MOTOR CARS | 195Two years after the introduction of the DB2/4 MkII came the DB
MkIII - the ‘2/4’ suffix being dropped - 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, this restyled
nose giving 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 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
bigger valves. 162bhp was available with the single-pipe exhaust
system, 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. Despite the inevitable
weight increase, the MkIII was faster than any of its predecessors
with a top speed of 120mph.
A desirable disc-braked, overdrive transmission model, right-hand
drive chassis number ‘1506’ was sold new via Brooklands of Bond
Street on 21st March 1958 and first registered ‘UYR 410’ in the UK.
We are advised that the car’s full history up to November 1988 is
recorded in the AMOC Register and that in August 1991 it was first
registered in France under number ‘945 JMM 75’ (subsequently
‘6873 TW 02’). Bought by the immediately preceding owner in
Paris in June 2000, the car displayed a total of 68,382 miles on the
odometer at that time and, reputedly, had previously been restored
by Stratton Motor Company.
While in his care ‘1506’ benefited from considerable expenditure
with recognised specialists including Garage Lamy, Garage Parinello,
Eric Peyrou and Carrosserie Lecoq. Work carried out involved
major refurbishment, including an engine rebuild, replacement
gearbox, chassis overhaul and an interior re-trim in addition to
routine servicing/maintenance. Upgrades include Cosworth pistons,
competition valves, electronic ignition, stiffened and lowered
suspension, Aeroquip brake hoses, silicone brake fluid, stainless-
steel exhaust, FIA cut-out, fire extinguishing system and a cylinder
head converted to unleaded compatibility.The current vendor purchased the Aston at Bonhams’ Goodwood
Revival Sale in 2007 (Lot 215). Since acquisition the car has
formed part of his private collection in the North of England where
it has been professionally stored and looked after by his in-house
mechanic. FIA papers, FIVA passport and invoices totalling €96,000
(approximately £67,200) come with this superb DB MkIII, which
is presented in excellent condition both bodily and mechanically.
Although not currently registered in the UK, the car does come with
its last French Carte Grise.
£200,000 - 250,000
€250,000 - 310,000