1952 Aston Martin DB2 by Graber Returns to Concours of Elegance as Last Year’s Club Trophy Winner

The elegant 1952 Aston Martin DB2 Drophead Coupé by Graber will return to the Concours of Elegance in 2026, following its success as the 2025 Club Trophy winner, awarded by the Royal Automobile Club at Hampton Court.

Chassis LML/50/97 is one of just three Aston Martin DB2 Drophead Coupés bodied by Graber and is believed to be the sole survivor. It represents a rare meeting of British engineering and continental coachbuilding artistry.

The DB2 was introduced in 1950 and was available not only as a factory-bodied sports car, but also as a rolling chassis for customers seeking bespoke coachwork. Chassis LML/50/97 was sent to Carrosserie Graber of Wichtrach, Switzerland, in 1951.

Founded by Hermann Graber, the company was renowned for its restrained and sophisticated designs, producing elegant bodies for marques including Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Delahaye, Talbot and Alvis.

Graber unveiled its DB2 Drophead Coupé at the 1952 Geneva Motor Show, where it received widespread acclaim. Compared with the standard DB2, the Graber-bodied car featured a more conventional bonnet design, integrated boot space and occasional rear seating concealed beneath a tonneau cover. Mechanical differences included power-assisted brakes and twin 6-volt batteries.

Sold new in April 1952 to Eugen Steinmann of Zurich, the car was upgraded later that year to Vantage specification, increasing power from 105bhp to 125bhp.

After emerging from long-term storage in “barn find” condition, the car underwent a meticulous restoration and was recommissioned in 1993. It subsequently achieved concours success, including first place in the Aston Martin Owners Club novice concours at Silverstone.

Later upgrades included a 1952 “works” specification engine, increasing power to 140bhp. Following further concours success in Hong Kong, the car returned to the UK in 2019 with its current owner.

Now, following its 2025 Club Trophy victory, this rare Graber-bodied Aston Martin will return to Hampton Court Palace for the 2026 Concours of Elegance.