While the 2-Litre of 1948 has become retrospectively known as the DB 1,
the DB2 of 1950 was the first officially to wear the initials of owner
David Brown. The chassis was largely the same as for the 2-Litre, but
the curvaceous fastback body with an imposingly long bonnet was fresh
and graceful, and would inspire Aston's styling for two decades. The
2.6-litre twin-cam engine was a WO Bentley design for Lagonda and
initially proved temperamental. It eventually settled down to give the
DB2 impressive performance, especially in 121mph Vantage form from 1951.
