1955 Aston Martin DB2/4
Aston Martin pioneered the sporting hatchback concept when it introduced the DB2/4 in October 1953, featuring a rear liftgate that accessed a surprisingly capacious cargo area.
The 2+2 configuration accommodated occasional rear passengers, or the rear seat backs folded to create a load platform that more than doubled luggage capacity.
A raised roofline, one-piece curved (wraparound) windshield, larger bumpers, and repositioned headlights distinguished the design from its DB2 predecessor. Curb weight was approximately 2,700 pounds (1,225 kg).
Hand-built construction employed a rectangular-tube chassis with independent front suspension using unequal-length wishbones and coil springs, along with a well-located live rear axle.
Power came from W. O. Bentley’s dual-overhead-cam straight-six (the Lagonda VB6-series engine), displacing 2.6 liters (158 cubic inches) in early DB2/4 Mark I form and producing about 125 horsepower through twin SU carburetors, while later 2.9-liter high-output versions reached about 140 horsepower.
The David Brown four-speed manual transmission delivered power to the rear wheels.
Performance included a top speed of approximately 115 mph, with zero to 60 mph acceleration in roughly 11 to 12 seconds depending on specification.
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