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Chassis No: A8/850/SO
This 15/98 Short Chassis represents a compelling opportunity to acquire one of only 74 such examples produced, now poised at a pivotal point in its restoration. Currently configured with significant performance upgrades executed here at Ecurie Bertelli, it offers its next custodian the choice between a refined, high-specification road car or a potent, FIA-eligible competition machine.
Provenance and History
Supplied new in 1938 to a Mr. Truman, chassis A8/850/SO boasts a well-documented history. Following the war, it passed through the hands of dedicated enthusiasts including Ian Sievwright and G.H. Dixon, before being noted in the 1959 AMOC register under the ownership of Miss Sanderson. After a period in West Germany with Dr. R. Brandt starting in 1976, the car returned to British soil in around 2000. Under the stewardship of the current owner—a serial 15/98 connoisseur—the car has undergone a focused mechanical transformation aimed at elevating it to the pinnacle of pre-war performance.
Mechanical Specification & Upgrades
The mechanical heart of this Aston Martin has been significantly enhanced. The engine has been upgraded to Speed Model specification, featuring a dry-sump lubrication system and an uprated exhaust for superior power delivery and reliability.
Crucially, the chassis has undergone a comprehensive rebuild and has been fitted with the legendary Lockheed hydraulic braking system. Originally reserved for the 23 Speed Models, built at the same time as the 15/98—and accounting for a staggering 20% of their original build cost—this system remains the only hydraulic setup ever fitted to pre-war Aston Martins, offering stopping performance that is comparable to early disc brakes.
The Opportunity: Road or Race
The car is currently presented as a high-grade rolling chassis, allowing for two distinct paths of completion:
The Ultimate 15/98 Tourer: The original coachwork remains with the car. Finishing this would involve repairs to the rear wooden frame and aluminium skin, followed by a full re-paint and interior trim. The result would be a 15/98 of unmatched mechanical pedigree.
The Speed Model Recreation: Alternatively, the chassis is perfectly prepared to receive a Speed Model racing body. This path would allow the car to obtain FIA HTP papers, granting entry into the world’s most prestigious historic events, including the Le Mans Classic, while remaining a formidable and usable road car.
Ecurie Bertelli is intimately familiar with this chassis, and we would be delighted to work with the new owner to complete the car to their exact specifications.
Supplied new to a Mr Truman
Owned by Mr Ian Sievwright of Wolverhampton
Owned by G H Dixon of Birmingham
AMOC register lists the owner as Miss Sanderson
AMOC register lists the owner as S F Bedford
Bought by Dr R Brandt and exported to W. Germany
Retuned to UK
At Ecurie Bertelli, our commitment to customer care extends well beyond you purchasing a pre-war Aston Martin, Our dedicated team can help you with every aspect of entering and participating in a wide variety of events. We also provide tailored maintenance services and expert advice, helping keep your treasured Aston Martin in pristine condition for years to come.
At Ecurie Bertelli, our knowledgeable team is perfectly positioned to guide you in selecting the ideal car to match your needs. With decades of experience in assisting customers to find and appreciate their classic vehicles, we are true experts in every facet of owning a pre-war Aston Martin. Let us navigate the intricacies of model eligibility and suitability with you, while providing insights into the mechanical and aesthetic condition of each vehicle.
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