Lot details
Registration No: VGN 8
Chassis No: AM300/3/1586
Mot Expiry: Nov 2005

The first Aston Martin to be driven by James Bond in an Ian Fleming novel, the DB2/4 MKIII was launched at the Geneva Salon in March 1957. Sporting a new radiator grille that echoed the styling of its illustrious DB3S racing sibling, it retained the same basic structure as its DB2 and DB2/4 predecessors. Thus, its aluminium bodywork clothed an advanced square-section tubular spaceframe equipped with independent front suspension (a sophisticated trailing link, coil sprung set-up tempered by an anti-roll bar) and a coil-sprung 'live' rear axle (located via Panhard rod assisted radius arms). Redesigned by the brilliant Tadek Marek, its 2922cc dohc straight-six cylinder engine gained a new block assembly, crankshaft, camshafts and manifolds. Reputed to develop some 162bhp and 180lbft of torque, it was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox as standard. Available in saloon or drophead coupe guises (with the exception of a few bespoke notchback fixed head coupes), Autocar found one capable of 119mph and 0-60mph in 9.3seconds. Initially an option, Girling front disc brakes were soon standardised across the range.
Finished in Californian metallic sage green with cream leather upholstery (piped in dark green), this particular example is believed to be one of just 85 factory built drophead coupes. Said to have had just two previous keepers and covered 103,000 miles from new, it has been in the present ownership since 1968. The subject of a recent £9,000 engine rebuild by Tim Stamper including conversion to unleaded, other mechanical work has included a new radiator and brake overhaul etc. While cosmetically, it has treated to a bare metal respray, chrome plated wire wheels and a replacement black mohair hood. Benefiting from electric overdrive on its four-speed manual gearbox, it has apparently never been modified or involved in an accident. Described by the vendor somewhat modestly as being in OK overall condition, he adds that "full service history is available". Offered for sale for the first time in thirty-seven years, this extremely rare and desirable Aston Martin comes with a MOT certificate valid until November 2005.