The 15/98 was Aston Martin’s standard model from
1936 onward. It was built in both short chassis and LWB form. Both models were
named after their RAC power rating of 15 and an actual output of 98 bhp.
Initially launched as a four-seat tourer Aston
Martin’s prepared a shorter 15/98 short chassis to spur on sales. Some were
fitted with occasional back seats and others were strictly 2-seat roadsters.
The car retained Aston’s 2-litre engine which was
capable of nearly 100 bhp. This was the same unit developed for the 1936 Le
Mans team cars, but converted to wet-sump lubrication.
Most of the roadsters were bodied by Abbey
Coachworks in London while the sedans and coupes were handled by E. Bertelli
Ltd. In either configuration the complete car was £575 and £475 in 1938 to sell
unsold examples.
The feature car, chassis J7/823/SO, is a two-seat
roadster and one of the finest examples of the model. It was restored and used
by the same family for over 40 years with a replica engine to preserve the
original.
