Fantasy Junction

Description

1958 Aston Martin DBR2 Recreation
s/n TAD645, Engine no. 400/4469/SVC
Sage Green with Green Interior

As one of the most respected premium performance brands in the world, Aston Martin remains today the proud purveyors of exceptional race and road cars. Their adventurous racing victories led to world recognition shortly after David Brown took the helm in 1947, steering the marque to ever-greater pinnacles of performance. By 1950 Aston Martin announced their intentions to build a car to enter Le Mans. Poised to compete against the likes of Ferrari, Jaguar, and others, this daunting task, pressure, and urgency must have been the secret combination for these intrepid underdogs. The result was the unparalleled arrival of one of the most beautifully constructed sports cars of all time. By 1959, the DBR2 would not only win the World Sportscar Championship, it would also gain victory at Le Mans piloted by none other than legendary Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori.

Original Aston Martin works-assembled DBR2s are today considered amongst the most valuable and iconic cars of this era, and rightly so. Simply glancing at the design, witnessing the powerful stance, and unleashing the capable engine, one truly understands why such superlatives are fervently applied to these cars. Built originally in such limited numbers, even the most endowed motorsports enthusiasts struggle to achieve the experience of owning and driving such an elusive car. In this regard, a faithfully constructed re-creation offers an enthusiast the experience of driving, showing, and owning such an iconic car with all the benefits of the original at a fraction of the price. Coupling authenticity with selectively improved engineering, a well-built re-creation can deliver a profoundly desirable driving experience in a wide range of events while reflecting appropriate respect to the historic original. Such is the case with this beautifully crafted and well-sorted example.

This particular DBR2 is the result of a three-year reconstruction spearheaded by Bob Egginton, a former Team Surtees constructor. Upon inception, the project was presented to Aston Martin at Newport Pagnel to convey the desired intent of building an accurate example, honoring both the mechanical and aesthetic excellence of the original. With the enthusiastic support of Kingsley Riding-Felce, former managing director of Aston Martin and director of Aston Martin Works, the project was underway with their blessing and numerous offerings for components, materials, and introductions to suppliers capable of offering authentic pieces and materials during construction. Beginning with construction of the frame, the team fitted several components acquired from the estate of Gene Smiley as well as the brass chassis plate from Tojiero TAD 645. This chassis number, essentially a convenience of identification allowed the car to be titled and registered for road use. While previous owners have suggested that portions of the Tojiero frame and suspension were used from this car, it is more likely that these features guided the construction and subsequent registration needs. Construction of the frame included such details as front wishbone suspension and independent rear suspension utilizing a specially made half shaft, radius rods, watts linkage, and coil dampers at all four corners. Power was supplied by a Tadek Merek designed Aston Martin 4-liter Vantage twin-cam alloy engine mated to a Tremec TR3550 5-speed gearbox, using a specially crafted bellhousing, McLeod pressure plate and hydraulic clutch with a Girling master cylinder. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a one-piece prop shaft with two universal joints splined into the gearbox, exiting into a Ford Cosworth limited slip differential. The hand-crafted alloy body shell was constructed by experts at Chapman Panels, guided by accurate dimensions and detailed fittings to recreate the sinewy magic of the original and now legendary racing profile of the DBR2.

Upon completion, the car received FIA papers in September 2000 and, according to documents on file, participated in the 2001 Goodwood Revival before being imported to the US in 2003. In 2018 the current owner, proprietor of Fantasy Junction, Spencer Trenery, received the car for consignment. Upon photographing, documenting, and later driving the car, Trenery fell in love with the superb combination of beautiful design and excellent driving manners and decided to purchase the car for his personal use. Noted for his skill as an accomplished vintage racer and as a 2018 SCCA National Champion, Trenery enjoyed the car attending the Sonoma Speedfest and 2019 Monterey Historics, delighting everyone in the paddock, many of whom shared stories about the original DBR2 racing in period.

Among the many exceptional features of this car, it is titled as a 1958 Aston Martin for road use outfitted with a horn, speedometer, wet sump, runs on pump gas, and has comfortable seating and legroom with great driving ergonomics.

Today this beautifully finished DBR2 presents as a ready to drive, enjoyable powerhouse of racing history. Finished in the quintessential Aston Martin metallic sage, the paint captures the fluidity of the undulating fender lines perfectly, in keeping with the original design, accented by the bright yellow grille opening reminiscent of fighter jet cowlings. There are signs of use evident on the lower portions of the body and a few road chips on the front fascia, but overall none of these slight flaws detract from the captivating finish. The construction of the body panels is very well executed, with good fit and finish, showing a few panel areas with dimensional variation around the perimeter fitting for the hood and trunk panel. The overall build quality is very high with engineering and structural details having been proven over the near 20 years of use since construction. Only nominal dimensional liberties were taken when comparing this car to an original, all of which are virtually undetectable to even a well-trained eye. The visual impression throughout the exterior is one of authentic presence featuring period correct trim, venting, latches, lighting, properly fitted exhaust, clear headlight covers, and beautifully finished 16” wire wheels, triple ear knock-offs, and period correct Dunlop tires.

The interior delivers a handsome combination of racing history and purposeful performance features. The Instruments are neatly clustered behind a beautiful wood-rimmed steering wheel, adorned with the Tojiero emblem, referencing the British heritage and construction origins. The dial faces on the instruments are in excellent condition with clear glass and finely detailed indications, accented against the satin black dash finish. The dark green seats have been properly covered with cloth inserts using material sourced from Aston Martin to retain a period correct look. The seats nestle into the race-trimmed cockpit combining raw aluminum finishes, gated gearbox, and a mix of modern safety items including a fire suppression system, racing seatbelt harnesses, and frame padding. The low windscreen, racing heritage, and vintage finishes deliver an authentic feel to the interior of this beautifully executed DBR2.

Unlatching and lifting off the removable alloy hood, superlative craftsmanship is evident throughout the engine bay, displaying vintage Aston Martin details from the twin-cam casting, AM insignia, tuned exhaust, and triple Weber carburetors, to the hand formed alloy trim and inner fender panels. The engine is purposefully finished with polished cam covers accented by contemporary fittings to ensure safe fuel lines and top performance. Contemporary hardware and an electric fan have been appropriately added, allowing modern technology to enhance both reliability and safety. The rear storage panel is also removable, revealing the battery and FuelSafe fuel tank with polished alloy Le Mans type filler cap.

Swinging open the alloy driver’s side door, the lightweight frame construction and leather limit band are just a few of the vintage visual treats when entering the car. Settling into the contoured driver’s seat, a nick of the turned aluminum gear shift handle to find neutral, the starter is pressed, and the engine fires to life brapping out a throaty exhaust note. Crisp throttle response from the triple Webers allow the twin-cams to come on song beautifully, opening up with each shift and encouragement from the throttle. The driving experience is engaging, cohesive, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face, along with every passing motorist, generally gaping in awe. Even the most confident vintage sportscar driver will appreciate the balance and ease exhibited while driving this car. Shifting is smooth with great synchros and good clutch engagement. There is no hesitation at highway speeds through all gears as the car pulls strong. The disc brakes deliver great grip, providing ample stopping power smoothly, with uniform tracking.

The underside of the car is clean and appropriately outfitted with consistent attention to detail and no evidence of structural compromise or damage. A few minor marks are evident from use along the lower frame rails, none of which have affected the structure, suspension, or major driveline components. The car is accompanied by a two-piece Lexan windscreen which is dimensionally taller than the current screen, serving as a more suitable long-distance unit as it generously reduces wind noise, allowing for more gentle conversation.

The original Aston Martin DBR2 is undisputedly a legendary masterpiece of automotive design and racing history. This Aston Martin DBR2 re-creation presents all the benefits of a vintage icon with contemporary updates, engineering improvements, and beautiful design in keeping with the prestige and accolades achieved by the unrivaled original. Offered at a fraction of the price of an original with known history since construction, proven and sorted mechanicals, along with superb driving manners, this DBR2 recreation offers all the excitement and performance achieved during the glory days of Le Mans and sports car racing.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608