1959 Aston Martin DB MkIII Saloon

2,922 cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
178bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent with Live Rear Axle Suspension
Front Disk and Rear Drum Hydraulically Assisted Brakes

*Delivered new to New York socialite Peter van Gerbig
*Retains the original, matching numbers engine
*One of only 551 DB MkIIIs made
*Original left hand drive, fitted with dual exhaust and overdrive

THE ASTON MARTIN DB MKIII

Although it never featured in a James Bond film, having ceased production years before the franchise commenced, the DB MkIII nevertheless was the Aston Martin driven by '007' in Ian Fleming's novel, 'Goldfinger'. It was also the last Aston Martin produced with the six-cylinder engine designed under the supervision of the great W O Bentley.

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, 55% of which were exported. Externally the most obvious change was the adoption of a DB3S-style grille, establishing the 'hallmark' look of subsequent Aston Martins, which had been drawn up by Tickford designer, Bert Thickpenny. This restyled nose gives 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 3.0-liter engine had 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, commencing at chassis '1401'. Despite the inevitable weight increase, the MkIII was faster than any of its predecessors with a top speed of 120mph.

If that still was not enough, customers could opt for a more powerful DBB and (later) DBD 'Special Series' engine. Introduced as an option at the 1958 London Motor Show, the DBD came with triple (sometimes twin) SU carburetors and produced 180bhp or 195 with the twin exhausts. This engine was fitted to 47 cars.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This lovely DB MkIII was ordered new in New York through J.S. Inskip. Delivered on August 28, 1958 in Cardinal Grey over Champagne leather and was optioned with the twin exhaust system for a bit of extra oomph, overdrive, chromed wheels, and front disc brakes. The original owner was recorded as New York socialite Peter van Gerbig.

Little is known about the interim history of this machine. At some point in its life it was repainted cream with burgundy wheels and the interior retrimmed in tan. It was acquired by the current owner about a decade ago. Not actively used in the present ownership, it is ready for some light recommission work before active use. An exceedingly rare interim model that straddled between the DB2/4 and DB4, and made rarer still by the fact it was an original left-hand drive export model from new, this MkIII is sure to provide ample enjoyment on any number of events, tours, or weekend drives.