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A one-of-a-kind 1953 Aston Martin ‘Paul Jackman Special’ built on a modified BMW chassis is now for sale. It features a historic racing engine, custom bodywork, and a storied past, making it a significant collector’s item.
The 1953 Aston Martin 2.0-Litre ‘DB1’ Spider Paul Jackman Special has been listed for sale, revealing its unique construction and racing heritage. Built in the early 1950s by Aston Martin’s then-head of development, Paul Jackman, this custom sports car combines a modified BMW chassis with an Aston Martin engine, making it a rare and historically significant collector’s piece.
This one-off sports special was created in the early 1950s, utilizing a BMW 320 chassis modified by Paul Jackman, Aston Martin’s development chief. It features aluminum roadster bodywork crafted by Green & May of Acton, West London, and is powered by a 2.0-liter ‘Spa replica’ inline-four engine, originally used in the Aston Martin DB1 that finished 11th overall at the 1949 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The car was registered in 1953 as an Aston Martin ‘Sigma’ and remained with Jackman for four years before changing ownership twice and eventually arriving in the United States. In 2011, it underwent an engine overhaul and transmission rebuild, with recent appearances at prominent concours events such as the Audrain Newport and Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. It is finished in green with distinctive styling features including an oval front grille, exposed headlights, and rounded fenders. The car retains notable details like finned aluminum front drums sourced from an Aston Martin DB1, a Triumph Gloria rear axle, and 16-inch painted wire wheels wrapped in Vredestein Sprint Classic tires.
Why It Matters
This vehicle’s significance lies in its unique combination of racing history, bespoke construction, and connection to Aston Martin’s early postwar development efforts. Its engine, chassis, and bodywork reflect a period of innovation and racing success for the brand. For collectors, it offers a rare glimpse into the era’s engineering and design, as well as a direct link to Aston Martin’s racing heritage, including its 1948 Spa race victory.
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Background
After David Brown’s acquisition of Aston Martin in 1947, the company began developing a 2.0-liter sports car based on the prewar Atom prototype, which achieved an overall win at the 1948 24 Hours of Spa. The prototype evolved into the DB1, a limited production roadster, with some chassis equipped with a ‘Spa replica’ engine used at Le Mans. The special built by Paul Jackman is believed to incorporate the engine from one of these chassis, repurposed into a custom sports car on a BMW chassis. Over the decades, the car changed hands multiple times, underwent cosmetic refurbishments, and was displayed in museums before recent restoration efforts.
“This one-off sports special was built in the early 1950s by Aston Martin’s then-head of development Paul Jackman utilizing a modified BMW 320 chassis, aluminum roadster bodywork by Green & May, an Aston Martin engine and gearbox, and a Triumph Gloria rear axle.”
— Bring a Trailer listing
“Finished in green, the car also features Aston Martin DB1 finned aluminum front drum brakes, independent front suspension, 16” painted wire wheels, and black upholstery over two-place bucket seats.”
— Seller’s description
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What Remains Unclear
Details about the exact provenance of the engine and chassis, and whether it remains in fully original condition, are still subject to verification. The full history of ownership prior to its recent restorations is not entirely documented, and some claims about its racing history are based on historical records rather than definitive proof.
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What’s Next
The car is now offered for sale with supporting invoices from 2011 to 2017, and it may be exhibited at upcoming concours or auction events. Further provenance research and potential restoration refinements could be expected as it attracts collector interest.
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Key Questions
What makes this Aston Martin special?
This vehicle is a one-off custom build from the early 1950s, combining a modified BMW chassis, a historic racing engine, and bespoke bodywork, with direct links to Aston Martin’s racing heritage.
What is its racing history?
The engine is believed to have powered the Aston Martin DB1 that finished 11th at the 1949 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the chassis was used in a car that placed fourth in its class at Le Mans. However, detailed documentation remains limited.
Has the car been restored recently?
Yes, it underwent an engine overhaul and transmission rebuild between 2011 and 2017, with cosmetic refurbishments done in 1991. It has been maintained and shown at major concours events since then.
Is the car road-legal?
Yes, it holds a clean Texas title and has been maintained to be operable, though it is primarily valued as a collector’s piece and historic vehicle.
What is the significance of the ‘Spa replica’ engine?
The engine is a replica of the one used in the 1948 Spa race-winning prototype, adding to the car’s racing pedigree and historic value.
Source: Bring a Trailer
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