La rivista e il marketplace globale per gli appassionati di auto d’epoca, creati da appassionati.
La rivista e il marketplace globale per gli appassionati di auto d’epoca, creati da appassionati.
Chassis # S48
Engine # S48
Aston Martin International S48 is now offered for sale after 37 years in continuous family ownership. This important example of Aston Martin’s celebrated pre-war sports car combines strong provenance, proven road use and specialist care, making it a compelling opportunity for enthusiasts of the marque.
First acquired in 1988 from Trevor Peerless of Sussex, who had owned the car since 1963, S48 arrived as a dismantled restoration project. At that stage it was little more than a collection of boxes, but with determination and enthusiasm the vendor’s father began the rebuild. The ash frame was professionally repaired by The Vintage Carriage Company, bodywork restored, and the mechanicals largely completed in-house. By June 1991, S48 returned to the road, with its running-in period completed in 1993.
The story of the restoration was carefully recorded, and the family even traced earlier owners, exchanging letters and postcards that remain with the car today. This human side of the car’s provenance adds real depth to its history file.
In 2006, custodianship passed to the next generation, who has continued to keep S48 in regular use and entrusted specialist maintenance to Ecurie Bertelli, the foremost Aston Martin International experts! Works have included a complete front axle rebuild, gearbox and clutch overhaul, rear axle rebuild and the fitting of new wheels. The most recent significant works were completed in 2018, ensuring the car remains in strong mechanical health. The odometer currently shows 37,124 miles.
Unlike many cars of this era, S48 has not been hidden away. It has covered around 1,000–2,000 miles per year on family tours, long-distance trips and events with the VSCC. Occasional speed events were also undertaken, always in the spirit of participation rather than pursuit of class wins. The most recent VSCC buff confirms the car’s Standard classification, and there is no reason why this would not continue for a new owner.
The Aston Martin International model itself was among the finest light sports cars of the early 1930s. Its very name was chosen to reflect Aston Martin’s Works racing exploits, which were gaining attention at Brooklands, and across rallies, hill climbs and sprints nationwide. In period the car’s performance, braking and handling were widely praised, and its ability to seat four set it apart from many of its contemporaries. It was a true sporting car in the tradition of Bamford & Martin, but offered with the practicality to tour, compete and enjoy day-to-day.
Today, S48 presents in a very usable condition — neither concours nor tired, but ready to be driven and enjoyed. Along with the full windscreen, a pair of aero screens are also supplied, giving flexibility for touring or events. Its file includes not only restoration records and maintenance invoices but also the personal correspondence with past owners, offering an unusually complete picture of the car’s history.
With long-term single-family ownership, documented restoration, continuous use and expert maintenance, Aston Martin International S48 represents an opportunity to acquire a genuine and well-proven example of this landmark pre-war sports car. Eligible for VSCC events, suitable for road rallies and long-distance touring, and accompanied by a particularly engaging history file, it is a car ready to be used and appreciated by its next custodian.
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