Aston Martin DB3
- See Aston Martin DB Mark III for the road car often called "DB3"
FR Layout, 3 twin-choke Weber 36 DCF5 carburettors | |
Transmission | David Brown S527, 5-speed Manual, later a David Brown S430/63R, 4-speed Manual, 9" single clutch |
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Tyres | Dunlop 16 x 6 |
Competition history | |
Notable entrants | David Brown |
Notable drivers | Reg Parnell |
The Aston Martin DB3 and later DB3S were
DB3
The DB3 was introduced in 1951 with a 133 hp (99 kW) 2.6 L
In 1953 a DB3 driven by Parnell/Abecassis placed 2nd at the Sebring 12 Hours, the opening race in the World Sports Car Championship, behind a Cunningham CR4 and then at the second round at the Mille Miglia, Reg Parnell drove a DB3 to 5th place, the highest position ever reached by a British sports car in the Italian classic. The car was then replaced as Astons front line car by the DB3S.
Chassis numbers
In total 10 DB3s were made between 1951 and 1953, with chassis numbers from DB3/1 to DB3/10. Cars 1 to 5 being used as works cars and cars 6 to 10 being sold as customer cars. Ended her sporting life, chassis number 1 was sold to Eric Forrest Greene in 1953; unfortunately he only used once, at the 1954 1000 km Buenos Aires. The car crashed and fired, causing the death of his pilot. After the accident, the chassis 1 was repaired and reformed, and used in competition by the son Jack.
Coupés
Several Aston Martin DB3s have received coupé style bodies over the years. Pictured left is Aston Martin DB3/7 Coupé at Silverstone Classic 2008
DB3S
The DB3S was a lighter version of the car, introduced in 1953. It was somewhat more successful, and was produced until 1956.
Originally two 'works'
In 1956 the DB3S was replaced by the DBR1, which claimed victory in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.
References
- "Post War Competition Cars". AstonMartins.com. Retrieved 24 June 2005.