Aston-Martin New International chassis E2/206 is one of a handful of cars made between the International and Le Mans models using elements from both. Supplied new to Jersey before returning to the UK in 1939, complete ownership records exist for this car back to 1950 with 11 owners recorded. E2/206 had a replacement engine from a later Le Mans fitted in 1964, this has further been replaced with a re-made cylinder block. Ecurie Bertelli supplied some engine parts for an engine re-build carried out in 2018. Supplied parts including a new cylinder head, camshaft, oil pumps, modern shell bearings, pistons etc. E2/206 is very comfortable to drive, with lovely light but precise steering and good handling. This car comes with a hood and tonneau for more comfortable all weather driving and has a full 4 seats or 2 seats with large luggage space. The design of the New International makes it ideal for a taller person as it is possible to move the seat a very long way back. E2/206 would make an excellent long distance touring car or rally car, is running and driving now but would benefit from some initial work and a rolling programme of improvements. Cosmetically nicely patinated with some areas that would benefit from improvement.
The New International model was introduced in 1932. Having only just completed expensive new jigs for the manufacture of the International Model chassis, Bert Bertelli with his new financial backer, Lance Prideaux-Brune had a complete re-think creating a new chassis to which was added a revised version of the International engine, also fitted to the Le Mans model. A bought-in Laycock Gearbox which is significantly quieter than the Aston-Martin designed units, an open prop shaft driving an ENV differential unit in a conventional style Aston Martin rear axle. The radiator had a separate core, and the handbrake lever was moved to the right of the driver. The bodywork remained virtually the same as the International model although mounted differently. Around 10 to 12 of these were manufactured before the design changed, but only cosmetically, to produce the low radiator Le Mans model and the 12/50. The New International is spritely to drive with handling as good as the later Le Mans Sports car but with far more comfort. The gearbox is very easy to use and very quiet. The body style and layout, that of the International, with the fuel tank in the tail makes this into a full 4 seater with ample luggage space if all 4 seats are not used.
