1958 Aston Martin DB Mk III Saloon

The Mk III is the most desirable of the Astons assembled at the Lagonda works, with increased power, better gearing, and improved brakes

by Gary Anderson

Two years after the introduction of the DB2/4 Mk II came the DB Mk III—the suffix “2/4” now dropped. The Mk III retained the one-piece grille with the raised center portion introduced on the DB2/4s, but gave the car the more graceful curves that have distinguished the styling of every subsequent road-going Aston. The new DBA engine featured a stiffer block, stronger crankshaft, and a new cylinder head with bigger valves. It produced 162 hp with a single-pipe exhaust system; 178 hp was available in a dual-pipe version. Improvements in the Mk III were also made in the clutch and gearbox, a Laycock overdrive became available, and after the first 100 cars, front disc brakes were standard rather than optional. This car is painted most appropriately in Aston Martin green with grey leather (as per original build sheet), and is described as in excellent condition in most respects. The car has been fitted with stiffer springs, a useful handling modification. Recent...