Aston Martin was one of the first car manufacturers to use the Le Mans designation in its production car model names, courtesy of its class win and fifth place overall in the 1931 race.
The Le Mans model was Aston Martin’s most successful pre-war model and with good reason. When one considers the Bertelli line of road cars; The International (1929-1932) Le Mans (1932-1933) and the MKII (1934-1935) it is the Le Mans that epitomizes the race ready, raffish and truly sporting style that defined Aston Martin then.
The second series of 1.5-litre cars was introduced in February 1932 with the Le Mans model being launched at the London Motor Show of that year to celebrate the success on the marque in the great race, the 24 hours of Le Mans. .
The Aston Martin Le Mans was available for just 2 years and the car was very successful in a variety of races and rallies including the well known Italian Mille Miglia.
The Aston Martin Le Mans was available in two wheelbase lengths of 118-inches the long chassis and 102- inches so-called short chassis.
Just the short chassis has driven the original Mille Miglia and is therefore eligible for the race.
65 examples of Aston Martin Le Mans were built in 1932 and 106 examples in 1933.
ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE
This original short chassis example is built by the Aston Martin factory in December 1933 and it is between the last examples built.
One of its most notable successes were the
The Aston has stayed in the UK most of its life.
It was discovered in the early 1970s when it was purchased by David Taylor who originally began working on pre-war Astons as a hobby before turning it into a profession that lasted 50 years and was very well known for his expertise.
The Aston was completely nut and bolt restored by David Taylor to its exact original specification.
This example has already a Houtkamp history.
We bought this Aston Martin in 2011 in the United Kingdom.
This car was restored in a mint / concours condition and it was definitely the nicest Le Mans we had ever seen.
The Aston was as much as possible period correct restored on an extremely high level, keeping in mind the originality of this car, using as many as possible original parts.
For example, the dashboard is completely correct with the highly desirable Hobson telegauge and the rare original pump switch.
My father had the car in his own collection but decided to sell the Aston to a German gentlemen where it became part of a very impressive Aston Martin collection.
The gentlemen used the Aston once in a while but was extremely careful. If something was in need of work, technically or optically it was immediately done.
Therefore the Aston is probably even nicer then it was when my father sold it in 2011.
After 13 years of ownership we are very thankful that we could buy the Aston back.
CONDITION EXTERIOR
This particular Aston Martin is presented in excellent condition throughout, with lovely paintwork and a deep shining paint.
The important details such as the perfect fittings of the doors and the bonnet are incredible. Pre-War cars mainly have doors which are completely outlined due to the age. Even after a proper restoration we see often the huge gaps but this Le Mans has excellent fittings.
The beautiful red paint is without any damages / signs of use and can be described as concours.
The chrome is also in a mint condition without any signs of use.
The lamp lenses appear to be clear and bright.
One can easily see that this Le Mans is one of a kind. A car which has been amazingly restored in the past and extremely carefully used afterwards.
CONDITION INTERIOR
The interior is restored as the exterior, on a high quality level and on the period correct way.
The seats appear to be supportive and remain in excellent condition throughout. The interior is great looking with very comfortable racing-style bucket seats.
The leather which is used is the typical English smooth leather.
No damages can be found in the interior.
The carpets are all in a nice order as well.
The Aston comes with a soft top which is in as new condition even as a tonneau cover. (A tonneau cover is a cover to close the cockpit)
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
This Aston Martin remains a much sought after classic car and a true connoisseurs pre-war dream.
The Le Mans is fast, comfortable and straightforward to drive making it ultimately a very rewarding experience.
The car starts easily and operates as it should. The brakes works well and the transmission shifts properly.
Prewar Aston Martins are extremely difficult to find, especially original examples and in such a good condition as this one.
Its rarity make this vehicle a very good choice for a subscription in the Mille Miglia.
One of the few Aston Martin models eligible for the Mille Miglia!