Mille Miglia eligible
1957 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon

• One of only 551 DB Mark IIIs made
• Delivered new to France
• Present ownership since 2004
• Restored while in the present ownership
• Valid Contrôle Technique

Two years after the introduction of the DB2/4 Mark II came the DB Mark III (also known as the DB2/4 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. 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. 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. Furthermore, as it was built in 1957, this car is eligible for the Mille Miglia.

Its accompanying copy guarantee form reveals that left-hand drive chassis number '1321' was delivered new on 17th June 1957 to Aston Martin agents Garage Mirabeau in France. The car left the Newport Pagnell factory finished in Ice Blue with brown Connolly leather interior trim. It first owner was Dr J. Claude Roy, a resident of St Tropez, France. The AMOC Register records the car as still being in France in 1989.

The engine currently fitted is of the correct DB Mark III type. However, it should be noted that as the timing cover (where the engine number is stamped) was replaced during the comprehensive restoration of the engine by the current owner, we are unable to confirm that this is the original engine.

Our vendor purchased the Aston in February 2004, since when the car has been comprehensively restored and the engine rebuilt by his team of mechanics, who have regularly maintained the car together with all the others in his collection. The odometer reading is 198 kilometres, which is believed to be the distance travelled since the engine rebuild.

Accompanying documentation includes a French Carte Grise, valid Contrôle Technique, and a record of historical works carried out. The car also comes with an instruction booklet and a complete tool kit.