Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports
Though marketed as the 2-Litre Sports, the DB1 name was retrospectively applied after the DB2's introduction to establish lineage. Built on a pre-war Claude Hill chassis design with updated Frank Feeley bodywork, it featured Aston Martin's own twin-cam four-cylinder engine developed from their racing cars. The DB1 bridged Aston Martin's pre-war and post-war eras, representing David Brown's first product after acquiring the company in 1947. Its rarity and historical significance as the first 'DB' model makes it extremely valuable today.
Extraordinarily rare with only 15 built. Provenance and originality are critical. Verify chassis number against factory records. Check for matching-numbers engine and gearbox. Aluminum bodywork needs careful inspection for corrosion and repairs. Very few remain in original specification.
Only 15 examples were built between 1948 and 1950. Originally called the 2-Litre Sports, the DB1 designation came later. All featured hand-built aluminum bodies over tubular steel frames. Production was limited as Aston Martin quickly moved to the superior DB2 design.