1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon

• One of only 551 DB Mark IIIs made
• Original UK-delivered right-hand drive model
• Present ownership since 2010
• Restored while in the present ownership
• Only some 200 miles since completion
• Many desirable upgrades

"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 (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, which had been drawn up by Tickford designer, Bert Thickpenny. 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.

Its accompanying copy guarantee forms records that chassis number 'AM300/3/1508' with engine number 'DBA 1145' was built in right-hand drive configuration and delivered new to Callanders Garage Limited, Glasgow for use as a demonstrator. The original colour scheme was Desert White with black interior, and the car left the factory equipped with overdrive and a twin exhaust. The second owner is listed as Mr N D Howard of Ashton-under-Lyne (change undated), while servicing and maintenance is recorded up to 1968, including replacement of the original gearbox in 1958.

It was 1980 when the vendor first noticed this Aston Martin in the front garden of a house within a mile of his home in Essex; apparently, it had been there for five years. Having sold his Aston Martin DB4, he purchased this DB Mk III in 2010 as a project. The car was very original, having only had a colour change from white to red. Nevertheless, it was decided that a complete and detailed restoration was necessary, which was carried out by the vendor with the help of a local bodyshop. This full 'body off' restoration included the following:

Refinished in Aston Martin Sierra Blue metallic and Bridge of Weir Serpentine leather
New all-synchromesh five-speed gearbox (removed gearbox available)
GTC switchable power steering with upgraded steering box
Fully rebuilt front anti-roll bar with new front spring housings
Rebuilt rear axle, new crown wheel and pinion
All new hubs, bearings and seals
New lower wishbones and bushes
Completely restored power assisted brakes
Electrics rewired to negative earth with lookalike alternator, high torque starter and electric fan
All external LED lighting with front indicators flashing correct colour
Hazard warning lights and indicators with sound warning
Seat belts
Tubeless stainless steel wheels shod with Avon radial tyres
All stainless steel exhaust

Having already been rebuilt prior to the vendor's ownership, the engine needed very little attention and is said to run beautifully, with correct oil pressure. This most thorough restoration was finished less than 200 miles ago, but due to the vendor's poor health he is now no longer able to enjoy the very pleasing result.

Please note: the aforementioned removed gearbox will need to be collected by the successful purchaser at their own expense.