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Guide to the Aston Martin DB MKIII
The DB Mark III was the last of the cars to be built using Claude Hill’s chassis design and was produced between March 1957 and July 1959. The DB Mark III was launched at the Geneva Show in March of 1957 available only for export until it was launched in the UK at the London Motor Show in October of the same year.
There were three types of engines fitted to the DB Mark III, the DBA, DBB, DBC and DBD. The DBA was based around many features of the DB3S engine, including larger valves and high lift camshafts, it also had better breathing achieving an output of 162 bhp. The DBB engine was a special series engine rated at 195 bhp with special camshafts and twin exhausts. This engine was an optional extra and fitted to just 10 cars. The DBC engine was a special competition engine which had high compression pistons and racing camshafts, being recorded as fitted to just one car. The final engine, the DBD, was another special series engine, similar to the DBB. The output was recorded as 180 bhp and was fitted to 47 cars.
The main design change came from the radiator opening at the front of the vehicle. The styling of the DB3S was copied to give a much more refined appearance with the softer curves to the bonnet. Chrome beading was added to the windscreen surrounds and the rear lamps were redesigned from those fitted to the earlier models. The interior had a completely redesigned instrument panel which was retained in future models until 1970.
459 DB Mark III Saloons were produced in the 2 year period and sold at £3,076. 84 Drophead Coupes were produced, retailing at £3,451 and later, 5 Fixedhead coupes were produced retailing at the same price.
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