Description
Debuting at the Geneva Auto Show in 1957 and serving as a model update of the successful Aston Martin DB 2/4, the Mark III was the final model based on the Claude Hill-designed chassis of 1948. During a three-year run between 1957 and 1959, just 551 DB Mark IIIs were hand-built, of which approximately 310 were exported to the US.
This distinctive DB Mark III was ordered through the well-known Peter Satori exotics dealership in Pasadena, California, and delivered on January 17, 1958. The car’s first owner was Mr. Kurt Neumann, Jr. of Beverly Hills. It was later sold to Mr. G. Bartell of nearby Manhattan Beach and then to Mr. Gene Young of Costa Mesa, California. A true enthusiast, Mr. Young owned the car for more than three decades, during which time it would be joined in his stable by a number of other Aston Martins and a Lamborghini Miura, to name but a few.
When the Aston Martin was finally sold from the Young estate in recent years, it had been parked for quite some time and, though thoughtfully stored, was in need of significant mechanical attention. The wheels had deteriorated over time and were replaced with a new set of five correct Dayton wire wheels with new Avon Turbospeed tires, as were specified on the Aston Martin’s original build sheet. The clutch has been freshly replaced, the clutch master and slave cylinders have been refurbished and the cooling system has received similar attention. Further refurbishment of the braking system was completed, and the exhaust system was replaced. We’ve been advised that the 52,710 miles showing on the odometer are original to the car. The marque expert who performed much of the mechanical refurbishment agrees with this assessment.
A Southern California car for a vast majority of its life, this solid example has recently benefitted from a thorough cosmetic restoration. Repainted in its original black (as specified on the included copy of the factory buildsheet), the DB Mark III is strikingly offset with a dark green Connolly leather interior and tan Wilton II carpets. The tasteful combination is distinctly period and fitting. Furthermore, new rubber was used throughout and much of the chrome has been re-plated.
Eligible for numerous tours and rallies, this Aston Martin would make a superb choice for long distance events. With generous interior room and designed to achieve 0–60 mph results in the nine-second range, the classically styled, Tickford-bodied DB Mark III is a comfortable performer. Recent attention as well as the accompanying owner’s manual, spare parts booklet and tools make this a wonderful example.
