Aston Martin DB2 Bumper Blades (Mild Steel/Chrome)
Coming soon- DB2/4 MK I
- DB2/4 MK II
- DB MK III
Coming soon — conventional steel bumper blades that superseded the earlier corrugated bumpers found on the earliest DB2 models. Originally pressed steel, these components represent the evolution of Aston Martin’s 1950s design theming as the marque moved towards period bolt‑on bumper blades that followed the body shape contour at the front and rear of the vehicle, but not the sides as the trim‑looking corrugated strips did, and would remain throughout the subsequent iterations of the model’s development.
Originally manufactured by Wilmot Breeden Ltd, one of Europe’s largest bumper manufacturers during the 1950s, these bumper blades were produced using heavy industrial machinery at dedicated production facilities. Wilmot Breeden supplied components to virtually every major British car manufacturer of the era, and their engineering capabilities extended well beyond the automotive industry.
At DMark® we have returned to tackle these surprisingly challenging components, compelled by a steady but increasing stream of enquiries over the years.
Having previously manufactured these blades during two phases in the past using different methods—time‑intensive hand‑fabrication processes undertaken before our recent capability investments—we have now developed our own, but different, approach that combines traditional techniques with modern technology. We do not have the huge expensive press tooling or heavy machinery that Wilmot Breeden would have employed; instead we rely on clever forming techniques and modern jig making and other technologies.
Each bumper blade is manufactured from 2mm gauge mild steel, the modern equivalent of the original 14 SWG specification. The authentic profiling and construction enable customers to replace deteriorated bumper sets and achieve concours‑standard presentation in brilliant chrome.
These bolt‑on components mount through steel bumper stiffener bars (sometimes known as irons)—available separately—to the vehicle’s existing bracketry. The stiffener bars provide the essential mounting interface between the blade and the vehicle’s bracketry. We recommend considering both components together for complete bumper assembly replacement.
These bumper blades are also designed to accommodate our separately available aluminium number plate carrier box, which mounts through both the blade and stiffener bar.
We advise dry‑fitting components before chrome plating to confirm proper alignment and secure fixturing. However, the slightly oversized bolt holes on the blades do allow for minor adjustments during installation if clients prefer us to handle the chrome plating without a dry‑fit.
All DMark® DB2 bumper blades are manufactured from 2mm gauge mild steel with a comprehensive preparation finish, ready for chrome plating to match original factory specifications.
Customers may receive their new bumper blades in prepared mild steel or chrome plated. DMark® partners exclusively with established, reputable electroplating specialists who understand the exacting requirements of automotive brightwork and share our quality standards.
These bumper blades are essentially bolt‑on components when properly aligned, so many clients prefer us to manage the chrome plating process for consistency and quality assurance. However, we understand that some prefer to coordinate plating themselves—particularly when batching chrome work with other restoration components after dry‑fitting.
Expected availability 2026. Made‑to‑order production following completion of our development and manufacturing programmes.
Bumper blades require separate bumper stiffeners bars for mounting (available separately as matching DB2 Bumper Stiffeners). At this stage we do not include any fasteners.
2mm gauge mild steel construction throughout, representing the modern equivalent of original 14 SWG specification.
Professional installation recommended. Pre‑chrome dry‑fitting is advisable to ensure proper alignment with the body valance contours and secure mounting through existing vehicle bracketry, particularly if the car has had any bodywork repairs.
Customers should be aware that vehicles with extensive repairs may have altered bodywork geometry due to paintwork processes and body filler usage, which can subtly affect the body contours where bumpers are positioned. We have taken considerable care to replicate the most authentic original geometry, though this may occasionally differ from a vehicle’s current surface characteristics.
Designed specifically for DB2/4 MK I models. We believe MK II models may use the same specification or a combination thereof, though this remains under verification.
Complete front and rear bumper blade set for DB2/4 MK I models. Each blade replicates the original specification exactly, manufactured from mild steel and suitable for chrome plating (DMark® blades are not stainless steel) to maintain period authenticity. We have taken the time to ensure the cross‑sectional profile precisely matches the factory specification rounded outline and body‑hugging form. Supplied with two mounting slots and number plate mounting holes.
Modern Technology Meets Traditional Craftsmanship
Every DMark® bumper blade represents our return to tackling these surprisingly challenging components in small batches without the mighty press machines and tooling capable of producing hundreds of stamped products. Where our previous manufacturing approach required extensive hand‑fabrication—a labour‑intensive process—our current methodology combines traditional press and forming principles with modern precision construction and fabrication techniques.
This evolution has allowed us to achieve a more economical result while maintaining accurate and authentic profiling and fabrication using mild steel.
Addressing Real Customer Needs
The decision to tackle these components again stems from a steady but increasing stream of enquiries about these bumpers, alongside our goal of providing an increasingly complete range of DB2 componentry for customers worldwide. Original examples, being mild steel and chrome plated, inevitably succumb to rust and corrosion given their proximity to the road, while many surviving blade and stiffener sets show damage or deterioration requiring extensive—and often uneconomical—restoration work. We regularly encounter clients seeking repairs, but the chrome stripping, repair, polishing and re‑plating cycles gradually deteriorates the mild steel, leaving the metal weaker, thinner even after costly restoration.
This growing demand, combined with our recent investments in equipment and refined manufacturing capabilities, compelled us to develop a comprehensive solution. What appears to be a relatively simple component is actually surprisingly complex to fabricate without industrial‑scale tooling—expect availability in 2026.
Complementary Components
These bumper blades are designed to work in conjunction with our separately available DB2 Bumper Stiffeners, which provide the essential mounting interface between the blade and vehicle bracketry. We recommend considering both components together for complete bumper assembly replacement.
Also consider our aluminium number plate carrier housing options, which are designed to fit these blades.
Period Overriders
Although we have considered manufacturing matching period‑correct overriders, we have not yet undertaken this development. We are aware that remarkably similar, readily available alternatives exist which some owners have successfully utilised, though we may consider this addition to our range if sufficient demand arises.
Development Timeline
Our evaluation phase has been completed, confirming the viability of reproducing these components to DMark® standards. Initial fabrication has begun, but further production tooling development remains before full manufacturing capability is achieved—availability expected in 2026.
Designed specifically for DB2/4 MK III models. We believe MK II models may use the same specification or a combination thereof, though this remains under verification.
Complete front and rear bumper blade set for DB MK III models. Each blade replicates the original specification exactly, manufactured from mild steel and suitable for chrome plating (DMark® blades are not stainless steel) to maintain period authenticity. We have taken the time to ensure the cross‑sectional profile precisely matches the factory specification rounded outline and body‑hugging form. Supplied with two mounting slots and number plate mounting holes.
Individual bumper blades available for customers requiring either a front or rear replacement.
Availability is dependent upon completion of compatibility verification efforts. Customers with MK II models are encouraged to contact us directly.
We believe MK II models use either the MK I specification or a combination of both MK I and DB MK III blade shapes. We’re working to verify this compatibility, and we welcome input from MK II owners to assist in our efforts.