1957→1959 Aston Martin DB MkIII Drophead Coupé
In 1959, Aston Martin lauched the ultimate version of the DB2 known as the MkIII. It was the first prodcution car to use the new refined grill shape that would come to define the face of Aston Martin.
Not limited to styling upgrades the engine was reworked by Tadek Marek to produce 178 bhp which was 16 more than its DB2/4 predecessor. Furthermore the brakes were upgraded to include front discs with rear aluminum alfoin drums.
In 1958, Aston quietly announced a new DBB-specification engine with triple Weber carburetors, higher-compression pistons and a new exhaust which raised horsepower to 195 bhp. This was only ordered on 10 of the 511 Mark III cars produced.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1957 – 1959 |
| built at | Feltham, England |
| coachbuilder | Tickford |
| production | 445 |
| price $ | $ 7,450 |
| engine | Inline-6 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl |
| displacement | 2922 cc / 178.3 in³ |
| bore | 83 mm / 3.27 in |
| stroke | 90 mm / 3.54 in |
| compression | 8.6:1 |
| power | 146.9 kw / 197.0 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| specific output | 67.42 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 155.12 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 263.03 nm / 194.0 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm |
| body / frame | Steel Body over Steel Frame |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| f suspension | Independent w/Coil Springs, Armstong Lever Dampers |
| r suspension | Live Axle w/Coil Springs, Armstrong Lever Dampers, Transverse Parnhard Rod |
| curb weight | 1270 kg / 2800 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2515 mm / 99.0 in |
| front track | 1372 mm / 54.0 in |
| rear track | 1372 mm / 54.0 in |
| length | 4356 mm / 171.5 in |
| width | 1651 mm / 65.0 in |
| height | 1360 mm / 53.5 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 2.92:1, 1.97:1, 1.33:1, 1.00:1 |
| final drive | 2.93:1 |
| top speed | ~192 kph / 119.3 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~9.5 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~33.0 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~17.5 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III AM300/3/145 – sold for $1,072,500 Brilliantly and thoroughly restored by Kevin Kay Restorations. Finished to the highest concours standards. Upgraded with correct-type triple carburetors and a five-speed gearbox. One of just 84 Mk III Drophead Coupes built, of which perhaps half were left-hand drive.
Auction Source: RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2015
Auction Source: RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2015
1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Drophead Coupe – sold for $247,500 Very rare – one of only 84 Drophead Coupes built. The ultimate iteration of the DB2, the first true postwar Aston Martin. A well-maintained older restoration; showing just under 30,400 miles. Complete with a copy of the original Aston Martin build record.
Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM
Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM
