Aston Martin DB Mark III

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See also Aston Martin DB3 for the racing car often confused with the Mark III
Aston Martin DB Mark III
Aston Martin DB Mark III at the Scarsdale Concours Aston Martin DB Mark III at the Scarsdale Concours
Manufacturer Aston Martin
Production 1957–1959
551 produced
Predecessor Aston Martin DB2/4
Successor Aston Martin DB4
Class Sports car
Body style(s) 2+2 hatchback
2-seat coupe
2-seat drophead
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 2.9 L Lagonda I6
Wheelbase 99.0 in (2515 mm)
Length 172 in (4369 mm)
Width 65 in (1651 mm)
Height 53.5 in (1359 mm)
Curb weight 3000 lb (1361 kg)

The DB Mark III (normally simply called Mark III, even at the time of its introduction) was a sports car sold by Aston Martin from 1957 through 1959. It was an evolution of the DB2/4 Mark II model it replaced, using an evolution of that car's W.O. Bentley-designed Lagonda 2.9 L (2922 cc/178 in³) straight-6 engine.

Contents

[edit] Overview

Changes included a grille like that on the DB3S, a new instrument panel, and available Girling disc brakes. A hydraulic clutch was new as well, and optional Laycock-de Normanville overdrive or automatic transmission were available. Worm-and-sector steering and a live axle rear end were carry overs. At the rear, the DB2/4 Mark II's tailfins were altered to use the rear lights from the Humber Hawk.

The standard DBA engine model with twin SU carburettors produced 162 hp (121 kW), though an optional dual-exhaust system raised this to 178 hp (133 kW). Thus equipped, the car could reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.3 seconds and hit 120 mph (193 km/h). An optional high-output DBB engine with twin three-choke Weber carburettors, special camshafts, and the dual-exhaust system boasted 195 hp (145 kW), though this was rarer than a mid-level DBD option with triple SU carbs and 180 hp (134 kW).

The DB Mark III featured the world's first hatchback body
The DB Mark III featured the world's first hatchback body
The useful hatch's struts and springs are visible from inside
The useful hatch's struts and springs are visible from inside

Girling disc brakes were fitted as standard to the front wheels of all MkIII Astons, after the first 100 had been made. Many cars were upgraded later. Only five automatic cars were made from a total of 551.

A 1959 review by Road & Track magazine praised the car for everything but its $7,450 price. "A car for connaisseurs," they called it. "The Aston has many virtues and few faults." Among the faults was too-heavy steering effort, high door sills, and a stiff ride. Interestingly, R&T failed to comment at all on the car's innovative hatchback body style, complete with fold-down rear seats, although this had been first introduced in the 2/4 MkI in 1953.

[edit] Coupes

Two Coupe variants of the Mark III were also produced. A Drophead Coupe convertible, while not common, still outnumbered the Fixed Head Coupe — 84 of the former were produced, while just five of the latter were built. All five Fixed Head Coupes feature the high-spec DBB engine, however. Both featured conventional hinged boot lids rather than the innovative hatch back.

[edit] James Bond

James Bond drives an Aston Martin DB Mark III in the novel version of Goldfinger, though it is referred to as a "DB III" in the book – indeed, the chapter in which he drives to his famous golf-course encounter with the villain is entitled 'Thoughts in a DB III'. It is the only Bond car in the Ian Fleming novels to have gadgets installed. For the film adaptation, which came out a half-decade later, the car was updated to the newer Aston Martin DB5 model and the array of gadgetry was much expanded. It was to became one of the most iconic of classic cars as a result.

[edit] Production

  • DB Mark III: 551
    • Hatchback: 462
    • Drophead Coupe: 84
      • DBA: 68
      • DBB: 2
      • DBD: 14
    • Fixed Head Coupe: 5

[edit] Models

The DB Mk III was included in the Spot-on range in the early 1960s.

[edit] References

v • d • e
Aston Martin and Lagonda road car timeline, 1948–present
Type 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Grand tourer DB1 DB2 DB2/4 DB Mk III DBS/Vantage DB7 I6 DB7 Vantage V8 Vantage
DB4 DB5 DB6 V8 Virage/V8 DB9
V8 Vantage V8 Vantage V12 Vanquish DBS V12
Supercar Zagato Zagato Zagato AR1
4-door 2.6-Litre 3-Litre Rapide Lagonda Rapide
Owner David Brown Limited William Willson Sprague & Minden Pace Petroleum & Gauntlett Gauntlett & Livanos Gauntlett, Livanos & Ford Ford Richards, Sinders, Dar, Adeem, & Ford