conceptcarz.com

1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 MK III

Aston Martin launched the DB2 in 1950 and was the first in a long line of DB grand tourers and high-performance sports cars. David Brown had acquired Aston Martin and Lagonda in 1948, the latter for its straight-six engine which would power the new model to third in 1949's Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours. Wearing Frank Freeley-designed sports saloon coachwork, the two-seater body was a drastic departure from any previous Aston and featured curvaceous lines that were modern and elegant, the whole front of which hinged forward. A young racing designer named Ted Cutting later reworked the design which was installed on Claude Hill's revolutionary Atom chassis and powered by the LB6-designated 2,580cc twin-cam engine.

Hill's cross-members were substituted with a cruciform structure that reduced ground clearance and weight as well as increased torsional rigidity. The front independent suspension was comprised of coil springs and transverse torsion bars, while the rear used a live rear axle with coil springs, parallel arms, and Panhard rod. Stopping power was by hydraulically powered drums. The 105 horsepower produced by the engine was transmitted through a four-speed David Brown gearbox, with zero-to-sixty mph taking 12.4 seconds and having a top speed of 110 mph. The Vantage engine boosted power even further to 125 bhp.

Sales of the DB2 were hindered by the limitations of minimal luggage space and only two seats. Freeley reworked the design, adding an occasional double beach in the rear which folded down to increase carrying capacity. The roofline was slightly raised to increase headroom and larger rear windows were added in an opening lid. The other pieces of glass were also redesigned with the windscreen being a single rather than two-piece moulding, and the quarterlight windows were reshaped. The car's overall length increased by six inches, bumpers became more substantial and incorporated over-riders, and the headlights repositioned higher in the bonnet. These modifications resulted in a new name, the 1953 DB2/4, and was the world's first genuine GT hatchback.

Production of the DB2/4 continued from 1953 until 1957 and was available as a drophead coupe, a 2-seat Fixed Head Coupe, and a 2+2 hatchback Saloon. A few examples wore Bertone bodied spider coachwork. The DB2/4 MK II model was introduced in 1955 and came with optional high compression, large-valve 165 horsepower engine. Exterior modifications included additional chrome, bubble-type tail lights, and small tailfins. A 2-seat Fixed head Coupe body style was added, in addition to the Drophead. 199 examples of the Mark II were built with 34 fitted with the new coupe body. Three Mark II chassis wore spider coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring.

In early October of 1956, chassis number M300/3A/1300, codenamed Design Project 193, was completed. It would form the basis of the DB2/4 Mark III, commonly referred to as the DB Mark III. Significant changes included a more modern-looking radiator grille similar to the one used on the production DB3S sports-racing model, and a sculpted bonnet. The Mark II's chrome stripe above the windscreen was removed, and the rear quarter-light windows could now be opened. The instrumentation was now positioned within a hooded binnacle behind the steering wheel, its shape resembling that of the radiator grille.

The 2,922cc VB6 twin-cam engine was completely redesigned by Aston's chief designer, Tadek Marek, with a new crankshaft, cylinder head modifications, and a new and strengthened cylinder block. Many of these changes were inspired by the DB3S, resulting in 162 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 180 lb/ft at 4,000 RPM. Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 9.3 seconds and the top speed was 120 mph. The optional 178 bhp version with twin exhaust pipes was also offered. Front disc brakes were standard rather than optional after the first 100 cars had been built, commencing at chassis '1401'. There were modifications to the clutch and gearbox, a Laycock overdrive became available.

Aston Martin offered a more powerful DBB and (later) DBD 'Special Series' engine. Aston Martin used the 1958 London Motor Show to introduce this option which came with triple (although sometimes with twin) SU carburetors, bringing horsepower to 180 bhp or 195 hp with the twin exhaust. 47 cars received this engine.

The total hand-built DB Mark III built at the company's Feltham works reached 551 examples during their relatively brief production run, including one purpose-built competition model. Built between March of 1957 and July of 1959, most were saloons with 55-percent exported. 85 DB MkIII drophead coupes were built, the most expensive of the three body styles offered by Tickford, with 14 receiving the DBD 'Special Series' engine.

The Aston Martin DB MkIII drophead coupe played a starring role alongside James Bond, appearing in Ian Fleming's novel 'Goldfinger', though by the time the book made it to the screen the DB5 was the current model, so that was used instead.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: AM300/3/1624
Engine number: DBA 1242

The DB 2/4 Mark III, commonly called simply the DB Mark III, was introduced early in 1957 as the successor to the DB2/4, and it continued through 1959 as the DB Mark IIIB. The Newport Pagnell coachbuilder Tickford built the bodies for the DB 2/4 after David Brown bought the company and moved Aston Martin to their factory in 1954. The Mark III was the ultimate refinement of the DB2 with a redesigned grille, headlights and hood. Road & Track hailed the new design as 'A car for connoisseurs.'

The current owner bought this car in May 1996 from Mark Curtis in Exmouth, Devon, and sent it back to Aston Martin for a complete rebuild. It has since won several major awards. He had examined nearly a half-dozen cars in the year before this purchase. He enlisted the assistance of his English friend Walter Hayes who had been the previous Chairman of Aston Martin.

After learning of the purchase, Mr. Hayes suggested Heydon meet to discuss the car's restoration with engineers and executives at the Tickford Street Works in Newport-Pagnell. The collection of parts received with the car, were used to restore the vehicle. The engine, transmission, all suspension and steering, fuel delivery, chassis, body panels and assemblies, electrical components, body fittings and interior trimming were all a part of the restoration over the two and one-half years project.

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: AM 300 3 1622
Engine number: DBA 1234

Industrialist David Brown purchased Aston Martin in 1947 and provided much needed capitalization; Brown also bought the Lagonda marque and Lagonda's recently developed double overhead cam (dohc) 2580 cc six-cylinder engine. The resulting Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. became a subsidiary of David Brown & Sons, a company that manufactured farm tractors. Brown's initials continued for decades as the Aston Martin ‘DB' series. As many car manufacturers did following the war, Aston Martin got very involved with motor racing and the marque's reputation for speed, style and dependability was established; in 1950 DB2 coupes finished 5th and 6th in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race, and a succession of competition-built Aston Martin DB models including the DBR (R = Racing) models with top race finishes followed. The DB Mark III was introduced early in 1957 as the successor to the DB2-4 and continued through 1959 as the Mark IIIB. Tickford built bodies for the DB 2/4 Mark 2 and Mark 3 after David Brown bought the company in 1954; subsequently, AML moved to the Tickford Works, Newport Pagnell during the late 1950s.

by Aston Martin

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: AM300/3/1386
Engine number: 1029

Some things are just too good to part with, or, touch for that matter. Some things, despite the incredible urge to take and touch and feel, are just better appreciated by what the eyes take in. The beautiful lines of the 1958 Aston Martin DB MK IIIA Coupe cause the eyes to stir the imagination all by themselves. Touch is not necessary.

Aston Martin's DB series is an icon in the automotive industry. David Brown acquired the company in the late 1940s and contracted Frank Freely to design a new model road car. In 1950, Aston Martin debuted its DB2. Throughout the 1950s, the DB2 went through various refinements. Each one seemed to create its own identity among enthusiasts. In 1953, the original DB2 became the DB2/4, which was a four-place saloon. Some of its noted variants were the Drophead Coupe and the Fixed Head Notchback. In 1954, the engine and car performance was the next area to be refined. A new 3.0 liter engine MK II variant, which produced 140 horsepower, was unveiled in 1955. The MK II continued in production until 1957 until it was replaced by the MK III. The DB MK III's engine was now capable of producing 178 bhp with optional dual exhaust outlets. Other refinements on the MK III included the reshaping of the grill on the nose. Its redesigned shape took after the DB3S sports car racing variant. Inside the car's interior, noted changes included the instrument cluster being placed directly in front of the driver. A technical change which took place in 1957 was that the 2/4 indication was dropped in favor of merely DB MK III.

The example up for auction at the 2011 RM Auction in Arizona has been considered a benchmark vehicle. Kevin Kay has been quoted as saying, this car is 'the template with which any DB2-series Aston should be compared for an authentic restoration.' The DB2 had been barely driven ever since it was first purchased in 1958. Like little shots of adrenaline, the car's one and only previous owner had only put 44,000 miles on the car.

The car includes a 162 bhp, 2,922 cc DBA in-line six-cylinder engine. It has dual overhead camshafts and dual SU carburetors. It touts a fully-synchronized four-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with coil springs, trailing arms, anti-roll bar, trailing link, coil springs and Armstrong lever dampers. The rear axle is a live Salisbury connected by trailing links and a transverse Panhard rod. The brakes for this car, though front-wheel Girling disc brakes were optional, are hydraulic drum brakes.

There are numerous amounts of original aspects to the car. This example was offered for sale in Southern California and sports a left-hand driving position. In addition to the left-hand drive that is somewhat unique, this car goes even further. The car still sports the original California 'black plate' issued with the sale of the car. The black plate itself is desirable to many collectors. The car has only had one previous owner since 1958 and was just sold in 2009!

The car's owners, when they purchased it after the death of its original owner, expected to have to restore the car to a certain degree. However, upon inspection, they found the car to be in rather good condition. It was tested and considered to track and drive still with a tight feel, as only a new car would. The chassis has retained much of its original ivory white finish. The seats have been re-covered as the original Connolly black-trimmed hides have been altered. Because of the fact the car is so historic its owners decided not to put the car through any restoration.

Since acquisition, the car has been entered into one classic rally to confirm that it runs as it should be expected. So much of the car is authentic. The car even comes complete with a copy of its original factory build sheet. The car has so many original, complete and irreplaceable aspects to it that it is truly belonging in a special class.

Source:

'Buy: Feature Lots (Lot 142: 1958 Aston Martin DB MK IIIA Coupe)', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r339). RM Auctions Arizona. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r339. Retrieved 3 January 2011.

by Jeremy McMullen

Drophead Coupe
Chassis number: AM/300/3/1700

Aston Martin had derived its name from Lionel Martin and from Aston Hill near Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire. Aston Martin would be founded in 1913 with the help of Robert Bamford and would begin life selling Singer automobiles on Callow Street in London. Martin was quite involved in racing, especially hill climbs, and would decide that he could make his own cars and sell them. The first would be produced in 1915.

Unfortunately, World War I would halt production as Martin had joined the Admiralty and Robert Bamford went into the Royal Army Service Corps. Everything of Aston Martin would be sold to Sopwith Aviation Company.

After the war, Aston Martin would again be re-birthed and would begin actually producing cars. However, financial trouble always seemed to plague the small company and its very existence was threatened many times. Then, once again, another World War would halt production of automobiles. However, at least this time Aston Martin would continue to exist, but now making aircraft components.

When Aston Martin emerged from war yet again, it would do so with a new owner. David Brown Limited would buy both Aston Martin and Lagonda. And under Sir David Brown, Aston Martin's 'post-war savior', Aston Martin would ascend to a whole different level of auto-making and reputation.

The ascendancy would begin with the DB2. A huge step over its predecessor, the dual overhead cam straight-six would be derived from a Lagonda engine and would make the small coupe quite a performer. In fact, the DB2 would become quite successful in motor races and would actually pave the way for the company future success and direction.

While the DB2 would right the ship and get it back on course, its next edition would be considered by some to be the wind that carried the company along. The next edition was, very simply, the DB Mark III, but it would end up being anything but simple.

The Mark III would be the ultimate refinement of the DB2 is just about every way. The bodywork would be redesigned, including the now very familiar grille. The redesigned grille, headlights and hood would take the design from a more classic golden age look into the realm of modern sports car almost overnight. The DB3 would have a new instrument panel and would even make Girling disc brakes available.

Almost everything about the new design would be appealing to the public. It had the look and it had the performance. Road & Track would praise the new design calling it, 'A car for connoisseurs'. This model variant would end up propelling Aston Martin into the future. And it would be this model variant, according to the novels, that would be associated with James Bond.

In total, 551 model DB Mark IIIs would be made. However, out of those 551 models there were a couple of variants that represented the cream of the litter. The rarest and most desirable of the DB3s would be its two coupe variants. One of those variants was the Drophead Coupe. The second was the Fixed Head Coupe. Only about five Fixed Head Coupes would ever be made. Only 84 Drophead Coupes would go on to be made.

At the RM Auctions in Monterey, California one of those 84 Drophead Coupes would be up for sale. The 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Drophead Coupe, chassis number AM/300/1700, represents one of the ultimate refinements of the DB2. This DB3 marks the first actual post-war Aston Martin and is amongst the rarest of the fleet.

Complete with its Feltham, hand-built quality, AM/300/1700 would be delivered with its right-hand drive and Deep Carriage Green finish to Mr. Alfred W. McAlphine in September of 1958. The car would consist of such non-standard equipment as a Laycock overdrive and a twin exhaust system. The car would also come with a 178 bhp, 2.9-liter inline six-cylinder engine with dual SU carburetors. The front wheels would feature hydraulic disc brakes and 'Alfin' drums on the rear. Such a car would be capable of going zero to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds and could touch 120 mph.

Over the years the car would have a few owners. Most currently the property of Bernie Madoff, the car would be driven but the number of miles would be minimal. This would be validated by an inspection in 2008 that found only around 30,500 miles on the car.

Showing some signs of wear, the chassis still sports its Deep Carriage Green finish and period-style wire-spoke wheels and Michelin 'Sport Pilote' X tires. The interior had been re-trimmed with tan leather upholstery, and, had its convertible top replaced with a newer black model.

In spite of its wear, AM/300/1700 is still one of just 84 Drophead Coupe DB3s ever to be produced. It is rare and it is certainly a part of Aston Martin's rise to elite status. In many ways, Aston Martin owes its existence to the DB Mark III, like this one.

AM/300/1700 was expected to earn between $200,000 and $250,000 at auction.

Sources:

'Featured Lots: Lot No. 130: 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Drophead Coupe', (http://www.rmauctions.com/featurecars.cfm?SaleCode=MO11&CarID=r182&fc=0). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/featurecars.cfm?SaleCode=MO11&CarID=r182&fc=0. Retrieved 18 August 2011.

Wikipedia contributors, 'Aston Martin', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 15 August 2011, 12:58 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aston_Martin&oldid=444967566 accessed 18 August 2011

Wikipedia contributors, 'Aston Martin DB Mark III', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 4 June 2011, 16:22 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aston_Martin_DB_Mark_III&oldid=432537515 accessed 18 August 2011

Wikipedia contributors, 'Aston Martin DB2', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 17 June 2011, 15:19 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aston_Martin_DB2&oldid=434776149 accessed 18 August 2011

by Jeremy McMullen

Fastback Coupe

Aston Martin's rich heritage stretches back 100 years to 1913 when Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford opened Bamford & Martin Ltd. The iconic brand, today synonymous with elegance and performance was soon renamed Aston Martin; a nod to the popular Aston Hill Climb. But the outbreak of WWI put a halt to their dreams and they sold their machinery to Sopwith Aviation. Business resumed after the war and Aston enjoyed a growing reputation for engineering and design prowess, soon fielding cars in the LeMans 24 Hour race and even sweeping the podium in 1933.

After another world war and another production halt, industrialist Sir David Brown (DB) purchased the automaker and introduced the DB1, the first in a distinguished line of DB models. It featured advanced engine, chassis and suspension designs that were second to none.

The DB Mark III was introduced in 1957. It featured several refinements over its predecessor, including a reshaped front grille and optional dual exhaust outlets. The instrument cluster was relocated-directly in front of the driver.

The 2922cc DBA inline six-cylinder developed 162 horsepower (178 horsepower with the optional dual exhaust outlets). The motor features dual overhead camshafts as well as dual SU carburetors.

The engine is mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The chassis features independent front suspension with coil springs, trailing arms, anti-roll bar, trailing link and Armstrong lever dampers.

This Aston Martin was purchased new by Eugene M. Smith, who designed the 1949 Ford coupe. En route to order the car, Mr. and Mrs. Smith stopped at a Gucci store to shop. Later, at the dealership they asked if the interior could be matched to their new Gucci shoes. It could and it was.

The car was acquired by the current family in 1962 and driven daily until 1976. Ohio winters eventually took their toll, resulting in considerable rust, save for areas protected by 'English undercoating', AKA a very leaky six-cylinder motor. Every nut, bolt and body panel was faithfully restored or reproduced during its eventual 2010 restoration, including even the badly faded Gucci leather.

Fastback Coupe by Tickford
Chassis number: AM 300/3/1333
Engine number: DBA/959

Aston Martin built 551 examples of the DB Mark III during its three-year run, lasting from 1957 through 1959. These were hand-built vehicles and approximately 310 were exported to the United States.

Aston Martin chose the Geneva Auto Show in 1957 to introduce their DB Mark III model. They served as a model update of the successful DB 2/4 and were the final model based on the Claude Hill-designed chassis of 1948. In mid-1959, the Aston Martin product line was completely reconceived with the introduction of the DB4.

This DB Mark III was ordered through Peter Satori exotics dealership in Pasadena, California and delivered on January 17th of 1958. It was originally finished in black with red interior and its first owner was a resident of Beverly Hills. It was later sold to Mr. G. Bartell in Manhattan Beach before entering the care of Gene Young of Costa Mesa, California. The car would remain with Mr. Young for over three decades. When it was finally sold from the Young estate, it had been parked for many years and, though thoughtfully stored, was in need of significant mechanical attention. It was given a new set of five correct Dayton wire wheels with new Avon Turbospeed tires. The clutch master and slave cylinders have been refurbished and the cooling system has received similar attention.

Power is from a 6-cylinder, 2922cc dual overhead cam engine fitted with Twin SU carburetors and offering 162 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $150,000 - $220,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $129,250 inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe by Tickford
Chassis number: AM300/3/1395
Engine number: DBA/1032

This Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III was first sold by importer J.S. Inskip on October 6th of 1958 to James Gillespie Dale, in Rochester, New York. It soon found its way to California and into long term ownership. Years later it was sold to Japanese collector Eizo Sakaki, and a restoration soon commenced. Before the project was completed, it was sold to new ownership in Oregon. Upon completion it was finished in black with matching wire wheels. The interior was finished in black leather with contrasting grey carpet. The front brakes were upgraded to Aston DB6 discs, while the original Alfin drums remain on the rear. A Tremec five-speed gearbox was fitted for spirited high-speed driving (original David Brown four-speed transmission still remains with the car). The car rides on Avon Turbospeed radials.

Since the restoration work was completed, the car has completed break-in miles only.

by Dan Vaughan

Drophead Coupe by Tickford
Chassis number: AM300/3/1402

The Aston Martin DB MKIII was designed to replace the aging DB2/4 and represented the final evolution of the David Brown Aston Martins. They wore coachwork by Tickford with the most notable visual differences of their predecessors were the DB3S style grille and revised dashboard layout, which together established a new Aston Martin tradition and that continued throughout the production of the DB4, DB5, and DB6 series.

This Aston Martin DB Mk III Drophead Coupe was originally finished in Blue Haze with blue gray Connolly leather upholstery. It had left-hand-drive arrangement, and optioned with a rare continental spares kit. It was also given front disc brakes and rear cathedral taillights.

The car was delivered to Waco Motors on November 12th of 1957. The earliest recorded owner of the car was Robert Yahn, a Pratt Whitney engineer from Lake Park, Florida. It was later acquired by Jack Horn of Nashville, Tennessee. While in his care, the car was disassembled in preparation for restoration, but the project never developed beyond the initial stages. For approximately 2 decades, the DB Mk III sat in a barn outside of Nashville, the body removed from the frame and the frame and various parts were neatly catalogued.

In 2000, the car was discovered by Kevin Kay and acquired it for his client, Reid Dennis, for whom he had just restored a left-hand-drive DB MK III Saloon. A restoration began in October off 2000 and finished in a year later, in November of 2001. Upon completion, Mr. Dennis was the proud owner of two matching concours-quality DB Mk IIIs, both finished in the same Blue Haze color and optioned with Borrani wire wheels, front-disc brakes, dual exhaust, and a bumper overrider bar.

Several mechanical upgrades were incorporated into both restorations, including a KKR-developed five-speed transmission conversion and the UK-sourced 'Feltham fast' suspension system with uprated wheel hubs, spring towers, and alloy brackets.

Both cars remained with Mr. Dennis for several years before the pair was sold to Anthony Symmes, a Northern Collection who owned several significant Aston Martins. The current owner acquired the car in 2010.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe

With only 551 of this model manufactured it is renowned for introducing the now iconic Aston Martin grille shape, echoed in the instrument binnacle as penned by famed designer Tarek Marek. This car is particularly rare as one of 47 with the DBD triple-SU high performance engine producing 180 horsepower rather than the base 162 horsepower, left-hand drive and kilometer gauges. Factory extras include a Laycock de Normanville overdrive, twin exhausts, chrome wire road wheels and a wood trimmed steering wheel. Factory records indicate this was M. Patthey's personal car, at least initially. He was a Swiss Aston Martin importer in Neuchatel who imported 98 Astons throughout his career. He imported the Bristol, AC (including cobra) and Alvis marques as well as Aston Martin. He raced many of these and finished second in the 2-liter category at the 1958 24 Hours of LeMans in an AC Bristol.

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: AM300/3/1451
Engine number: DBA/1056

David Brown had an agenda when he made the move to unite Aston Martin and Lagonda. He had a vision. Unfortunately, the engine he had available to power that vision wasn't enough. Lagonda held the key to what would become an icon of the British automotive industry.

W.O. Bentley had a disagreement with Tim Birkin about supercharging one of his Bentley's. He had always been a purist and a string of success at Le Mans seemed to suggest he knew what he was doing.

Upon leaving for Lagonda, Bentley would set about designing champion. David Brown had a vision of a 2-liter sports car for Aston Martin. Unfortunately, the 1.9-liter he had available to him just didn't live up to Brown's vision. Bentley's engine did. Therefore, Brown would buy and unite Aston Martin and Lagonda and, instantaneously, he would have the engine for which he longed.

The Lagonda 2.6-liter engine would transform Brown's DB2 coupe into a very competitive sports car. This would lead to various model evolutions and updates from 1950 onwards. In 1957, the vision would continue with the DB2 Mk III.

Powered by a 178bhp 2.9-liter DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, the DB2 Mk III carried on the tradition. By 1957, just a little less than 1,200 examples of the DB2s and DB2/4s had been produced. That same year, the final iteration of the line would begin production. The final and considered to be the pinnacle expression of Brown's vision, the DB Mk III would add 551 units to that tally revealing just how good that final expression truly was.

Chassis AM300/3/1451 bears all of what made the DB Mk III the best. One of just 84 examples of the Drophead Coupe, this particular chassis would be all the more rare in that it would be among the half of those 84 that would ever be completed with left-hand drive. In addition, the car would be a DB2/4 meaning it had folding panel that revealed additional seating for two. Girling disc brakes on the front and part of the line that introduced the world to the now obvious Aston Martin grille, this car is about as iconic as they come.

Sadly, this car's history before 2000 is very much a mystery. However, what is now known is that, once it emerged from storage, it underwent extensive restoration work. Kevin Kay Restorations would earn the commission for the project and would set about performing a complete body-off effort.

Considered now to be one of the finest examples of the DB2/4, this car would be completed in 2010 and would sport an optional dual exhaust and a five-speed manual gearbox developed by Kevin Kay Restorations. In addition, KKR would choose to fit the car with triple SU carburetors, which happened to be a factory option in 1958, of which the car is an example.

Restoration costs totaling more than $400,000, it would be easy to understand why this car is considered one of the best examples of the line. Completed in Aston Green metallic paint with factory-optional Borrani wire wheels, this car has all the touches.

Finished with all the extras and an excellent example of Brown's vision for an Aston Martin sports car, this 1958 DB2/4 Mk III would be offered for sale as part of RM Sotheby's 2015 Monterey auction. Expectations for the car were high as the restoration efforts and the rarity of the car caused estimates to range from between $700,000 and $900,000.

by Jeremy McMullen

Fastback Coupe by Tickford
Chassis number: AM/300/3/1359
Engine number: DBA 1001

The Aston Martin DB2 was introduced in 1949 in prototype form. It was powered by a twin-cam six-cylinder engine and wore aluminum bodywork that could be had in either drophead or coupe body styles. The DB2 was followed by the DB2/4, in reference to the occasional rear seating found below a folding panel. By 1957, a total of 1,175 examples of the DB2 and DB2/4 models had been sold. The final and most sophisticated version of the line was marketed simply as the 'DB Mark III', and added 551 units to the total by 1959.

This particular 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III by Tickford was originally delivered to Los Angeles dealer Peter Satori on September 16th of 1957. It came equipped with engine number DBA/1001, which it retains to this day. It came with a 3.77:1 rear axle ratio, Smiths speedometer, and Avon Speed tires.

While in the care of one its owners, Jimmy Dale of Florida, it was given an exacting restoration to its present condition and appearance. It is finished in a sparkling metallic silver with dark grey Connolly leather upholstery.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: 1424

The DB2/4 MKIII is the last of the series of DB2's from the Aston Martin company, built between 1950 and 1958. Notice that the grille design differs significantly from the previous model, the DB2/4, and it was this new grille design that was carried over for the next model, the DB4.

Just 73 of these cars were produced in left hand drive making them among the rarest of all road going Aston DB series cars.

The engine is a 2.9-liter straight six cylinder putting out about 190 horsepower.

This particular car, chassis number 1424, lived its entire life in Brussels, Belgium until recently being imported into the United States. With the exception of one repaint about twenty years ago, the car is completely original and shows a mere 74,000 kilometers on the odometer.

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: AM300/3/1518
Engine number: DBA/1312

This Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III was a factory demonstrator that was first privately owned by Carroll Shelby. When Mr. Shelby acquired it in 1958 he was driving professionally for the David Brown Racing Department. He acquired the Mark III for around half price ($3,500) and prior to the sale, the engine was replaced. Mr. Shelby enjoyed a very successful 1959 season with Aston Martin, with a victory at the 24 Hours of LeMans in late June. Following a final service in September, the car was exported to his home state of Texas.

In the mid-1990s, the car resurfaced and at the time was owned by a Harold Wayne Simpson of Santa Cruz, California. It was acquired by Ed Hermann and at the time the car was in a state of disrepair. Mr. Herrmann commissioned RM Auction Restorations to undertake a comprehensive restoration. Around this time the Carroll Shelby ownership was discovered and Mr. Herrmann was able to contact Shelby and confirm several aspects of his ownership.

The restoration was completed in 1999 and then went on to receive several awards at concours around the United States. A short time later, the car was sold to Judge Joseph Cassini. Since then, the car has passed through a short succession of known owners, currently resides with a collector on the East Coast.

The car is finished in its original colors of Cardinal Grey over Red leather. It is equipped with engine number DBA/1312 as was fitted in 1958 before its sale to Carroll Shelby. It has twin exhaust which it received in early 1959.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: AM300/3/1307
Engine number: DBA/924

Aston Martin produced 551 examples of the DB Mk IIIand this particular example was the 8th built. It was finished on February 2nd of 1957 in Oarmine Silver Grey over black leather and was optioned with the twin exhaust system, Firestone Superspeed tires, an instruction manual, and a heater (but no defroster tubes). It was ordered new in California through the Southern California Rolls-Royce and Aston Dealer, Peter Satori Co. Limited.

The original owner of this vehicle is not known. By 1960 it was in the care of G.I. Nicholson and registered in California with the plate 'NYG 111'. By 1963, the car was in the care of K. Woods of La Puente, east of Los Angeles. By 1970 it had moved to Cleveland, Ohio where it would remain for the next 38 years. While in Ohio, the car was repainted in Silver Birch lacquer while the headliner is believed to have been retrimmed in red flock back in California. It is also believed that the engine was rebuilt in the early 1970s.

The current owner acquired the vehicle in 2008 and treated it to some restoration work, including a respray in burgundy red while the interior has been retrimmed in red leather, including a leather-wrapped dash, steering column, and steering wheel.

This Aston Martin is powered by a 2,922cc dual overhead camshaft inline 6-cylinder engine breathing through Twin SU carburetors delivering 178 horsepower at 5,500 RPM. There is a four-speed manual transmission, front disc, and rear drum hydraulically assisted brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

The DB name came from the name David Brown (later Sir David Brown), an individual who had purchased the Aston Martin Company.

The DB series was built from 1950 through 1953 with only 411 examples being produced. Power was supplied by a W.O. Bentely-designed Lagonda six-cylinder engine that was capable of producing 116 bhp and could propel the car to a top speed of 117 mph. The zero-to-sixty time was around 11.2 seconds. The Vantage series received 125 bhp.

The two-seater DB2's were available in two body styles, the coupe and drophead.

In 1953, the DB2/4 MK1 became available. This series featured a four seater, 2+2, saloon or drophead body style. The design went through minor changes with the most notable changes appearing in the front of the vehicle. The early versions of the vehicle featured a hatchback rear window.

The DB2/4 MK1's were originally powered by a 2.6-liter Vantage engine but were later replaced with a 3-liter, 140 bhp engine that was not only more powerful, it was heavier.

The MK1 series ended in 1955 with 565 examples being produced, 73 being dropheads.

The DB2/4 MK2 series began in 1995 and would continue until 1957. During this time frame, 199 examples were produced. There were two body styles available; a coupe and a convertible. Both had two doors and four seats. A hardtop style saloon was also available although less than 35 were produced.

Most MK2's were mechanically similar to the MK1's, however, later versions received engine modifications that included larger valves and different camshafts. The horsepower output was increased to 165.

In 1957, Aston Martin introduced the final derivation of the DB2 series, the DB MK III. It would continue production until 1959 and amass a production total of 551 units. It was offered in Saloon or Convertible body styles and consisted of 4 seats. The base engine produced 162 horsepower, propelling the vehicle to a top speed of 120 mph.

by Dan Vaughan

The Aston Martin DB2 was introduced to the public at the New York Motor Show. This was not the vehicle's first appearance as it had been raced at the grueling 24 Hours of LeMans where one of the drivers, Pierre Marechal, had been involved in a fatal accident. The DB2 was designed by Frank Freeley and configured as a two-seater touring vehicle. It was Aston Martin's first real production vehicle. The name was derived from the initials of the company's founder, David Brown. The production designs were very similar to the vehicles raced at LeMans, offering LeMans performance and touring comfort. Power was supplied by a twin-cam, W.O. Bentley-designed Lagonda six-cylinder engine capable of producing 115 horsepower. With the 'Vantage' option that became available in 1951, the output increased to 125 horsepower, thanks in part to SU HV6 carburetors and high-compression pistons.

During the DB2's lifespan lasting from 1950 through 1953, 411 examples were produced.

In 1953 Aston Martin introduced the DB2/4 MK1. This version was available in 2+2 Saloon Coupe configuration or as a Drophead Coupe. The Saloon version featured a hatchback rear window, an uncommon design at the time. There were only 73 Dropheads created.

The DB2/4 had been modified both mechanically and aesthetically from its predecessor. The front received updates that gave it a 'cleaner' design. The 2.6 Liter Vantage engine was placed under the hood and provided power for the rear wheels. Due to the extra weight of the DB2/4 MK1, a more powerful 3.0-liter engine capable of producing 140 horsepower was used in 1954.

During the DB2/4 MK1 lifespan lasting from 1953 through 1955, 565 examples were produced.

In 1955 Aston Martin introduced the successor to the MK1, the MK2. There was little to distinguish the MK2. It had the same mechanics as its predecessor and only minor exterior modifications. The main differences were a square rear wing and the addition of the notchback-hardtop that was added to the body-style configurations. There were only thirty of these created. Nearing the end of the MK2, the power was increased to 165 horsepower from the six-cylinder engine.

During the DB2/4 MK2 lifespan lasting from 1955 through 1957, 199 examples were created.

In 1957 Aston Martin introduced the MK III. It was available as a coupe or convertible, both were two-door and capable of seating four individuals. This was the final installment of the DB2 family. It received several mechanical updates including Girling disc brakes, hydraulic clutch, automatic, and overdrive transmission options. This marked the first time that Aston Martin offered disc brakes as standard equipment on a vehicle. Al-Fin drum brakes were used in the rear. Aesthetically, it was similar to its predecessors but had received modifications to the front, including the DB3S grille. The modifications were enough to make the MKIII the most beautiful of all the DB2 models.

The zero-to-sixty time was now rated at 9.3 seconds with the top speed at 120 miles per hour. In standard form with the optional dual exhausts, horsepower was raised to 178 horsepower. By adding Webers, high-compression pistons, and an oil cooler, the horsepower rating skyrocketed to an astonishing 220. These improvements were courtesy of the knowledge Aston Martin had ascertained on the racing track.

During the DB MK III lifespan lasting from 1957 through 1959, 551 examples were produced.

by Dan Vaughan

The first Aston Martin was built in 1913 by London Singer dealers Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin. It was comprised of a Coventry Simplex engine and an Isotta Fraschini chassis. They were later joined by Count Louis Zborowski, who provided finical backing and was an avid racer. Under the patronage of Augustus Bertelli, the legacy of Aston Martin continued to grow in motorsports throughout the years. Motorsports were expensive, and by 1925 the company had entered into receivership, a trend common to the company throughout its lifetime.

In 1926 the Aston Martin Motors Ltd. was incorporated with A.C. (Bert) Bertelli as one of the new directors. With the help of Bertelli, the company weathered the run years and the various financial backers. To many, Bertelli is the father of Aston Martin and some of the greatest pre-War era cars were created under his guidance. Their Ulster and 1.5-liter cars enjoyed much success including at the 24 Hours of LeMans.

A.C. Bertelli left Aston Martin in 1937, soon after the arrival of the new 2-liter car. This car was a shift in the way the company did business, as it was less sporty and marketed more towards civilized driving. In 1939 the company introduced a prototype designed by Claude Hill dubbed the Atom. It was comprised of a steel spaceframe chassis and given a four-door sedan body. When gearbox manufacturer David Brown was given the opportunity to drive the Atom in 1947, he decided to buy the company.

The Atom was a slightly odd-looking vehicle but possessed many modern features which would become the starting point for many new models in the years to come. Aston Martins's push-rod engines, however, were deemed inadequate by Mr. Brown. Rather than creating a new engine design he simply purchased Lagonda and the rights to produce the W.O. Bentley-designed twin-cam six-cylinder engine. This engine would become the basis for Aston Martin engines in the years to come and would give the company many podium finishes.

While negotiations were still in process with Lagonda, a small number of two-liter Aston Martins were created based on the Atom design. At the time, they were called 2-Liter Sports; in modern times they are commonly referred to as the DB1.

A six-cylinder Aston Martin racer made its racing debut at the first 24 Hours of LeMans in the post-War era. The production version was shown in April of 1950 at the New York Auto Show. It was called the DB2 and powered by a 2.6-liter Lagonda six clothed in a two-door coupe body designed by Frank Freely. The design was well received by the public and it appeared as though financial stability would soon become part of the company's lineage. The small factory struggled to keep pace with the demand for the new coupe as more interest was created by the Works DB2s as they scored several important victories including first and second in class at LeMans in 1950.

The first fifty cars created had large grilles that were later removed. In 1951, the Vantage model was introduced which was an upgraded version of the DB2. The DB3 became the company's racing entrant while the DB2 was their road-going model.

The two-seater DB2's first major update came in 1953 when it was given two rear seats and a name change to DB2/4. This, as was the DB2, was available in either fixed or drop-head configuration. Several chassis were delivered to custom coachbuilders to be fitted with unique creations orchestrated by customer's desires and demands. Among them were the 'Wacky' Arnolt commissioned Bertone Spiders which were very attractive and equally as popular.

Though meant for the road, the DB2/4 models were used by privateers in many various sporting events with much success. This inspired the Works to prepare three examples for the Rallye Monte Carlo in 1955. Their efforts were rewarded with a first in class and a Team Prize.

Another major revision occurred in 1956 with the introduction of the DB2/4 MKII featuring a three-liter version of the six-cylinder engine producing 140 horsepower. An even more powerful version was available, featuring a high-lift camshaft, larger valves, and 165 horsepower. Coachbuilders were still given the opportunity to create their versions of the car. The most memorable was a Touring created Spyder shown at the 1956 Earls Court show in London. Three additional orders were placed but never materialized. Nevertheless, this would be the start of a relationship between the British-based Aston Martin Company and the Touring Coachbuilding firm, resulting in spectacular creations throughout the years.

The fourth and final update to the DB2/4 was the MKIII, also known as the DB MK III, introduced in 1957. The basic design of the prior DB cars was retained, as it had proven to be very popular and versatile. The most noticeable change was to the front which received a revised frontal region. The big changes occurred elsewhere, with the vehicle's mechanical components, including the standard 162 horsepower engine and front disc brakes. Both of these changes greatly improved the vehicle's performance and handling capabilities.

In 1958 the DB2 Series was replaced by the DB4 which was powered by a 3.7-liter version of the six-cylinder engine.

by Dan Vaughan