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After the success of Aston Martin's DB2 prototypes at the 1949 Le Mans, some of the first production DB2s were converted into racecars by the factory. Called ‘Team Cars’, they were lightened and had a higher state of tune. Winning events like the Mille Miglia and Le Mans, they were quite successful too.

In 1950 three of the very first DB2s were prepared for the 24 of Le Mans. Licensed VMF 63, VMF 64 and VMF 65, these featured the three-part front grille and numerous other details from early production. John Wyer was hired by David Brown and began his career as a successful race manager with the DB2. He hired drivers like Eric Thompson and Jack Fairman. The latter did extensive testing at MIRA. He describes the scene “There was a tremendous amount of intensive testing done, and it was a good introduction to John Wyer's meticulous methods which made Astons so successful later on.”¹

Raced by George Abecassis and Lance Macklin, VMF 64 placed fifth overall at Le Mans. At an average speed of 87.26 mph it took the class victory ahead of the Delage D6-3L. For the rest of the season the cars were used at events like Silverstone, the Ulster TT and the Shelsey Walsh Hillclimb. Meanwhile back at the factory, preparations were underway to officially launch the DB2 at the London Motor Show in October.

In 1951, the factory team cars were sent back to the experimental department and upgraded by Robert Eberan-Eberhorst. Due to lack of time, the all-new DB3 couldn't be fabricated, so instead the DB2s were put through extensive modifications including the 1951 aluminum grill. “Appropriate steps were taken within the framework of the regulations to jettison unnecessary weight. The bonnet was given one of the new light alloy radiator grilles, the interior trim and head lining were removed and very light seats were installed.”² Along with the three 1950 cars, two new cars were made (XMC76 & XMC77) that had lighter 18-gauge aluminum bodies and reputably weighed 450 lbs (200kg) lighter than the 1950 model.

The engine was upgraded to use a higher 8.16:1 compression ratio. Combined with a longer 3.27:1 rear axle, the DB2 was better suited for the Mulsanne straight.

At Le Mans, the already famous car, VMF 64, won its class again as driven by Lance Macklin and Eric Thompson. It placed third overall at an average speed of 90 mph. T.H. Wisdom piloted VMF 64 to another class victory at the Mille Miglia in the 2-liter production class. This was repeated the following year, placing 12th overall at an average speed of 71.8 mph. With these key victories, VMF 64 became one of the most successful Aston Martins.

For 1952 Aston Martin continued to race the lightweight cars and sold the remaining cars to private teams which continued on with the DB2. By 1953 the factory DB2 was replaced by the DB3 roadster.

Chassis & Sales

LML/50/8 (VMF64)-The most successful of all DB2s, this car won its class at Le Mans twice and once at the 1951 Mille Miglia. It first raced the 1950 Le Mans with George Abecassis and Lance Macklin. It was used for a couple more races that year then upgraded to lightweight specification with a lighter interior. It went on the race the Mille Miglia and Le Mans in 1952 before effectively retiring as a display at the Earl’s Court Show. Afterwards, David Brown again used VMF64 until negotiating a sale with Gerald Lascelles. He kept the car in exceptionally original condition over a continuous 52 year ownership. At their 2009 Automobiles of London sale, RM Auctions sold VMF64 for £550,000 ($900,000 USD). RM Auctions was “proud to have been selected to market what is generally considered to be the most significant and original early Aston Martin Team car.”

References & Further Reading

1. Nixon, Chris. 'Together Again'. Classic & Sportscar. November 1987.
2. Wilkins, Gordon. 'A Car with a Career'. Autocar. July 1951.