1937 Aston Martin

15/98 Short-ChaSSis Drophead Coupe By E.D. Abbott

Maroon with Black leather interior, Black carpeting, Tan convertible top, 4-speed manual gearbox.

In the 1930s, Aston Martins signature 1.5-liter endurance sports racers continually evolved and gained great success, taking the team prize in the 1934 Tourist Trophy race in Ulster and finishing in an impressive 3rd place at the 1935 24 Hours of Le Mans. From this success, Aston Martin looked to broaden its customer base and develop a more versatile offering for the companys next generation of cars. Initially launched in 1936 as a four-seat tourer, Aston Martin prepared a shorter 15/98 short chassis. Some of these were fitted with occasional back seats and others were strictly 2-seat roadsters. For the first time, Aston Martin focused on the comfort of the passengers. With the 15/98, Aston Martin increased engine displacement to two liters, which provided increased torque for a relaxed motoring experience. The four-cylinder, single overhead-camshaft wet sump engine developed 98BHP, featured a four-speed Moss synchromesh gearbox and Girling rod mechanical drum brakes.

Only 25 of the drophead coupes were built and all were bodied by E.D. Abbott of Farnham, in a style then known as a Doctors Coupe. This style included the fixed windscreen with real roll-up windows and a fixed convertible top that folds onto the rear panel. This opens to showcase a fully upholstered dicky seat.

The factory build sheet is highly detailed. This 1937 Aston Martin 15/98 Short-Chassis Drophead Coupe, Serial #A9825SC was most likely maintained by the factory through 1950 and no fewer than seven owners have been recorded. This 15/98 is one of the very few vehicles with a known history during the war years and beyond. By the time of its passingto the current owner in 1993, a past Chairman of the Aston Martin Owners Club (North America), the vehicle was acquired with a concours-quality renovation in mind. Renowned Aston Martin specialists, Steel Wings of Ivyland, Pennsylvania, undertook a documented, no-expense-spared restoration over a five-year period. This included an engine rebuild utilizing a new block supplied by Ecurie Bertelli, the original unit is included in the sale. This 15/98 was first shown at the 1998 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, where it was notably awarded with 2nd in Class.

With an excellent ownership history, this rare Aston Martin 15/98 offers comfort and reliability in a sporty, yet classy user-friendly form. It has enjoyed a regular program of maintenance and detailing and remains in show condition. This 15/98 is most certainly one of, if not the very best example of the few drophead coupes known to exist today.

Video walk around and road test: https://youtu.be/vLyeHGn0FOA

We are proud to announce this Aston 15/98 has taken a 1st in Class at The Manhasset Concours d'Elegance, October 2017.

Price On Request