2025 |
Amelia Island Auctions1931 Aston Martin 1 1/2 Litre International 2/4 Seater
Coachwork by Bertelli
Estimate
$225,000 - $275,000| Without Reserve
Chassis
A1/100
Engine
A1/100
Car Highlights
One of Only 129 First-Series Examples Built
Matching-Numbers Chassis and Engine Per Aston Martin Heritage Trust Certificate
Benefiting from Sympathetic Restoration Work by Kevin Kay Restorations (KKR)
Factory-Documented History Includes Original Build Sheet and Service Records
Beautiful Example of the Most Popular Prewar Aston Martin
Technical Specs
1,496 CC Inline OHV 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
Estimated 56 HP at 4,500 RPM
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
Front Solid Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
First displayed at the 1929 London Motor Show, the Aston Martin International was based on the marque’s team cars of the 1928 season. While offered in multiple specifications, the 2/4 Seater was the most popular and showed early success at racing events in period.
This 1 1/2 Litre International, chassis A1/100, is one of only 129 Bertelli first-series cars to be built and was originally sold to Mr. Halstead of Bradford, England in 1931. The car remained in the UK for the next two decades, seeing regular use and maintenance from several owners during this period. The accompanying build sheet on file documents service work by the factory until 1946, with items such as new brakes, new gearshift, and replacement carburetors.
In the 1950s, A1/100 would leave the UK for the first time, being imported into the US for purchase by J.M. Morgan of Massachusetts. Again, the car would pass between several owners in the US. In the late 2000s, well-known Aston Martin specialist Kevin Kay Restorations (KKR) was tasked with performing sympathetic restoration work. Paying close attention to authenticity and originality, invoices from KKR outline the meticulous work that was done to A1/100. Beautifully presented and steeped in history, this 1 1/2 Litre International is an ideal addition to any collection, offering both timeless elegance and exhilarating motoring.