Rare Beauty: The One-Off Aston Martin DB2/4 Berlinetta by Bertone

Curated Perfection - When we think of beauty in motion, we often imagine sleek lines, roaring engines, and rare craftsmanship—qualities that only a few classic cars truly possess. In the golden age of automotive design, when bold ideas met brilliant engineering, something extraordinary happened. Among those shining stars was a car that still turns heads today: the Aston Martin DB2/4 Berlinetta by Bertone. It's more than just a beautiful vehicle—it's a one-of-a-kind creation that captures a moment in time when innovation and artistry came together in perfect harmony.

The Aston Martin DB2/4 Berlinetta by Bertone is the only known example, built on chassis LML/765 and transformed into a coupe in 1954. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The roots of this automotive gem trace back to the post-war revival of Aston Martin. With new leadership under David Brown, the company steered away from its purely racing DNA and embraced a bold future. The first post-war models like the DB1 and DB2 set the tone, merging elegance with performance. But it was the DB2/4 that truly redefined what an Aston Martin could be—especially when visionary Italian coachbuilder Bertone got involved.

The Aston Martin DB2/4 Berlinetta by Bertone features sculpted fenders and a gracefully curved roofline, blending Italian flair with Aston Martin’s signature spirit. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Among the limited chassis built, only one was transformed into a Berlinetta coupe by Bertone, making it truly unique. The car, known as chassis LML/765, was crafted in 1954 and designed by Franco Scaglione, the creative genius behind many of Bertone’s most celebrated works. The DB2/4 Bertone stands apart with its sculpted fenders, gracefully curved roofline, and a striking wraparound rear window—design elements that hint at its Italian flair yet remain true to the Aston Martin spirit.

The Aston Martin DB2/4 Berlinetta by Bertone designed by Franco Scaglione, the creative genius behind many of Bertone’s most celebrated works. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Originally commissioned by the eccentric American car importer Wacky Arnolt, the car may have been destined for Henri Pigozzi, founder of Simca, a theory supported by design cues like the Simca-style rear lights. Bertone hoped this car would spark a full production run of Berlinetta-bodied Aston Martins, but when Aston Martin declined to supply more chassis, that dream faded—leaving this model as a precious singularity.

The Aston Martin DB2/4 Berlinetta by Bertone features a refined interior with tan leather upholstery, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a clean, vintage-style dashboard. (Picture from: Motor1)

Its early days were spent dazzling showgoers at the 1957 and 1958 Salone dell’Automobile in Torino, first painted white, then blue. Eventually, it crossed the Atlantic, becoming part of several private collections in the United States. Over the years, it passed from one enthusiast to another, including Chicago-based sports car dealer Bill Jacobs and collector Roger Karlson, who poured time and effort into refining its restoration. 

The Aston Martin DB2/4 Berlinetta by Bertone features tail fins with bold rear lights and a short rear deck, all contributing to its dramatic silhouette. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

But it was in recent years that the DB2/4 Bertone truly reclaimed the spotlight. After being entrusted to Aston Martin experts Kevin Kay Restorations, the car underwent a meticulous, concours-level restoration. The result was nothing short of breathtaking. At the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world, this rare beauty earned First in Class—an honor that not only celebrated its craftsmanship but also cemented its legacy.

The Aston Martin DB2/4 Berlinetta by Bertone is also adorned with a striking wraparound rear window that enhances its distinctive and elegant profile. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Beneath its elegant skin lies a 2922cc twin-cam six-cylinder engine delivering 140 bhp, a reminder that this car was designed to drive as beautifully as it looks. The long bonnet, tail fins with bold rear lights, and short rear deck all contribute to its dramatic silhouette—there’s simply nothing else quite like it. | 5yo-uWA_9WQ |

The Aston Martin DB2/4 Berlinetta Bertone is more than a rare collector’s car; it's a symbol of what happens when British engineering meets Italian design. With only one ever built, it remains a timeless expression of individuality, vision, and craftsmanship. Today, it stands not just as a showpiece, but as a living story of ambition and artistry—forever etched in the history of classic motoring. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ASTONMARTIN | ULTIMATECARPAGE | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | MOTOR1 | ]

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