
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 221
The Stan West Collection 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon Registration no. 948 HYU Chassis no. AM300/3/1591
Two years after the introduction of the DB2/4 Mark II came the DB Mark III - the '2/4' suffix being dropped - 551 of which, mainly saloons, were made between March 1957 and July 1959. Externally the most obvious change was the adoption of a DB3S-style grille, establishing the 'hallmark' look of subsequent Aston Martins. This restyled nose gave the car a more imposing appearance while the interior boasted a redesigned dashboard with instruments grouped in a cowled panel ahead of the driver.
The 3.0-litre DBA engine had benefited from an extensive redesign by Tadek Marek: 162bhp was available with the single-pipe exhaust system, 178bhp with the optional twin-pipe version. If that still was not enough, customers could opt for more a 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 carburettors and produced 180bhp or 195 with the twin exhausts. This engine was fitted to 47 cars.
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 Mark III was faster than any of its predecessors with a top speed of 120mph.
Its accompanying copy guarantee form shows that chassis number '1591' was delivered new via Brooklands and first owned by a Dennis Patrick Murphy of Essex. The car was finished in Bristol Red with white trim and left the factory equipped with the twin-pipe exhaust system.
Previous owner Mr R Reay-Smith acquired the Aston in March 2001. While in his care the car was maintained by recognised marque specialists Trinity Engineering, there being related bills on file for the period 2005-2008 totalling more than £73,000 together with old V5C documents and a quantity of MoTs. The Aston was acquired for the Stan West Collection on 1st December 2008.






























Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialist
Head of Department

