Aston Martin DB Mark III
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Aston Martin DB Mark III | ||
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Kerb weight 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) | | |
Chronology | ||
Predecessor | Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk II | |
Successor | Aston Martin DB4 |
The DB 2/4 Mark III (normally simply called DB Mark III, even at the time of its introduction) is a
It was succeeded by the Aston Martin DB4 in 1958.
Overview
Changes included the front grille, that would become the shape of all future Aston Martin models (designed by Bert Thickpenny), a new instrument panel, and available
The standard DBA engine model with twin SU
A mid-level DBD option with triple SU 1.75" carbs and dual exhaust produced 180 hp (134 kW), and was fitted to 47 cars.
A high-output DBB engine with three twin-choke Weber 35 DCO 3 carburettors, special long duration camshafts, high compression 8.6:1 pistons and the dual-exhaust system was rated at 195 hp (145 kW) and ordered on just 10 cars.
One car was fitted with the special DBC competition engine with a reputed 214 b.h.p., this was fitted with racing camshafts, special connecting rods, very high compression pistons (possibly 9.5:1) & three twin-choke Weber 45 DCO 3 carburettors.
Girling disc brakes were fitted as standard to the front wheels of all Mark III 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 hatchback body style, complete with fold-down rear seats, was introduced in the 2/4 MkI in 1953.
A 1959 review by The US automobile magazineRoad & Track praised the car for everything but its $7,450 price. "A car for connoisseurs," 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.
Coupé, convertible
Along with the hatchback, two two-seater coupé variants of the Mark III were also produced. A "drophead coupé"
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 – 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 five years later, the car was updated to the Aston Martin DB5 model and the array of gadgetry was much expanded. That model was to become one of the most iconic of classic cars as a result.
Production
- DB Mark III: 551
- Hatchback: 462
- Drophead Coupé: 84
- DBA: 68
- DBB: 2
- DBD: 14
- Fixed Head Coupé: 5
LHD: 83
Die-cast models
The DB Mk III was included in the
Oxford Die-Cast have issued models of both the hatchback and the drophead.
Spark Models have issued 1/43 models of the drophead, labelled "DB2/4 Cabriolet 1959".
References
- ^ "DB 2/4 MkIII". Aston Service Dorset. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
Further reading
- "Aston Martin DB Mark III". AstonMartins.com. Retrieved 23 June 2005.
- "Aston Martin Mark III". Road & Track (1959 Road Test Annual): 34–36.