1957 Aston Martin DB 2/4 MKIII

Aston Martin had introduced the DB2 in 1950 and was the first in the line of DB Grand Tourers that would follow over the years. David Brown had acquired Aston Martin in 1948, along with Lagonda for its straight-six W.O. Bentley designed engine. A DB2 prototype, wearing a Frank Feeley-designed sports saloon coachwork with seating for two, achieved a third-place finish in 1949's Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours.

The DB2 was considerably different from any previous Aston Martins with its curvaceous and modern lines, and the whole front of which hinged forward.

The cruciform structure was replaced by Claude Hill's cross-member, reducing ground clearance and weight while increasing torsional rigidity. In the front was an independent suspension setup with coil springs and transverse torsion bars. The in the back was a coil-sprung live axle, located by parallel arms and Panhard rod, incorporated additional strengthening. The drum brakes were hydraulically powered, the engine produced just over 100 horsepower, and it was backed by a four-speed David Brown gearbox. The optional Vantage engine boosted output to 125 bhp.

The DB2 lacked space, offering seating for two with minimal luggage area. Frank Freeley redesigned car's rear to accommodate an occasional double bench which folded down to increasing luggage capacity. The overall length of the vehicle grew by six inches. The bumpers became more substantial and incorporated overriders. The roofline was raised slightly to increase the headroom, and a larger rear window installed. The windscreen was a single - rather than two-piece - molding. The quarterlight windows were reshaped and the headlights were repositioned higher in the bonnet. The result of all these changes brought forth the DB2/4 in 1953.

The Mark II followed in October 1955 with subtle styling changes. It now had squared-off and raised rear wing ends with the sidelights now mounted on their top rear edge. A chromium-plated front wing strip was used to conceal the line of the one-piece hood which had been relocated to the top of the wheel arches. A similar strip was placed across the windscreen top offering nearly an inch in height and headroom.

With Aston Martin's recent acquisition of Tickford coachbuilder in Newport Pagnell, the Mark II body production was moved 'in-house.' Previously DB2/4 bodies having been made by Mulliner. Like its predecessors, the DB2/4 Mark II was available with Saloon and Drop-head Coupe bodies. Another MKII addition was the 165 horsepower Special Series optional engine.

Aston Martin produced the Mark III for just a shade over two years and actually overlapped the DB4 by seven months. Production of all variants during this time was 551 cars. The standard 3 liter (2922cc, twin SU carburetors) engine fitted to the Mark III was designated as the DBA version and produced 162 bhp @5500 rpm. The three-liter DBA engine was the ultimate Tadek Marek development of the original W.O. Bentley design and had a stronger camshaft, a stiffer block, and bigger valves.

The DB2/4 Mark III was the first Aston Martin to feature the trademark grille and the shape was mirrored in the dashboard for the first time, as the instruments were moved directly in front of the driver. Updated styling was inspired by the DB3S racing car. It was also the first to be offered with disc brakes, albeit on the front corners alone.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2019