Aston Martin DB Mark III

:"See also Aston Martin DB3 for the racing car often confused with the Mark III"Infobox Automobile


name=Aston Martin DB Mark III
manufacturer=Aston Martin
production=1957–1959
551 produced
predecessor=Aston Martin DB2/4
successor=Aston Martin DB4
class=Sports car
body_style=2+2 hatchback
2-seat coupé
2-seat drophead
layout=FR layout
engine=2.9 L "Lagonda" I6
weight=3000 lb (1361 kg)
length=172 in (4369 mm)
width=65 in (1651 mm)
height=53.5 in (1359 mm)
wheelbase=99.0 in (2515 mm)The DB Mark III (normally simply called Mark III, even at the time of its introduction) was a sports car sold by Aston Martin from 1957 through 1959. It was an evolution of the DB2/4 Mark II model it replaced, using an evolution of that car's W.O. Bentley-designed "Lagonda" 2.9 L (2922 cc/178 in³) straight-6 engine.

Overview

Changes included a grille like that on the DB3S, a new instrument panel, and available Girling disc brakes. A hydraulic clutch was new as well, and optional Laycock-de Normanville overdrive or automatic transmission were available. Worm-and-sector steering and a live axle rear end were carry overs. At the rear, the DB2/4 Mark II's tailfins were altered to use the rear lights from the Humber Hawk.

The standard "DBA" engine model with twin SU carburettors produced 162 hp (121 kW), though an optional dual-exhaust system raised this to 178 hp (133 kW). Thus equipped, the car could reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.3 seconds and hit 120 mph (193 km/h). An optional high-output "DBB" engine with twin three-choke Weber carburettors, special camshafts, and the dual-exhaust system boasted 195 hp (145 kW), though this was rarer than a mid-level "DBD" option with triple SU carbs and 180 hp (134 kW).

Girling disc brakes were fitted as standard to the front wheels of all MkIII Astons, after the first 100 had been made. Many cars were upgraded later.Only five automatic cars were made from a total of 551.

A 1959 review by "Road & Track" magazine praised the car for everything but its $7,450 price. "A car for connaisseurs," they called it. "The Aston has many virtues and few faults." Among the faults was too-heavy steering effort, high door sills, and a stiff ride. Interestingly, "R&T" failed to comment at all on the car's innovative hatchback body style, complete with fold-down rear seats, although this had been first introduced in the 2/4 MkI in 1953.

Coupés

Two Coupe variants of the Mark III were also produced. A Drophead Coupé convertible, while not common, still outnumbered the Fixed Head Coupé — 84 of the former were produced, while just five of the latter were built. All five Fixed Head Coupés feature the high-spec "DBB" engine, however. Both featured conventional hinged boot lids rather than the innovative hatch back.

James Bond

James Bond drives an Aston Martin DB Mark III in the novel version of "Goldfinger", though it is referred to as a "DB III" in the book – indeed, the chapter in which he drives to his famous golf-course encounter with the villain is entitled 'Thoughts in a DB III'. It is the only Bond car in the Ian Fleming novels to have gadgets installed. For the film adaptation, which came out a half-decade later, the car was updated to the newer Aston Martin DB5 model and the array of gadgetry was much expanded. It was to became one of the most iconic of classic cars as a result.

Production

* DB Mark III: 551
** Hatchback: 462
** Drophead Coupé: 84
*** DBA: 68
*** DBB: 2
*** DBD: 14
** Fixed Head Coupé: 5

Models

The DB Mk III was included in the Spot-on range in the early 1960s.

References

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