1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Drophead Coupé 444

• 1 of only 84 drophead coupés produced

• Highly desirable left-hand-drive variant

• 1 of only 64 produced with twin-SU carburetors

• Recently given a full service

This lot is available for online bidding at WorldwideAuctioneers.com

VIN: AM30031579

Engine No: DBA1259

Body No: TC129

• Numbers-matching DB Mark III

The Aston Martin DB Mark III is arguably the most enchanting sports car to ever be conceived under the Union Jack. With the swagger of Sean Connery and the sophistication of John le Carré, this thoroughly British DB Mark III matches handcrafted luxury with sporting road manners in an inimitable, svelte body draped over its impressive engine. This numbers-matching time capsule is 1 of only 84 drophead coupés produced, which makes it as rare as it is undeniably desirable.

Aston Martin’s path to stardom was paved with myriad obstacles. It began as a boutique operation between two racing enthusiasts who were forced to shift gears, so to speak, amidst two world wars. Aston Martin was essentially pulled from the blitz-fueled rubble by industrialist, David Brown, hence the DB designation, and the small firm was given a glamorous second chapter. This period was truly a golden era for Aston Martin. Early efforts included a 14-car production that was a mere warm-up for the DB2, which found ample success, but the next model would become the most evolved and sophisticated of the line. The DB Mark III was featured in motorcar enthusiast Ian Fleming’s spectacular James Bond novel, Goldfinger, and the movie rights would trigger an ongoing love affair with Aston Martin on the silver screen. The devastatingly beautiful DB Mark III, bodied by Tickford and equipped with W.O Bentley’s 2,922cc dual-overhead cam, inline six-cylinder engine, was the post-war sensation the firm had been working toward. It launched Aston Martin into stardom and resulted in one of the most desirable sportscars to ever roll out of Britain. Only 551 units were produced, but the impact they left behind is staggering, making them all the more valuable today. Of that number, only 84 were produced as drophead coupés, and a mere 64 of those feature twin-SU carburetors, as offered here.

The influential DB Mark III revealed a gently swelling front end that tapered with swan-like grace to the rear and is a snapshot of the sheer elegance and nuance in the British firm’s styling. Inspired by their DB3S racecar, the design included a revised grille opening that has continued in the Aston look today. The design cue became a trademark look and it was flawlessly echoed in the cabin with the cowl-like arch over the driver’s Smiths instrument panel, designed by Frank Feeley. Below the bonnet, the improved DBA engine delivered a bolstered block and crankshaft and a new cylinder head with expanded valves. The clutch and gearbox were revised and Laycock overdrive, as well as front disc brakes, became available in later models like this one. This 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Drophead Coupé is offered with its original owner’s manual, toolkit and matching numbers that correspond to its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate and factory build sheet for Chassis AM30031579, Engine DBA1259 and Body TC.129. Built July 3, 1958, the left-hand-drive Aston was delivered to New York importer of British automobiles, JS Inskip. It spent most of its life on the East Coast before undergoing a correct restoration decades ago. The previous owner had this DB Mark III for well over a decade and preserved it in storage for many years. When this sleeping beauty awoke, she was still equipped with the original inline-six engine, optional Laycock overdrive four-speed gearbox and twin-SU carburetors. This marvelous Aston has recently undergone a thorough servicing that includes restoration of the original radiator, engine, gearbox mounts, Girling brake calipers, wheel cylinders, and brake master cylinder; cooling and brake hoses as well as rubber components have been correctly replaced, and a rebuild of the carburetors and brake fluid reservoir have been conducted. It comes with new 185VR16 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 tires, a new engine gasket set, clutch disc, clutch cover, clutch release bearing, and water pump. Wholly unadulterated, Engine DBA1259 performs as an honest driver that starts, runs and drives, although further inspection is recommended prior to a lengthy road tour. Robed in an elegant peony maroon, offset by the iconic grille, factory optional chrome wing mirrors and complete brightwork, the wholly original drophead coupé is stunning with its tan top and matching tan leather interior. With only 84 drophead coupés produced and a mere 64 with the DBA engine equipped with twin-SU carburetors, this numbers-matching example presents an incredibly rare chance to own a complete Aston Martin DB Mark III. You’re about as likely to find the signed first edition Goldfinger in which DB Mark III stars as you are to find another opportunity quite like this. One thing is for sure, an open-air spin in this DB Mark III will be significantly more fun.