6 Attachment(s)
Aston Martin 15/98 1937–1939
In the 1930s, Gordon Sutherland at Aston Martin made the decision to broaden the firm’s appeal. As such, he elected to reduce the number of two-litre saloons to be built from 100 to 50 so that a revised sports model could share production capacity. The new models made their first appearance at the 1936 Le Mans race. They were two-seaters equipped with a two-litre, 98-horsepower version of the proven Aston Martin wet-sump engine. Aston Martin combined the new car’s Royal Automobile Club horsepower rating (calculated with an antiquated formula no longer relevant today) and its actual horsepower rating to give the car its 15/98 moniker. A four-speed manual synchromesh gearbox was included, as was magneto ignition. The front axle received an upper-mounted steel cable to locate it and resist front spring wind-up. Top speed was a very respectable 82 mph in stock form.
Initially, bodies were built by A.C. Bertelli’s brother Enrico (E. Bertelli Ltd.), but Bertelli’s resignation in 1936 caused the firm to seek relationships with other established coachbuilders, including Abbott and Abbey (such as this car). Abbey Coachworks of Willesden produced a 2/4-seat tourer, which was shown in 1937 in London at the first Earls Court Motor Show. In all, a total of 176 two-litre cars were produced, of which 50 were short chassis open cars: 25 Abbott drophead coupés and 25 Abbey tourers. Another 50 saloons and 76 Speed models completed the total.
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This short-chassis car was first registered on 1 February, 1938. Although the original purchaser is not known, it is thought to be a Mrs. Higgins, for whom the car was entered in the Royal Scottish Automobile Club Scottish Rally in 1939. This is noted in the Aston Martin Owner’s Club listings for 1992. Following WWII, the car lead a secluded life in the possession of Ernest Stanley Rippley of Curzon, St. London, who purchased the car in February 1955. Ten years later he sold the car to Stanley Macer of Manea, Cambridgeshire. It was purchased by the Sharpe Family in 1978 and remained hidden until being purchased by its present owner in 2005. It was then subjected to a complete, ground-up restoration from 2006-2010. Both computer documented records and a photograph of the current owner purchasing the car from the Sharpe Family Collection are available for inspection.
Resplendent in Brewster Green with matching green vinyl interior and carpets, it makes for a very handsome and desirable sports tourer with an all-weather hood, sides and tonneau cover. It is fitted with adjustable rear suspension operated from the dashboard, along with proper rally-spec instrumentation enabling the driver to monitor important engine operations. The engine, suspension and brakes were all overhauled during the restoration by marque specialist Ecurie Bertelli to ensure excellent driving performance.
Pre-war Aston Martins were produced in extremely small numbers and many were raced and disposed of prior to and during World War II, resulting in even greater exclusivity today. The two-litre 15/98 models represent the ultimate development of the marque before the war, offering comfort and reliability in a sports car. Strong acceleration makes it an excellent candidate for road tours, rallies and vintage track events. Off the track, however, this rare car is also a wonderful candidate for AMOC concours events anywhere in the world.
RM Auction : Lot was Sold at a price of £110,000
98 hp, 1,950 cc SOHC in-line four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, front beam suspension with live axle and semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear, four-wheel drum brakes, right-hand drive. Wheelbase: 2,950 mm
• Eligible for vintage road, rally, track and AMOC events worldwide
• One of only 50 built from 1936-1938
• 1939 Scottish Rally entrant
• Comprehensive four-year restoration completed in 2010
