The One-of-a-Kind Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark II in Ghia’s Supersonic Design
Jetcrafted Elegance - The magic of vintage cars lies not only in their age but in the timeless beauty and craftsmanship that defy the passage of time. Some vehicles, instead of growing obsolete, seem to mature like fine wine—rarer, more admired, and far more valuable. Among these rare automotive gems is a machine that turns heads not just for being an Aston Martin, but because it wears the mesmerizing "Supersonic" suit by none other than Ghia. Here’s the Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark II Ghia Supersonic Coupé, an Aston Martin in Ghia’s Supersonic suits—an icon that blends British performance with Italian elegance in a way few other cars ever could.
The 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk.II (chassis AM300/1131) was destined for something extraordinary, reaching Carrozzeria Ghia in Turin where it was transformed into the futuristic and unforgettable Supersonic Coupe. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Back in 1956, Aston Martin introduced the DB2/4 Mark IIas an evolution ofits earlier Mark I model. Built in extremely limited numbers, the Mark II was already a special car. But one particular chassis, marked AM300/1131, was destined for something even more extraordinary. That destiny took it to Turin, Italy, into the hands of the famous coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia, where its identity would be reshaped—literally—into something futuristic and unforgettable.
The 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk.II Ghia Supersonic Coupe (chassis AM300/1131) was displayed at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
During that same era, Ghia was unveiling a revolutionary new design language dubbed “Supersonic,” a style inspired by the jet age, originally crafted by Giovanni Savonuzzi. His vision translated automotive design into something sculptural and forward-thinking: a long and sharply raked windshield, a smoothly curved nose leading into a taut beltline, and a tapered tail accented with small fins that echoed the fiery elegance of a jet’s afterburner. The entire profile seemed as if it were in motion, even when the car stood still.
The 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk.II Ghia Supersonic Coupe (chassis AM300/1131) features a long, sharply raked windshield, a curved nose flowing into a straight beltline, and a small, flame-like tail fin. (Picture from: Motor1)
Inside, the cabin mirrors the elegance of its exterior, featuring hand-stitched leather bucket seats, finely detailed aluminum trim, and a classic wood-rimmed steering wheel. The dashboard is clean and understated, adorned with analog dials that reflect the era’s aviation-inspired styling. With a low-slung driving position and panoramic visibility through the sweeping glass, the interior feels both intimate and futuristic—just as one would expect from a jet-age dream on wheels.
The 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk.II Ghia Supersonic Coupe (chassis AM300/1131) features a jet-inspired interior with leather seats, aluminum accents, and a sleek, low cockpit.(Picture from: Motor1)
Savonuzzi's Supersonic design first appeared onthe Alfa Romeo 1900 that raced in the 1953 Mille Miglia, but it didn't stop there. The allure of the design quickly attracted top-tier manufacturers. Ghia applied the same visual language to platforms from Fiat, Chrysler, Jaguar, and—most memorably—to the Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark II. That transformation turned the already rare British coupe into something bordering on mythical.
The 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk.II Ghia Supersonic Coupe (chassis AM300/1131) is powered by a 2,922 cc DOHC inline-six engine producing 182 bhp and 247 Nm of torque.(Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Of the mere four DB2/4 Mark IIs ever delivered to Italian coachbuilders, only one received the full Supersonic treatment. This unique specimen caught the eye of French-American racing driver Harry Schell, who became its first owner. The car made its dazzling debut at the 1956 Turin Motor Show, where its unusual mix of sleek European flair and Aston Martin performance instantly captivated onlookers. Then, like many legends, it disappeared from the spotlight—only to resurface decades later.
The 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk.II Ghia Supersonic Coupe (chassis AM300/1131) was on display at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.(Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Its grand return happened at none other than the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, one of the world’s most prestigious classic car gatherings. After undergoing a meticulous restoration, the car once again stood proudly before the public. Despite an unfortunate cracked windshield during transport, the Supersonic Aston Martin still managed to secure second in its class—an achievement made even more special by the presence of two Supersonic-styled Fiats sharing the field.
The car’s legend grew even further when it crossed the auction block at RM Auctions' Art of the Automobile event in 2013. The final bid?A staggering $2.31 million. This was no ordinary car—it was a handcrafted fusion of British engineering and Italian artistry, born from an era where design and innovation danced together in their purest forms.
Today, this Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark II Supersonic is more than just a car. It’s a living sculpture, a piece of automotive art that captures the essence of mid-century imagination and craftsmanship. It represents a moment in time when style didn’t just follow function—it soared far beyond it, with wings shaped by the dreams of both driver and designer. *** [EKA [09122020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVERS | MOTOR1 | ULTIMATECARPAGE ]
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The One-of-a-Kind Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark II in Ghia’s Supersonic Design