The iconic 1950 Aston Martin 3.0-Litre DB2 Team Car, registration number VMF 65, is set to make waves at an upcoming auction. Known for its remarkable in-period race history, this car is a true gem for vintage racing enthusiasts. With a storied past that includes ownership by prominent figures such as the Leyba family, and current ownership since 2010, VMF 65 has been successfully campaigned at prestigious historic meetings including Goodwood and the Mille Miglia.
Aston Martin, synonymous with British motoring excellence, originally prepared this team car for the second postwar Le Mans 24-Hour race in 1950. Despite an early mishap en route to the Sarthe circuit, which prevented it from competing in that year’s race, the car was rebuilt and went on to secure significant achievements. Driven by the likes of Eric Thompson, George Abecassis, Stirling Moss, and Peter Collins, VMF 65 boasts a rich racing pedigree. Highlights include a strong performance at the Daily Express One-Hour Production Car Race at Silverstone, a 5th place finish at the RAC Tourist Trophy at Dundrod, and multiple victories in speed trials and races across the UK.
Not only did VMF 65 excel on the track, but it also served as Aston Martin’s dedicated press road-test DB2, featuring prominently in publications like The Autocar and Autosport. It changed hands several times, eventually becoming a prized possession of the renowned car collector Rob Walker. Walker himself enjoyed success with the car in various events before it passed through numerous owners and eventually found its way into the Leyba family’s extensive Aston Martin collection.
In 2010, VMF 65 was acquired by its current owner through Bonhams’ Aston Martin sale at Newport Pagnell. Since then, it has continued to participate in high-profile historic meetings, maintaining its status as one of the most actively campaigned works team Aston Martins. The car’s recent history includes notable appearances at events such as Shelsley Walsh, Brighton Speed Trials, Silverstone, and the Goodwood Revival Meeting, where it was driven to victory by Darren Turner in the Fordwater Trophy.
Today, VMF 65 is presented in its original livery with a blue radiator grille and night-time recognition light, exuding the charm and character of its storied past. The car comes with a comprehensive history file, including a continuation logbook, V5C Registration Certificate, FIVA Identity Card, and HTP papers. Its racing-specification engine, prepared by Rex Woodgate Ltd, continues to deliver outstanding performance, making it a competitive entry in vintage racing events.
Eligible for the Mille Miglia, Tour Auto, Le Mans Classic, and other prestigious events worldwide, VMF 65 represents the epitome of British racing heritage. With a competition record featuring legendary drivers and a meticulously maintained condition, this Aston Martin DB2 Team Car stands as a testament to the golden era of motorsport.
Elizabeth Puckett