MODEL DETAILS
The D2/4 Mark III was launched at the Geneva Show in March 1957 and was only available for export when it was shown at the London Motor Show in October. It was the final development of Claude Hill’s chassis (and therefore the “Atom” saloon) and the Lagonda six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft engine, also known as the Mark III (but not be confused with the DB3).
The main change to the DB2/4 Mark II was in the appearance of the elegantly shaped radiator opening found on the DB3S, which gave the Mark III a more modern look and yet retained the essential features of the past radiators. These consequent curves on the front of the bonnet can be traced, in one form or another, to all subsequent models up to now. The revised instrument panel (which remained in use until the DB6 MK2) was styled to reflect the shape of the radiator grill. The bigger roof line was not so obvious anymore, as the chrome strip was omitted. The rear body was similar to the Mark II even to the retention of the small rear lights on a few early cars, though in due course a lamp cluster from the contemporary Humber Hawk gave the rear a cleaner appearance.
The standard DBA engine version had a stiffer crankcase, a new block, new crankshaft, oil pump and timing chain, new exhaust and induction manifolds, etc. producing 162 bhp at 5’500 rpm. Twin exhausts were an optional extra, said to add another 16 bhp. In 1958 special series engines DBB were rated at 195 bhp, DBC at 214 bhp and DBD at 180 bhp.
The prototype had disc brakes on all four wheels, but the subsequent 100 cars were offered with discs on the front wheel as an option. From chassis 1401, the Girling front discs became standard.
The Mark III was nearly 9 inches longer and 350 pounds heavier than the DB2, an increase of 15%, but more than 50% more power was available from the standard DBA engine compared to the original LB6B.
When production of the DB2/4 Mark III ended in July 1959, around 550 Astons had been built (460 saloons, 5 Fixed Head Coupes and 85 Drop Head Coupes) and some 310 Mark III’s were exported to the US.
CAR DETAILS
This DB2/4 Mark III Saloon with chassis number AM300/3A/1309 was delivered to La Vesdre SA (a company combing and spinning cotton) of Verviers in Belgium on 17th May 1958. The factory records show that it was ordered in the period two tone colour scheme Chinese White (top) and Larkspur Blue (bottom) with blue leather.
Aside from knowing the business interest of the original owner in Belgium, there is no further information about its time there and it was first registered in the UK on 22nd January 1965. In 2006, a well known English Aston Martin Broker was approached by the Executors of the Estate of the recently deceased owner to market the car on their behalf. The car had been in the owner's hands since 1986, but was now in need of restoration.
The cooling pipes were in need of replacement, the interior was a little tired and the paintwork flat - but the car was very straight, the bumpers and the bodywork were undamaged. The car was bought by the current owner who is a retired garage owner and veteran car enthusiast, who then undertook the restoration of the car. The body had a bare metal re-spray giving it a beautiful two tone finish in Safire Blue with Zambezi Silver. The interior was totally re-trimmed by an original Feltham Aston Martin trimmer using Wentworth Cream Connolly Hide and Cream carpet. All rubber body and screen seals were replaced and all exterior bright work re-chromed. Mechanically, the car was very sound but the clock, the fuel pumps, the dynamo, the starter and the heater motor were all re-built and the fuel tank re-furbished. Hoses and fuel pipes were replaced and the car drives and runs well.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a collector to acquire an original LHD DB2/4 Mark III in a stunning two tone colour combination and in outstanding condition.
RESTORATION WORKS
- Bare metal re-spray
- New leather hide
- New carpets
- Replace door locks
- Re-chrome exterior trim and fittings
- Replace rubber body and screen seals
- Fit 5 new Avon Turbosteel 185VR16 tyres
- Fit new 15” Motolita steering wheel
- Overhaul engine, transmission, steering alignment, front & rear suspension, brakes and chassis
- Replace distributor
- Replace cylinder head gasket
- Fit power steering
- Fit larger 19-row oil cooler
- Rebuild fuel pumps
- Rebuild dynamo
- Rebuild starter and heater motor
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
- 3 sets of keys
- Dark blue Super-Tex indoor car cover
- Owner’s handbook
- Workshop manual
- Parts catalogue
- History file
PRICE ON REQUEST
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