1959 Aston Martin Mark III

Aston Martin produced 551 examples of the DB Mark III between March 1957 and July 1959, most of which were saloons, and fifty-five percent were exported. The DB Mark III was introduced two years after the introduction of the DB2/4 Mark II, and styling updates were minimal but tasteful, helping it remain competitive in the burgeoning sports car marketplace. Body styles included a fastback coupe, a 2+2 hatchback, and a convertible known as a drophead coupe. 462 examples were hatchbacks, 84 were drophead coupes, and just five examples were fixed-head coupes. Eighty-three examples had left-hand drive configurations.

The final development of Claude Hill's groundbreaking chassis design, the Mk III's most noticeable change over its predecessor was a grille inspired by the DB3S racing car. The interior received an updated panel that positioned the gauges more directly in front of the driver. The live-axle rear end and the worm-and-sector steering were carryovers, and Girling front disc brakes were optional but quickly became standard after the first 100 cars had been built (commencing at chassis 1401). A new hydraulically operated clutch eased the effort for the David Brown four-speed gearbox, to which a Laycock de Normanville overdrive could be added.

The Lagonda-designed six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft engine had been steadily improved over the years by Aston Martin engineer Tadek Marek. The standard DBA version of the engine gained a stiffer block, a new cylinder head with bigger valves, and a stronger crankshaft. Twin exhausts were optional, but when installed, they added sixteen additional horsepower to the stated 162 bhp at 5,500 RPM.

Two higher-performance versions of the engine became available later, including the DBB version 195 horsepower thanks to three Weber 35 DCO 3 carburetors, special long-duration camshafts, twin exhausts, and high compression 8.6:1 pistons. A similar DBD variant, introduced as an option at the 1958 London Motor Show, used three (sometimes twin) SU 1.75-inch HV6 carburetors developed 180 bhp.

Of the 551 MK III examples produced, the majority were equipped with the standard DBA engine. Forty-seven received the DBD engine and ten were powered by the 195-horsepower DBB version. One example is believed to have been supplied with a DBC competition engine with racing camshafts, high compression pistons (possibly 9.5:1), three twin-choke Weber 45 DCO 3 carburetors, special connecting rods, and produced approximately 214 horsepower.

The Mark III was faster than any of its predecessors, despite the inevitable weight increase, with a top speed of 120 mph - even higher with the DBB or DBD 'Special Series' engine installed. Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 9.3 seconds. 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-designed six-cylinder engine.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021