Handmade in the uk
Aston Martin DB2 First Sanction Three-Piece Front Grille Set
New- DB2 First Sanction
A handmade three‑piece front grille set in brass, for the early DB2 First Sanction cars. As far as we know, this is the first time a new, and complete, three piece front grille‑set has ever been available to buy.
Over time we were able to source and establish the correct dimensional data from multiple vehicles and grille‑sets. This enabled us to develop our own DMark® custom tooling, jigs, patterns and manufacturing aids for fabricating and assembling new grille sets.
We have incorporated several improvements over original grilles that enhance sectional assembly and fitment.
Each grille section mounts directly to the aluminium bonnet skin by way of 2BA brass threads and nuts. The slatted grille parts align and sit neatly within their brass surrounds. Each surround has been carefully formed to replicate the natural bonnet angle and body contours at the front surround and valance area.
This distinctive three‑piece vertically‑slatted configuration was exclusive to the First Sanction cars, giving way to the horizontally‑slatted single radiator grille design that became standard from the 50th chassis onwards—known as the DB2 model—which still maintained the lower headlamp bonnet arrangement. The horizontal‑slat format continued through the DB2, DB2/4 MK I, and DB2/4 MK II models before eventually transitioning to mesh with aluminium surround configuration on the DB MK III variants.
The DB2 First Sanction grille set by DMark® is finished as polished brass, with every front‑facing brass surface on both the surrounds and slatted grille sections meticulously polished and chrome‑ready.
Customers may receive their new grille set in polished brass or chrome finish.
DMark® partners exclusively with established, reputable electroplating specialists who share our exacting quality standards. The DB2 First Sanction grille set is essentially a bolt‑on component, so many clients prefer us to manage the chrome plating process. However, we understand that some customers prefer to handle plating themselves particularly when coordinating other parts of their vehicle that require chrome after a dry‑fit.
Primarily made‑to‑order, with occasionally one set in stock for immediate dispatch.
All fixtures and fasteners (nuts and bolts) are supplied with every set.
Our brass slats use 0.9/1mm gauge (20 SWG) compared to the original late 1940s specification of approximately 0.7mm (22 SWG). This increased material thickness, combined with other refinements, delivers superior rigidity and structural integrity across all DMark® grille assemblies.
Individual grille sections are not sold separately—we supply complete sets only.
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 panel shape where mouldings are positioned. We have taken considerable care to replicate the most authentic original geometry, though this may occasionally differ from a vehicle’s surface characteristics. Similarly, stud hole positions in bodywork may vary from new DMark® component specifications and minor adjustments may occasionally be required to achieve optimal fitment.
Available exclusively as a complete six‑section grille‑set comprising of;
- Centre slatted section (main grille)
- Centre surround (main grille)
- Near‑side slatted section (side grille one)
- Near‑side surround (side grille one)
- Off‑side slatted section (side grille two)
- Off‑side surround (side grille two)
Manufactured in brass with a tailored starter handle cover slide and all fixtures (nuts and washers included).
The side grilles mount either side of the centre grille, with both sections positioned on the exterior face of the bonnet bodywork.
Historical Context - Early DB2 Front Grilles
The DB2 First Sanction represents a pivotal moment in Aston Martin’s post‑war period under David Brown’s ownership. These earliest production cars, with their distinctive three‑piece vertical‑slatted radiator grilles, bridge the gap between pre‑war coach‑built styling and the modern grand touring aesthetic that would define the marque for decades to come.
With only 49 First Sanction cars produced, surviving examples are among the most historically significant and valuable DB2s. The three‑piece grille configuration—featuring the gently peaked centre section flanked by smaller side grilles—was unique to these early models before being replaced by the horizontally‑slatted single‑piece design so recognisable in later DB2 variants.
Notably, the peaked bevelled profile of the centre grille section mirrors the design of the tail light escutcheon plinths—a thoughtful styling detail that Aston Martin carried forward into subsequent DB2 models, even after discontinuing the three‑piece grille design.
At DMark® we recognise our responsibility that comes with reproducing components for historically rare and important vehicles. Our three‑piece grille sets are the result of diligent reverse‑engineering work and observation, incorporating subtle refinements learned through decades of practical experience—ensuring owners can maintain authenticity while gaining the benefits of new construction with subtle refinements.
For customers restoring Aston Martin DB2 First Sanction vehicles, we also offer the period‑correct washboard side grilles, tail light escutcheons and corrugated bumper sets that give these models their distinctive appearance, setting them apart from later DB2 and DB2/4 MK I cars.
For technical enquiries regarding First Sanction and early DB2 specific bodywork, trim and brightwork, we welcome discussion with owners, restorers, and marque specialists worldwide.
