1957 Aston Martin DB 2/4 MKIII FastBack Coupe

In October of 1953, Aston Martin introduced the 2+2 DB2/4. After extensive revisions to the car's rear end arrangements, there was room for two occasion seats and more luggage. Two years after the introduction of the mildly restyled DB2/4 MKII came the DB MKIII - the '2/4' suffix was no longer used.

Between March 1957 and July of 1959, Aston Martin produced 551 saloons, with about 55% of those being exported.

The DB MKIII used a DB3S-style grille which had been designed by Tickford designer Bert Thickpenny. The interior had a redesigned dashboard with instruments groups in a cowled panel ahead of the driver.

Tadek Marek, who had just arrived from Austin, redesigned the 3.0 liter engine. Modifications included a stiffer block, stronger camshaft and a new cylinder head with bigger valves. With the single pipe exhaust system, the engine offered 162 horsepower. With the optional twin-pipe version, power rose to 178bhp. Other improvements were made to the clutch and gearbox. Laycock overdrive became available and front disc brakes became standard rather than optional after the first 100 cars had been built. Even though the car had gained extra weight, the MKIII was faster than any of its predecessors.

Chassis no. AM/300/3/1345
This Aston Martin came equipped from the factory with 2 Rumbold Safety Belts, Twin Exhaust system, a Smiths Oil Temperature gauge, and disc brakes. The original owner was Captain Jerome J. Sauber who took delivery in September of 1957. It was finished in Broken White paintwork with a red Connolly leather interior.

By the 1970s, the car had entered the car of Irv Bahrt of New Jersey. By 2000, the car was in California and in the care of Dr. Robert Elliot of San Juan Capistrano. In 2004, it was sold to a Virginia resident before coming into the care of its present owner.

Currently, the car is finished in British Racing Green with an interior to match. The car has been given triple Weber carburetors and a modern Tremec 5 speed gearbox.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014