Could a long-forgotten Aston Martin triumph in the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance competition?
The 74th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is opening next week in California, and one of the cars that will be on display is a 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon. This classic model, restored by Neil Pickstone, has a unique history and underwent a meticulous restoration process that sets it apart from other competitors.
The Aston Martin, which was in the same family for 66 years before Pickstone purchased it at auction for £67,500 in 2019, is believed to be the first Aston Martin painted in the marque's now trademark metallic green. Steve Waddingham, an Aston Martin historian, confirmed this claim, making the car a significant piece of Aston Martin history.
The restoration of the 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon was no easy feat. Simon Isles Coachbuilding in High Peak, Derbyshire, was commissioned to carry out the work. The car was stripped down to every last nut and bolt and repaired piece by piece. 90% of the restored Aston Martin is original, with disintegrated leather, fabric, and wood replaced as closely like-for-like as possible.
Stephen Archer, vice president and former chairman of the Aston Martin Owners Club and an Aston Martin restoration consultant, believes that Pickstone's task has been mammoth due to the high standards required for Pebble Beach. Archer notes that Pebble Beach is about perfection, and to restore a car back to the state in which it left the Aston Martin factory, or better, is a massive undertaking.
At prestigious events like the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, restorations are judged on authenticity, quality, and historical provenance. With its unique history and meticulous restoration, the 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon is expected to make a strong impression.
Colin Feichtmeir, a member of the Pebble Beach Concours selection committee, believes that the quality of the underlying car makes a difference in the competition. Judges at Pebble Beach look for amazing paint, amazing chrome, an amazing interior, every part clean enough to eat off, and a story. The 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon certainly has a story to tell.
The restoration of the 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon is estimated to have cost around £350,000. With hundreds of pre- and post-war classic cars competing in the event, the restored Aston Martin is expected to stand out due to its rarity, history, and restoration quality. The 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon is one of just four Aston Martins that will be on show at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
1) The restoration process of the 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon, which will be displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, was meticulous and cost approximately £350,000.
2) Considering the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance values authenticity, quality, and historical provenance in car restorations, the 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon, with its unique history and high-quality restoration, is expected to make a strong impression.
3) With the 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon believed to be the first Aston Martin painted in the marque's trademark metallic green, it holds a significant place in Aston Martin history.
4) As the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is all about perfection and high standards, restoring a car like the 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon to its original condition or better is a massive undertaking, as noted by Stephen Archer, a vice president and former chairman of the Aston Martin Owners Club.
