- One of just seven DB2/4 Bertone-bodied chassis — and the only coupe
- Bodied by Bertone for S.H. “Wacky” Arnolt
- Displayed by Bertone at the 1957 Torino Auto Show
- One-off 2-seat coupe coachwork; features quality older restoration
- Engine number corresponds to accompanying BMIHT Certificate
American industrialist and British car distributor Stanley H. “Wacky” Arnolt was a self-made millionaire, having parlayed patents he purchased in the 1930s into a manufacturing business for his Indiana-based factory during World War II.
This one-off, coachbuilt creation represents the final chapter in the fascinating and tumultuous connection between Stanley Arnolt, Aston Martin and Carrozzeria Bertone. These three entities, all with strong identities, and all from different nations, combined to produce some of the most memorable and desirable collaborations of the 1950s.
Offering the robust engineering and performance of a DB2/4 and the Italian flair of one of the world’s most storied carrozzerie, this singular Aston Martin would make an incredible show or tour car and would likely gain entry into some of the most exclusive automotive events worldwide.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Coupe by Bertone |
| Years Produced: | 1953–54 |
| Number Produced: | Seven Bertone-bodied DB2/4 chassis |
| Original List Price: | $6,000 for a standard coupe |
| SCM Valuation: | $566,000 (this car) |
| Tune Up Cost: | $1,800 to $2,800 |
| Chassis Number Location: | Brass plaque in engine compartment and on top of right-side chassis rail |
| Engine Number Location: | Stamped on topside of timing cover |
| Club Info: | Aston Martin Owners Cub |
| Website: | http://amocna.org |
| Alternatives: | 1947–53 Maserati A6GCS, 1951–54 Jaguar XK 120, 1948–56 Frazer Nash Le Mans replica |
| Investment Grade: | A |
This car, Lot 13, sold for $566,000, including buyer’s premium, at Gooding & Company’s Scottsdale, AZ, auction on January 18, 2019.
Aston Martin and Carrozzeria Bertone — what a nice couple.
Sean Connery, let me introduce you to Claudia Cardinale. Richard Burton, say hello to Monica Vitti.
Successful duos — rogue and sensual with an air of La Dolce Vita and Trafalgar Square — work for me. Maybe Rome’s Colosseum with design elements by Sir Christopher Wren instead?
Anglo-Italian marriages have been around since the Romans were building Hadrian’s Wall. It all works — when it works, or until it doesn’t.
A Wacky idea
In the 1950s, a Wacky American bound Aston Martin and Bertone together for a short, fun fling.
Wacky Arnolt built seven rather unique — and sometimes wonderful — Aston Martins with coachwork by Bertone for his booming automotive enterprise and his discerning new European car clientele.
There was a fixed-head coupe, a handful of spiders and drophead coupes. Some were very beautiful. Some were, well, just very unique.
I’m all too acquainted with these cars, having had two in inventory over my career: the Charles Ward drophead coupe and one of the Franco Scaglione-designed spiders (which from 10 feet away really appears to be a Wacky Arnolt-Bristol).
Winning at the country club
All of the Bertone-bodied Aston rarities (as well as the Touring-, Allemano- and Vignale-bodied rides) possess a certain 1950s elegance and purpose that truly defined Italian coachbuilding from that era.
The cars were a bold expression of “what could be” for anyone who wanted to take the risk of driving and designing a unique carriage to explore the world. After all, to own any foreign car during this golden age of automotive brilliance was a statement of individuality that truly set one apart from the herd.
Can you imagine, as a captain of industry, piloting not just a new Aston Martin but also a one-of-a-kind example? You’ve won bragging rights — and demoralized the new Cadillac and Lincoln owners at the country club.
Right this way, Mr. Caine, and how is your wife, Ms. Lollobrigida?
I have to say that the side view of this fixed-head coupe is eerily a foreshadowing of the Shelby GT350 that was years away. Squint a tiny bit, imagine eight inches off the back of the car and you’ll see it. Great design is timeless, isn’t it?
A ticket to show
Our subject car is an immediate entry into any concours circle and design show — should that be your jam.
Give this car a non-red identity, refresh the cosmetics and you’ll be lauded wherever you show it — and show it you should. The sales price of $566,000 is roughly three times what a standard DB2/4 Mk II coupe is worth today in similar condition.
That said, the price paid was short money for a unique one-off.
Drivability won’t match the beauty, as it looks sportier than it is. However, as a boulevardier, it won’t disappoint. Bertone added beauty — not horsepower, stiffer suspensions and quicker steering, but that’s not what this universe is about.
Drive your brutish DB3S, which would be the perfect garage mate to this Bella Macchina should you want to be a rogue.
Something very devilish and sensual is going here, isn’t it? ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Gooding & Company.)
