance since then.
The quality of the restoration was immediately acclaimed, when the car won its class in the AMOC concours at Silverstone that year, and it went on to participate in the Louis Vuitton Classic at Hurlingham in 1999. The car has continued to have regular use and is now offered for sale as other projects consume its owner's time. On recent inspection, the car started instantly and performed well, on a twilight drive all electrics were proven to be fully operational.
Offered complete with full weather equipment, this excellent Aston Martin Le Mans is ready to use and be enjoyed. It has the benefit of its interesting early provenance.
1933 ASTON MARTIN LE MANS SPECIAL FOUR SEATER
Registration No. AUL 635
Chassis No. I3/308/L
Engine No. I3/308/L
Old English White with black leather interior and hood.
Engine: four cylinder, single overhead camshaft, with dry sump lubrication, 1,495 cc, 70bhp at 4,750 rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: front and rear, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: mechanically operated four-wheel drum. Right hand drive.
1933 represented a marked change in Aston Martin's business and fortunes, following the acquisition by Sir Arthur Sutherland at the behest of his son, Robert Gordon Sutherland, in December 1932. The change of ownership brought the necessary financing and a clear business plan for re-structuring the company. One of optimistic goals was the building of 100 cars in the year, this when only twice that number had been completed in the 13 years prior to this. A proper production line was initiated, bodywork continued to be supplied by E. Bertelli and they set about expanding their selling network to cater for the planned increase in cars to sell. There was a solid attempt at Le Mans that year, with an entry of three cars, LM 7, LM 9 and LM 10, the latter two coming home in 5th and 7th place.
By the time of the October London Motor Show, the company was on course to achieve its production targets. The buoyant management team together with Claude Hill, 'Happy' Wood, 'Dick' Anthony, Geoffrey White of 'Winter Garden' and representatives of various agents such as Patrick Motors and Cresta Motors were all at hand to explain the merits of 'Britain's Best Sports Car'. The focus of the four models exhibited on the stand, was the Claude Hill designed Le Mans Special Four Seater. This I3/308/L the Motor Show car is the 10 ft wheelbase version of the short chassis Le Mans. It was certainly a most sporting 'family' Aston, but with practicality applied throughout. As well as providing comfortable motoring for four people, there was a small provision of luggage space in a tidy boot on which the spare wheel sat, and detail features such as the detachable glass wind-deflectors, which double as small aero-screens when the windscreen was folded. Completing the car was the transition to 18 inch wheels, which suited the low radiator and overall proportions better than the former '21s'.
When roadtested the following spring by The Motor their reports were extremely favourable, a speed of 82 mph being recorded and extremely good handling qualities noted, their verdict - 'unquestionably one of the best cars we have driven for some time from the point of view of road handling and stability. High speed cornering is an outstanding feature.'
I3/308/L was almost certainly sold on the stand as it was first registered six days after the end of the show on October 27th, 1933. Although presumed broken up, as the Aston Martin Owner's Club register for 1992 suggests, I3/308/L had actually survived, being in long term ownership in Bolton since 1960. It was there that it was discovered by marque expert Andy Bell of Ecurie Bertelli in 1995, passing to the present owner, a known Aston aficionado, in November that year.
By 1995, the car was in a dilapidated condition, and had lost the rear section of the bodywork from behind the doors. Also the engine had been separated from the chassis for many years but was re-united with it. An exacting ground up restoration ensued, carefully supervised by its knowledgeable enthusiast owner. The chassis was rebuilt, springs re-set, the engine work was entrusted to Bell, for a complete rebuild. The bodywork was rebuilt by Simon Isles to its original form, re-skinned and fitted with new mudguards. In keeping with its history and a wish to preserve its originality in every respect, it was painted in the car in its original Motor Show stand livery of white. James E. Pearce was responsible for re-wiring, the complete new interior trim in black leather, refurbishment of all the chrome and much of the detail work. The radiator was rebuilt, wheels refurbished, a new stainless steel exhaust and chromium expansion box fitted. The British Jaeger instruments were rebuilt by John Marks (Vintage Restorations). In line with the owner's exacting standards, each and every aspect was properly attended to with the result that the 'Motor Show' Le Mans Special was returned to the road in 1998. This work is detailed comprehensively through bills and with some photographs, for which the total amounts to between £40,000 and £50,000. This does not include the considerable time by the owner and others, on perfecting and 'shaking-down' any post-restoration teething troubles, nor the continued maintenance since then.
The quality of the restoration was immediately acclaimed, when the car won its class in the AMOC concours at Silverstone that year, and it went on to participate in the Louis Vuitton Classic at Hurlingham in 1999. The car has continued to have regular use and is now offered for sale as other projects consume its owner's time. On recent inspection, the car started instantly and performed well, on a twilight drive all electrics were proven to be fully operational.
Offered complete with full weather equipment, this excellent Aston Martin Le Mans is ready to use and be enjoyed. It has the benefit of its interesting early provenance.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis