Lot 215: 1958 Aston Martin DB MkIII Saloon

Recognising the need to widen the appeal of the already successful DB2, Aston Martin responded with the DB2/4, introducing its new four-seater model in October 1953. Extensive revisions to the car’s rear end arrangements made room for two occasional seats and more luggage, the latter being accessed via a hatchback rear door - one of this now-common feature’s earliest applications. In addition, a raised roofline, one-piece windscreen, larger bumpers and other detail styling changes differentiated the newcomer from its predecessor. Otherwise, the DB2/4 remained much the same as the DB2, employing the latter’s rectangular-tube chassis, trailing arm independent front suspension and well-located live rear axle. The 2.6-litre ‘six’ came in tuned (125bhp) Vantage specification as standard for the 2/4. Despite this, the redesign’s inevitable weight gain was not fully compensated for until the arrival of the 3-litre, 140bhp engine in 1954. The car’s top speed was now 118mph, with 60mph reached in around 11 seconds.
David Brown’s acquisition of Tickford Ltd in 1953 led to bodywork for the revised MkII model being manufactured by the Newport Pagnell coachbuilder. While mechanically very little different from its predecessor, the DB2/4 MkII was readily identifiable by its subtly altered lines, the most significant change being 19mm increase in roof height that afforded greater headroom.
Two 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 current 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 the vendor’s care ‘1506’ has benefited from considerable expenditure with recognised specialists including Garage Lamy, Garage Parinello, Eric Peyrou and Carrosserie Lecoq. Work carried out has involved major refurbishment, including an engine rebuild, replacement gearbox and chassis overhaul in addition to routine servicing/maintenance. Currently displaying a total of 81,307 miles on the odometer, the car has covered circa 8,000 since the engine rebuild and only 3,900-or-so since the chassis overhaul. Upgrades include Cosworth pistons, electronic ignition, stiffened and lowered suspension, stainless-steel exhaust, FIA cut-out, fire extinguishing system and a cylinder head converted to unleaded compatibility.
FIA papers, FIVA passport and invoices totalling €96,000 (approximately £67,200) come with this superb DB MkIII, which is presented in excellent condition: mechanically and bodily completely restored yet retaining its original red leather interior.