Experts at the Aston Workshop are in the process of restoring an Aston Martin Vignale with a royal seal of approval. 

The 1955 DB2/4 coupe was commissioned by King Boudouin of Belgium in 1954, after seeing the work of celebrated coachbuilder and designer Alfredo Vignale on a Ferrari.

 The one-off vehicle was discovered in America by Aston Workshop owner Bob Fountain, who brought it back home with the intention of restoring it to its former glory. 

Despite being commissioned by the King, the car was never actually driven by his highness. Instead, it was given to the French ambassador to Belgium. 

It ended up the prized possession of a Mr Wommack, who served in the US armed forces in NATO, who exported the car back to Virginia, where it stayed until it was discovered last year in a very sorry state. 

Bob said: “As soon as I saw the car I knew it was something very special, but it wasn’t until we got it back to the UK that I discovered its amazing history.  

“This is a rare and important Aston Martin and we’re relishing the challenge to restore Vignale’s breathtaking creation.”

Working predominantly in aluminium, Vignale produced a stunning bespoke design which included backwards sloping quarter lights and a large glass rear-opening hatch for the rear window. Other non-standard features include a higher rear axle ratio for more relaxed continental touring and Borrani chromed wire wheels. The interior is typically Aston Martin in design and the radiator shape followed Vignale’s design for Fiat and Ferrari.  

The car has now been stripped but is still mounted to its original chassis. The original engine, gearbox, rear axle, exterior trim and radiator grill surround have survived although the car needs full restoration at an estimated cost of around £250,000. The Aston Workshop is in possession of photographs of the car exterior which will enable them to recreate the original design although final restoration specifications can be discussed with the purchaser. 

There were only two examples of Aston Martin DB2 and DB2/4 chassis known to have been specially designed by Vignale, the first being a DB2/4 Spider sport. However it has never been traced and it is believed to have been written off following a severe accident in the Bois de Boulogne.