1952 Aston Martin DB3 Gallery

The Aston Martin DB3 was a sports designed to race. The original modifications were done by ex-Auto Union engineer, Eberan von Eberhorst.

With it’s 133hp straight 6, the DB3 was introduced in 1951 and didn’t produce strong results. When a larger 2.9 liter straight six was added, lifting engine output to 163 hp the car immediately placed 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at Silverstone May 1952 (in 2.6 ltr form) that year behind a Jaguar C-Type. The cars were forced out of Le Mans, but did claim the 9-hour race at Goodwood.

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.

Learn more about the Aston Martin DB3