1958 Aston Martin DB Mk III

Two years after the introduction of the DB2/4 Mark II came the DB Mk III, 551 of which, mainly saloons, were made between March 1957 and July 1959. Externally, the most obvious change was the adoption of a DB3S-style grille, establishing the ‘hallmark’ look of subsequent Aston Martins, which had been drawn up by Tickford designer Bert Thickpenny. This restyled nose gave the car a more imposing look, while the interior boasted a redesigned dashboard with instruments grouped in a cowled panel ahead of the driver.

The 3-litre DBA engine benefited from an extensive redesign by Tadek Marek (newly arrived from Austin) and featured, among other improvements, a stiffer block, stronger crankshaft and a new cylinder head with larger valves. 162bhp was available with the single-pipe exhaust system and 178bhp with the optional twin-pipe version. Elsewhere, there were improvements to both clutch and gearbox. Laycock overdrive became available and front disc brakes were standard rather than optional after the first 100 cars had been built, commencing at chassis 1401. Despite the inevitable weight increase, the MkIII was faster than any of its predecessors, with a top speed of 120mph.

Unbeknown to many, the DB Mk III is another James Bond Aston Martin, appearing in Ian Fleming’s novel Goldfinger. By the time the book made it to the screen, however, the DB5 was the current model and was therefore used instead. According to The Autocar: ‘The latest models – the DB Mk IIIs – have a number of important improvements and, in addition, a subtle crispness and refinement, as compared with the DB2/4, not easily attributed to any one modification.’

This delightful DB Mk III hails from 1958 and is finished in Silver with contrasting Burgundy-coloured hide and matching Wilton carpets. It is equipped with overdrive, uprated DB4 GT front brake callipers and braided brake lines. Prior to purchase by our vendor, the Aston had been treated to a complete engine overhaul, during which one of the new and improved Vetus cylinder blocks was installed. It has been continuously well maintained, courtesy of regular visits to Aston Martin specialists Four Ashes Garage in Stratford-upon-Avon. Its comprehensive history file contains invoices totalling in excess of £75,000 for works carried out between 2010 and 2015, £20,000 of which dates from 2015. The file also includes previous FIA papers, suggesting earlier competition activity. In our vendor’s private Collection for Ten years, the MkIII has continued to receive regular maintenance and is now ready to be enjoyed by its next fortunate custodian.