We all remember James Bond driving a DB5 in Goldfinger and a DBS in In Her Majesty’s Secret Service and a V8 in The Living Daylights and—perish the thought—a BMW in Goldeneye, but they got back on track with a DBS V12 in Casino Royale.
The genesis of the Aston Martin as Bond’s car of choice was in the book Goldfinger. Bond was offered the choice of a 3.4 Jaguar or a DB 2/4 MkIII Aston from the motor pool. Both would have fit his undercover assignment, but the Aston had switches to change the color of the headlights, reinforced bumpers and a secret hiding spot under the driver’s seat for a long-barreled Colt 45.
Good choice, Mr. Bond!
The MkIII was an evolution of the MkII. It carried a Tadek Marek redesign of the W.O. Bentley penned 2.9-liter, straight-6 Lagonda engine. There were many firsts, as well. This was the first iteration of the now-so-very-familiar grill that still, through some design changes, sits proudly out in front of all modern Astons today.
A new dash binnacle that mirrored the new grill was added to bring all gauges right in front of the driver. Girling front disc brakes were added. A Laycock-de Normanville overdrive was an available option. You could even have an automatic transmission, if sir was so inclined. A few of the early MkIIIs carried over the tiny red taillights from the MkII, but soon were exchanged for the taillights of the humble Humber Hawk—they looked the part on the Aston.
The standard engine with twin SU carburetors put out around 162 hp; with the addition of the optional dual exhaust, it was said to top out at 178 hp.
In 1959, Road & Track loved almost everything about the Aston except the price—$7,450. Oh, yes, they also didn’t care for the heavy steering, high door sills and stiff ride. They probably would have washed out of MI6, as well.
All that aside, if you aren’t going up against rare metal lovers and their henchmen, you would be hard pressed to come up with a car that you would rather spend a summer day with.
Early Astons have been called agricultural, or fast lorries. The steering may feel heavy at start up, but once you get going it lightens up and gives you a proper amount of feedback. You’re not going to autocross this car—but what gentleman would? Yet, for a drive to the country home on the back roads…brilliant! It could even carry you and a companion’s luggage—how very practical.
A full compliment of Smiths dials greet you from behind the large diameter wheel as you slip into the elegantly worn leather seats. It’s just like slipping on a pair of aged, bespoke Foster & Son shoes. The well-designed interior just fits you correctly.
You must be at full rest to start off, as there is no synchro in first gear, but after that each gear slots into place with well-oiled precision. With the car moving along, you pilot it with grace and decorum. This Aston doesn’t have overdrive, but the previous owner was kind enough to install a taller rear end, so now it’s a joy for high-speed motoring, without using excessive rpm.
The DB 2/4 MkIII may be the gentleman’s GT, but it has enough of the hooligan sports car in it to keep you well engaged. The sounds, the smells and the visceral feel of the Aston keep you very involved with all going on around you. No need for mod-cons. This is all the proper spy or connoisseur will ever need. Not many could have them at all, as only 501 were built, with 83 being left-hand drive. So double-0 status or royal blood would be the likely ticket for entré.
The Mk III was a good deal more pricey and rare than the cars with the leaping cats on them. But you get what you pay for.
Thank you to Matt Degarmo of Matthew L. Degarmo Ltd. Classic Motorcars for allowing me to be a proper spy for a day.
— Sean Smith
