Footnotes

"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 Autocar, 4thOctober 1957.

Two years after the introduction of the DB2/4 MkII came the DB MkIII, 551 of which, mainly saloons, were made between March1957 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.

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 and providing 162bhp. 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'. The MkIII was faster than any of its predecessors with a top speed of 120mph (193km/h).

Its accompanying copy guarantee form reveals that chassis number '1804'was retailed by the Brooklands agency and delivered to its first owner, one H L Quartermaine of Buckinghamshire, on 15thApril 1959. The car left the Newport Pagnell factory finished in Peony with black Connolly hide interior trim, and was first registered in the UK as '666 HBH'. Only one subsequent owner is listed: J Widdows of Chichester.

The AMOC Register records the fact that the car belonged to one P C Loysel de Larminié in France during the 1990s, appearing at the Autumn Concours in 1994 (3rd) and the Summer Concours in 1995 (2nd), and participating in the Coupe des Alpesin 1999. The current owner purchased the MkIII from Royal Automobile of La Baule, France on 10thDecember 2007. A copy of the purchase invoice is on file and the car also comes witha French Certificat d'Immatriculation. It should be noted that the purchase invoice states that the Aston had been converted to left-hand drive in England and fitted with a ZF five-speed manual gearbox and a stainless exhaust.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within the Netherlands the reduced rate of Import VAT at 9% 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. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.