Footnotes

"The introduction of a new model by David Brown is always an event of importance. Here in the Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon are incorporated all the elements of a superlative motor car. The highest ideals of roadholding, steering, braking and sheer performance have been achieved. Exciting and functional, elegant and exhilarating, it is incomparably the best Aston Martin car ever produced." – Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd.

Two years after the introduction of the DB2/4 Mark II came the DB Mark III, 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, which had been drawn up by Tickford designer, Bert Thickpenny. This restyled nose give the car a more imposing look, while the interior boasted a redesigned dashboard with instruments grouped in a cowled panel ahead of the driver. According to The Autocar: "The latest models – the DB Mk IIIs – have a number of important improvements and, in addition, a subtle crispness and refinement, as compared with the DB2/4, not easily attributed to any one modification."

The 3.0-litre DBA engine 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 Mark III was faster than any of its predecessors with a top speed of 120mph (193km/h).

The DB Mark III is also notable as the first Aston Martin to feature in a 'James Bond' novel, being driven by '007' in Goldfinger. It was also the last Aston Martin produced with the W O Bentley-era six-cylinder engine.

Its accompanying copy guarantee form reveals that left-hand drive chassis number '1575' was despatched to Aston Martin's US importer J S Inskip on 20th July 1958 and delivered to its first owner, Mr Arthur Parmenter of Warwick, Rhode Island. The car left the Newport Pagnell factory finished in Peony with Off White Connolly hide interior trim. The AMOC Register records the fact that the car was still in the USA in 1996.

At around that time '1575' was advertised for sale by The Aston Workshop as 'comprehensively restored in 1996 by one of America's premier Aston Martin specialists' and was said to be 'beautifully finished and correctly detailed throughout'.
All metal work was said to have been completed, including the bulkhead, prior to a bare-metal re-spray. The engine was described as fully rebuilt, while the brakes had been overhauled and the suspension checked and fully serviced. A new wiring harness all new pipe-work had been fitted. The engine was said to be 'virtually concours' and correctly detailed. The interior had been re-trimmed in top quality Connolly biscuit hides with fawn Wilton carpets edged in biscuit. The dashboard had been removed and renovated; the brightwork re-chromed; and the wire wheels rebuilt and shod with Pirelli radial tyres.

Since its acquisition by the vendor, the Aston has been kept in storage and not used. Re-commissioning will be required before it returns to the road.

Please note that this vehicle is not offered with any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within Belgium the reduced rate of Import VAT at 6% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.