Aston owned by the same family for 56 years to go under the hammer

A 1958 Aston Martin DB 2/4 Mk III owned by the same family for nearly six decades will go under the hammer in Silverstone Auctions’ classic car sale at Race Retro next month.

For sale for the first time since it was purchased by the current custodians over 56 years ago, the car is estimated to fetch between £160,000 and £180,000 when it heads to auction on 27-28 February.

The first owner was a Mr W. Griffith from Somerset, who owned chassis number AM300/3/1433 until 1960, when he placed an advert in the local newspaper. Marcus Green, a long-standing member of the Aston Martin Owner's Club, saw the advert and immediately arranged a viewing.

A deal was struck and Mr Green bought the car, which is still in his garage today. In 2003, the car was inherited by Mr Green's son in law - a mechanical engineer who set about restoring the Aston to its former glory.

The restoration was a complete body-off nut and bolt rebuild that took place over three years. A photographic record documents this process and significant time and effort was put into ensuring the shut lines were better than when new. The original engine was rebuilt and the interior trimmed to a high specification.

Today the car has 67,000 miles on the clock and is finished in dark blue paintwork that still looks great.

As you’d expect, it comes with a huge history file collected from a lifetime of ownership. There are bills and receipts dating back to the 1960s. The car even comes with its original toolkit under the bonnet along with the chassis plate.

The car will join many other classic road cars in the auction at Race Retro, which takes place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. Visit the Silverstone Auctions website to find out more about the Race Retro sale.