Matrix 1:43 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4 Vignale: HRH King Baudouin

The Aston Martin DB2/4 is a grand tourer produced by Aston Martin from 1953 until 1957. It was available as a 2+2 hatchback saloon, drophead coupé (DHC) and 2-seat fixed-head coupé. A small number of Bertone bodied spiders were commissioned by private buyers.

The DB2/4 was based on the DB2, which it replaced. Changes included a wraparound windscreen, larger bumpers, and repositioned headlights.

The Lagonda engine, designated the VB6E, was initially the same dual overhead cam straight-6 designed by W. O. Bentley and used in the Vantage version of the DB2. Displacement was 2.6 L (2,580 cc/157 in³), giving 125 hp (93 kW). In September 1953 for the Saloon and in April 1954 for the Drophead, a 2.9 L (2,922 cc/178 in³) VB6J version was used, raising power to 140 hp (104 kW) and maximum speed to 120 mph (193 km/h).

Of the 565 Mark I models produced, 102 were Drophead Coupés.

A 2.9 litre DB2/4 tested by British magazine The Motor in 1954 had a top speed of 118.5 mph (190.7 km/h) and accelerated from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23.0 miles per imperial gallon (12.3 L/100 km; 19.2 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £2621 including taxes.

Three works cars were prepared for the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally and two for the Mille Miglia. Aston Martin pursued its competitive ambitions more intently with the DB3, which was designed specifically for sports-car racing.[citation needed]

A DB2/4 Mk I Drophead Coupé appeared in the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds

Baudouin reigned as King of the Belgians, following his father's abdication, from 1951 until his death in 1993. He was the last Belgian king to be sovereign of the Congo.

He was the elder son of King Leopold III (1901–1983) and his first wife, Princess Astrid of Sweden (1905–1935). Because he and his wife, Queen Fabiola, had no children, at Baudouin's death the crown passed to his younger brother, King Albert II.