Introduced to the public at the London Motor Show in 1953, the DB2/4 offered very much a first in the motoring world - since then much copied. It's Aston Martin that we have to thank for bringing the world the 'hatchback'. This came about as the DB2/4 was a four seater (really a 2+2) unlike the pure two seat DB2, and rear access was required for the occupants luggage.  The roofline of the DB2/4 was raised so as to provide extra headroom for rear seat passengers. Also the windscreen became a single piece full width curved affair.

As well as the useful hatchback, the DB2/4 can be distinguished from the earlier car by more substantial bumpers with over-riders. Also the headlamps were repositioned slightly higher as demanded by new safety regulations

Initially the 2/4 had as standard the 2.6 litre engine (2580 cc, VB6E/) in Vantage tune from the DB2 which produced 125bhp. Then from mid 1954, an enlarged 2.9 litre (2922 cc, VB6/J) was introduced giving 140bhp. This translates into a genuine 120mph top speed.

the Editor's 3 litre vantage in Colorado