1958 Aston Martin DB MkIII Sports Saloon

- Comprehensively restored at great expense by Noble House Classics
- Matching engine and chassis numbers
- A well-known and beautifully presented example

Two years after the introduction of the DB2/4 Mark II came the DB MkIII, 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.

The 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 MkIII was faster than any of its predecessors with a top speed of 120mph.

Chassis number '1532' was first registered 'NNL 5' and delivered new in May 1958 to Dr E Babst of Wallsend-on-Tyne. Over the next 20-plus years it was owned by Dr Babst, a Dr Reid and a Dr Hamilton respectively, before passing to Mr Gervase Hulbert in 1981. In 1984 the Aston was acquired by Nicholas Masheter and in March 1992 was re-registered 'JSK 142'.

In August 2003 the engine was rebuilt by renowned marque specialists R S Williams to a up-rated specification with an unleaded-compatible aluminium cylinder head; Cosworth pistons; Carrillo con-rods; and electronic ignition. At the same time RSW rebuilt the gearbox and fitted a DB5 diaphragm clutch. In addition, the chassis was refurbished with new bushes; aluminium mounting blocks and front stub axles; and overhauled brakes.

While in Gervais Hulbert's possession the car competed at Goodwood, Wiscombe Park and Silverstone, and in 1985 was exhibited by Nicholas Masheter at the British Motoring Festival in Birmingham. It featured on the AMOC stand at the 1992 Classic Car Show and subsequently was used extensively for UK and Continental touring as well as participating in a full programme of Club events. These have included the Tour of Snowdon after winning The Wild Pheasant Cup (concours); Llangollen Norwich Union RAC Classics in 1996 and '97; MkIII 40th Birthday Parade at Silverstone in 1997; October Tour of the Loire '98; AXA RAC Classic '99; Millennium Balmoral Highland Jog 2000; NATO Tour 2004; AMOC Club Tours in 2005, '06 and '07; and the Tour of the Loire, including Le Mans Classic, in 2008. It also took part in the dash from Le Touquet to Geneva in the tyre tracks of James Bond's Aston Martin DB MkIII.

More recently the bodywork required attention and was sent to marque specialists Noble House in the Netherlands for what ended up being a documented comprehensive restoration.

This DB MkIII is now ready for a new custodian to enjoy many more miles of Feltham history.