1957→1959 Aston Martin DB MkIII

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
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