The Aston Martin DB2 had been well received and sold throughout the world, but the market in this price range for a car with two seats (and limited luggage space) was restricted. A 1952 DB2 chassis was modified by removing the cross-brace above the rear axle to enable two occasional rear seats to be accommodated.

The roof line was changed to give more headroom towards the back and the small rear window was replaced by a larger window in an opening tail gate. a the same time the fuel tank was reduced from 19 to 17 gallons, allowing it to be set lower and the spare wheel was housed in a hinged carrier below the fuel tank.These modifications considerably improved the luggage space, which can be substantially further increased by folding down the back of the rear seat. The comment, attributed to the Bentley D.C, that the car was then fastest shooting-brake in the world was almost justified at the time when "three door cars were a rarity.The Aston Martin DB2/4 was shown at the London Motor Show in 1953, both saloon and drop-head versions being available. Further improvements in the desgin of the body included a different-shape for the rear lights, headlamps set higher in the bonnet, improved bumpers (which could not be absorb a bump without damaging the body), with over riders and a one piece window-screen.