Beschreibung:

On 26th May 1995 this historic Aston Martin established a new ‘80-80-80’ record at Millbrook Proving Ground when, driven by owner Major Tom May in his 80th year, it averaged 88.72mph for 80 minutes, the fastest of the 57 laps completed being covered at 108.49mph. The events of this very special day were later recorded in AM Magazine (Summer 1995 issue) by AMOC Chairman Ian MacGregor who had flagged Tom away at Millbrook. Also present that day was Nick Fry, Managing Director of AML Ltd and Harry Carlton, Director of Public Affairs. Charlie Sheppard from the works’ Restoration Department acted as riding mechanic, while AMOC President Lord Downe waived the chequered flag at the successful conclusion of the attempt. “Certainly, the Aston had been lovingly restored but we did wonder if, aged 47, it might protest at being hurled round a banked circuit at over 80mph for 80 minutes,” MacGregor recalled, noting that in actual fact the DB2 was running as sweetly at the finish as when it started. “When the lid was lifted the spotless engine looked as though it had just won the Club concours - not a drip of oil anywhere. As for the driver, what can be said about the amazing Tom May? Fresh as a daisy, enthusiastic as ever and already talking about doing a ‘90-90-90’ in ten years time.” Sadly, this latter ambition would not be fulfilled. Aston Martin DB2 chassis number ‘166’ was delivered new via Black Bull Motors Ltd, of Dublin to first owner H R Irwin of 42 St James’s Street, Dublin and registered ‘ZO 4140’. The car remained in Ireland until circa 1958/59, by which time it had received a new chassis frame (supplied to Grange Garage Ltd, Dublin in February 1954). The vehicle was last licensed by Dublin Corporation to 31st December 1958, its owner at that time being Mr J S Moore, of Dundrum. In April 1959 all documents were sent to London County Council (Motor Tax Department) at their request and in November that same year a Vantage-specification engine ‘VB6E/50/1231’ was fitted, replacing the original ‘VB6B/50/1057’. Ownership details are sketchy at around this time, but in 1976 the car was owned by one Charles Payne, a student living in Bayswater, London, who delivered the car in April that year to AMOC member Neil Murray, of Chinnor, Oxfordshire for a major engine rebuild. In January 1985 it was advertised for sale in Classic & Sports Car by dealer Derek James, of Hampton Court and purchased by Tom May. Its original registration documents having gone missing, the vehicle was re-registered ‘CSV 451’. Restored upon acquisition and completed in 1987, the car has regularly participated in historic rallies and other events including the Norwich Union Classic Rally, AMOC Stanway Concours, Chateau Seniffe Concours, RAC Two-Day Classic, BEN Annual Concours and Silverstone International DB2 Reunion. Tom May kept detailed diaries recording all work undertaken on ‘CSV 451’ between 1985 and his death in June 2004, and this hardback, three-volume set is offered with the car. Triple carburettors, aluminium radiator, stainless-steel exhaust system, lightweight battery and 3.27:1 rear axle ratio (standard is 3.77:1) are the only advised deviations from factory specification. Finished in dark blue with black leather interior, ‘CSV 451’ is presented in very good condition and offered with sundry restoration invoices, current road fund licence, MoT to June 2005 and Swansea V5 registration document.