Lot details Registration No: UN-REG Chassis No: AM300/3/1558 Mot Expiry: None
The first Aston Martin to be driven by James Bond in an Ian Fleming novel, the DB 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 throughout the range.
Finished in black with matching leather upholstery to its 2+2 interior, this particular left-hand drive example is believed to be one of just 85 factory built dropheads. Thought to have been supplied new in California, this elegant Aston is alleged to have changed hands in 1990 for $220,000. Acquired by the collection for somewhat less five years later, its last UK MOT certificate expired on August 14th 2002. Retaining its original Tickford badging as well as twin SU carburettors, a Purolator external oil filter and bulkhead mounted jack, the odometer shows an unwarranted 66,011 miles.
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