This factory prototype, with its one-off bodywork and experimental chassis, marks a fascinating chapter in Aston Martin history. Development for the Mark III’s successor began in 1954 with a focus on a new perimeter chassis and suspension design. Dubbed DP114, the initial prototype was completed in 1956 but was scrapped after testing. A new prototype emerged in 1957, chassis number DP114/2, offered here. It too featured a tubular perimeter chassis developed by Aston Martin engineer Harold Beach, but with bodywork styled by in-house designer Frank Feeley. The suspension had evolved to incorporate front wishbones and a de Dion arrangement at the rear.

After much testing, Aston Martin sought input from Touring Superleggera to stiffen the body shell. When presented with DP114/2 for further development, the Italian coachbuilder pulled back, insisting that a platform chassis be devised. This left DP114/2 a “prototype abandoned,” as is prominently written on the car’s build sheet. Having hastily developed a new platform chassis at Touring’s behest, Aston Martin had no further use for DP114/2 so it became the personal transport of Mrs Brown, wife of Aston Martin Lagonda’s chairman David.

The build sheet on file indicates DP114/2 was first registered on 23 August 1957. Featuring a white body with a blue top and blue trim, it earned the nickname “Walls Ice Cream Van” in reference to the well-known ice cream manufacturer’s corporate colours. Notes at the bottom of the document delineate the experimental perimeter chassis and suspension setup, along with “special DB hypoid unit, special exhaust, special fuel tank, and special one-off bodywork”. The engine and gearbox were noted as “basically MK III”.

Mrs Brown would drive the car until 1962, after which it was acquired by a Mr Sarant. Also noted as a previous owner is Group Captain William Dennis David of the Ministry of Defence. Having led Royal Airforce squadrons in World War II, earning the rank of Commander of the Order of the British Empire and the Distinguished Flying Cross, he acquired the car in 1966.

By the 1970s, DP114/2 had fallen into disrepair and would be acquired by former Aston Martin bench fitter Ivor Howells for a sum of £600. With a parts catalogue, workshop manual, a copy of the car’s original works specifications, and replacement components all provided by Aston Martin Dorset, Howell would painstakingly restore DP114/2 over the course of two years, starting in May 1977. He took it to the Knebworth House Classic Motor Show the following year and to a Newport Pagnell concours in 1980, among other events.

In the 1980s, owner James Joseph Murray had DP114/2 converted for competition use. It was homologated with the FIA as a prototype GT to compete in historic rallies. DP114/2 would win its class at the First Pirelli Classic Marathon and Bridgend Ford Directors Rally Stages in 1988. A subsequent owner campaigned the car in the Pirelli Classic the following year before Aston Martin Lagonda would buy it back.

In 1990, Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell undertook a comprehensive, five-year restoration to the highest standards using original drawings recovered from the engineering department. Intended as a showcase for the site’s capabilities, DP114/2 was displayed at the 1993 Louis Vuitton Concours d’Elegance in London and then at the 1995 Coys International Historic Festival at Silverstone. BBC’s Top Gear featured it in 1999, and the car would be the subject of magazine spreads throughout the early 2000s.

In 2005, a subsequent owner returned DP114/2 to Aston Martin Works for recommissioning. Finished at this time in its current colour of Almond Green, the interior and boot compartment were fully refurbished in Fern Green leather with matching green carpets and seatbelts. The braking and suspension systems were overhauled, and the paint and bodywork corrected. Service invoices for the meticulous work total nearly £35,000.

Importantly, the car still retains its numbers-matching engine. Although it could benefit once again from recommissioning, DP114/2 will forever be of supreme interest to marque enthusiasts and collectors of notable British automobiles, thanks to its fascinating and consequential history