1931 Aston Martin 1.5L International - JWA Classic

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Soft Auction now over
Online auction: 2021, Sept. 30 – Oct. 2nd
Final price: €60,000 + 1% donated to medical research

1931 ASTON MARTIN 1.5 L International

Chassis KO 84 – open tourer

Full Description

The “International” model was first introduced at 1929 London motor show.
Available in many configurations, it was mostly produced in the short chassis 2/4 seat arrangement as the “International Four seater sport” which provided the best performance overall as a simple and elegant performer.
A total of 129 International first series have been built up to 1932, most of them bodied by Enrico Bertelli Ltd, until Aston Martin Motors stopped the production in favor of the iconic “Le Mans” model.

John Cadbury acquired the Aston Martin International N°KO 84 in 1931.

An important documentation comes along with the vehicle as she had several owners after John Cadbury and went through several transformations. Equipped with a 2 liter AC engine, the original engine still exists and needs to be reassembled.

Expert report available on demand.

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Click on menus below to find out more detailed information.

Gallery

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History

John Cadbury, first owner from 1931 to 1933

John Cadbury acquired the Aston Martin International KO 84 in 1931. He mentions himself his acquisition in a letter dated from May 24, 1970. At the same time, a document from the Country Borough Stockport states that the vehicle is the property of John Cadbury since March 19, 1931.

John Cadbury explains that he handed over his vehicle in January 1933 to a Birmingham dealer : “Patrick Motors Limited”. He does not know to whom the Aston Martin KO 84 was sold but says he saw it later in the streets of Birmingham (letter dated May 24, 1970).

In an undated letter, probably after 2003, Matthew Cadbury describes him as follows: “John was a quiet and shy man, but he loved motor cars and owned a series of Aston Martin”.

At the top of the Stelvio.

This photograph shows Mr John Cadbury driving his car during the test over the Stelvio pass.
The road, a great engineering achievement, reaches a height of over 3000 feet and is famous for its hair-pin bends.

The rest of the story

The historical record is very well documented with a large number of documents detailing the work done on the car, the different owners, etc.

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Features

Brand : Aston Martin
Type : International
Motor : AC 2L
Year : 1931
Chassis number : KO 84

During its long life, the vehicle has undergone various modifications.
Most important one was the change of engine in the early 1970s to a 2L AC with which it has been running for years.
The original engine (1.5 l) – which needs to be rebuilt – has been kept and can be reassembled on the vehicle to recover its 1931 condition.
It should also be noted that at that time, the color of the bodywork was black.

The Aston Martin International KO84 has been fully restored in the years 2009-2010 by JWA Classic.
Absolutely all parts were disassembled, cleaned, overhauled (or replaced) and reassembled.
See more details about the restoration work below.

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Videos

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Restoration

The Aston Martin International KO84 has been fully restored in the years 2009-2010 by JWA Classic.
Absolutely all parts have been disassembled, cleaned, overhauled (or replaced) and reassembled.

– The upholstery has been refurbished (black leather) keeping the basic elements and according to the procedures of the time.
– Engine : cylinder head gasket replaced, connecting rod bearings and segmentation checked. All bearings and seals were replaced. In 2019, the engine has been reconditioned and the radiator has been rebuilt.
– Gearbox and rear axle : all bearings have been replaced.
– The hydraulic brake system has been redone (new hoses, new wheel cylinders, master cylinder restored).
– Brake linings have been refurbished and riveted. The electrical wiring harness has been redone, etc.
– The bodywork has been restored to its original state. It is made of aluminum. The wooden structure has been completely rebuilt.

The vehicle is still equipped with its 2L AC engine with which it has been running for years but its original engine (1.5 l) – which needs to be rebuilt – has been kept and can be reassembled on the vehicle to recover its 1931 condition.
It should also be noted that at that time, the color of the bodywork was black.

You’ll find below some of the (too) many pictures we took all along the restoration process by JWA Classic :
Before restoration – Wood structure – Chassis – Radiator – Reassembling