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1957→1959 Aston Martin DB MkIII Drophead Coupé

1957→1959 Aston Martin DB MkIII Drophead Coupé

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

1957→1959 Aston Martin DB MkIII Drophead Coupé

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
1957→1959 Aston Martin DB MkIII Drophead Coupé
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