Recognising the need to widen the appeal of the already successful DB2, Aston Martin responded with the DB2/4, introducing its new four-seater model in October 1953.

Extensive revisions to the car's rear end arrangements made room for two occasional seats and more luggage, the latter being accessed via a ‘hatchback’ rear door - one of this now-common feature's earliest applications.

In addition, a raised roofline, one-piece windscreen, larger bumpers and other detail styling changes differentiated the newcomer from its predecessor.

Otherwise, the DB2/4 remained much the same as the DB2, with the DB2/4 Mk II model being introduced in 1955.

Also in 1955, David Brown, Aston Martin’s owner, acquired Tickford, the well-known British coachbuilder.

Following this, the company relocated its body-building operations from their original facilities to the Tickford works in Newport Pagnell, which became Aston Martin's long-term headquarters.

Just two years later, at the 1957 Geneva Salon, As...