| ASTON MARTIN DB MKIII |
| Chassis no. AM300/3/1727 Engine no. DBA/1335 ORIGINAL CALIFORNIA LHD CAR DOCUMENTED RESTORATION 4-SPD -w- OVERDRIVE DUAL EXHAUST The DB Mark III is considered the most practical and desirable of the ‘Feltham’ cars. With increased power, better gearing, improved brakes and optional overdrive, it made for comfortable cruising on the rapidly developing motorways of its time. As such, it is perhaps the first Aston Martin to be an ideal entrant for today’s modern classic car touring events. DB MkIII 1727 is an original California car, recently found in the estate of an enthusiastic AMOC member. Freshly painted in Pacific Blue, the bodywork is mirror-flat with good panel gaps, the paint hard and shiny, and has excellent brightwork. Grey leather and carpets are a terrific complement – the interior remains in mostly original condition - wholly presentable with nice patina. The engine runs strong, starts easily with excellent oil pressure, and a 'roarty' demeanor. The brakes and suspension have been renewed, with tight steering and a fine gearbox, the transmission fitted w/ the useful and desirable OVERDRIVE. The optional dual exhaust system (good for an increase of 10+hp, according to the Factory) in stainless steel completes the picture underneath. Recent new tires, with choice of red or silver painted wire wheels are offered. This striking DB MkIII is an excellent candidate for vintage touring events, and represents a good value in today's market. Much of its ownership history is known, starting with the Factory build sheet, and the restoration documented with invoices and correspondence. An authentic manual is included and the underbonnet tool box is complete with its original toolset and a BMIHT Heritage Certificate. BACKGROUND The DB2 range marked the coming out for Aston Martin under its dynamic new owner David Brown. Launched in 1949, the first new model to be fitted with the W.O. Bentley- designed Lagonda twincam, 2.6 litre six cylinder engine, the DB2 quickly caused a sensation on the international salon circuit and also in competition. Notably, DB2s finished First, Second and Third in class at the 1951 Le Mans 24 Hours, and Third overall against the likes of Jaguar's iconic C-Type sports racers. A remarkable achievement. In 1953 this 'gentleman's sportscar' grew to a 4-place saloon, now called the DB2/4. Innovative open fastback bodywork was designed, effectively creating the world's first modern hatchback configuration. Engine capacity soon grew to 3.0 litres, the block proving robust for further development which brought further competition success in the DBR1 racer, culminating in the legendary 1-2 finish at Le Mans in 1959 and procurement for Astons of the World Sportscar Championship in that same year. By 1957 the 2/4 had evolved into its third and penultimate series (often called simply the 'DB MarkIII') which carried many advanced engineering features including front disc brakes (along with robust aluminum Alfin finned drums in the rear). The most striking change however was the adoption of a more integrated grille opening, inspired by the DB3S racecars. This now-characteristic Aston Martin shape was carried over into the interior, echoed by the redesigned dash binnacle. This theme was carried forward into the DB4 range and beyond. During the DB MkIII production run the rear section was also fitted with attractive 'cathedral-style' tail lights, also carried over to the DB4. Indeed the DB MkIII and DB4 were sold side-by- side during 1958 and 1959, the final year of DB2 production. Many people associate Aston Martin with James Bond, and usually with the famous DB5 - and rightly so. What many don't realize however is that the DB MkIII was the 'original' Bond Aston, first appearing in Ian Fleming's 'Goldfinger,' complete with gadgets outfitted by Q Division! |
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| ***SOLD*** by RM AUCTIONS MONTEREY, CA AUGUST 20, 2005 $82,500 HERITAGE CERTIFICATE Contact DON ROSE +1 617 513 0388 CLASSIC CARS HOME |
