Aston Martin DB MkIII

• Concours restored by DD Classics
• Beautifully presented in its original colour of Masons Black
• New Tan Connolly Vaumol Hide interior
• The first real ‘James Bond’ Aston Martin
• A really fabulous specimen

The Mark III – described as “one of the world’s outstanding sports models” by The Autocar – incorporated lessons learned on the race track with a fundamental redesign of W.O. Bentley’s 3-litre engine by Polish engineer Tadek Marek. It now gave substantially more power and torque than the original LB6. It would be the last of the DB models to be powered by the twin-cam six-cylinder engine of Lagonda origin.

The Mark III was also the final incarnation of the Claude Hill chassis. It was launched simultaneously at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland and in the USA in March 1957. An export-only model until it appeared at the London Motor Show that October, it was the company’s first road car to feature the classic Aston Martin grille created by body designer Bert Thickpenny in a sleek new front end that gave a better view of the road ahead. Girling disc brakes were optional at first but became standard after 100 Mark IIIs had been built. The Mark III was, incidentally, the first ‘James Bond’ Aston Martin, described as a ‘DB III’ in Ian Fleming’s 1959 novel ‘Goldfinger’.

Our stunning Mark III is undoubtedly one of the finest examples available. The car was sold new via Langley Motors to Thos. S. Penny Limited of Taunton, Somerset in April 1959. It was originally specified with “BLACKMANFRS” (Masons Black) coachwork with Off-White Connolly Vaumol interior and the car is still Masons Black, albeit now with an arguably more elegant with Light Tan Connolly Vaumol hide interior. From Somerset, the car went to Leicestershire before leaving British shores in 1963 to live in New Zealand where it remained for more than 50 years. When we purchased the car just a couple of years ago, it was a true barn-find. We soon began works to return the car to its former glory and had the car restored to true concours standards. The car has had a bare-metal repaint, an outstanding retrim and extensive mechanical works which means that not only does it look truly breath-taking, it also drives astonishingly well, giving a more exhilarating, sporting experience than the DB4 which replaced it. The sound emitted by the car’s twin exhausts is thoroughly addictive.

The car truly typifies the beauty that makes the Mark III such a desirable model. Despite being far from the first Aston Martin model produced in their long history, it’s probably one of the earliest models that Joe Bloggs on the street would think was an Aston Martin. The most distinguishing feature is the iconic Aston Martin grille, replacing the taller, squarer grille of the DB2. It also featured a dashboard layout which would be continued by all subsequent Aston Martin models until the DBS, the detail of particular note being the instrument binnacle that was shaped to mirror the grille. The car’s tail was also partially redesigned, with modifications made to the subtle tailfins along with new Cathedral taillight units which replaced the previous triangular units that formed the end of the fins. These Cathedral lights could be seen on many of the finest British cars of the era, namely coachbuilt Rolls-Royce Silver Clouds, Bentley S-Series Continentals and Alvis cars to name but a few. The fastback shape not only makes it incredibly stylish but also, being a hatchback, incredibly practical for a car of its type. The extensive brightwork on the car stands bold against the gleaming black coachwork.

All in all, the Aston Martin DB Mk III was and remains one of Aston Martin’s finest hours, both from a styling perspective and as an outstanding grand tourer. The car’s considerable rarity only makes it even more special, being one of just 551 cars ever produced. The example that we are so proud to present to you is certainly one of the best examples extant, having been restored by DD Classics to the highest standards. Whether you’re an Aston Martin collector, someone looking for an excellent 50s Grand Tourer or simply a true James Bond aficionado, this is the car for you!

Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call 0208 878 33 55 to book an appointment.