Beschreibung
LOT 238*, N
1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon
GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED
14 July 2023, 14:00 BST
Chichester, Goodwood
Lot to be sold without reserve
£80, 000 - £120, 000
Coachwork by Tickford
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. AM300/ 3/ 1658
Engine no. DBA/ 1278
• One of only 551 DB Mark IIIs made
• Delivered new to Australia
• Present ownership since 2011
• Dry stored since acquisition
• Requires re-commissioning
Two years after the introduction of the DB2/ 4 Mark II came the DB Mark III, 551 of which, mainly saloons, were made between March 1957 and July 1959. Externally the most obvious change was the adoption of a DB3S-style grille, establishing the 'hallmark' look of subsequent Aston Martins, which had been drawn up by Tickford designer, Bert Thickpenny. This restyled nose give the car a more imposing look, while the interior boasted a redesigned dashboard with instruments grouped in a cowled panel ahead of the driver. According to The Autocar: "The latest models – the DB Mk IIIs – have a number of important improvements and, in addition, a subtle crispness and refinement, as compared with the DB2/ 4, not easily attributed to any one modification."
The 3. 0-litre DBA engine benefited from an extensive redesign by Tadek Marek (newly arrived from Austin) and featured, among other improvements, a stiffer block, stronger crankshaft, and a new cylinder head with bigger valves. 162bhp was available with the single-pipe exhaust system, 178bhp with the optional twin-pipe version. Elsewhere there were improvements to both clutch and gearbox; Laycock overdrive became available and front disc brakes were standard rather than optional after the first 100 cars had been built, commencing at chassis '1401'. Despite the inevitable weight increase, the Mark III was faster than any of its predecessors with a top speed of 120mph (193km/ h).
The DB Mark III is also notable as the first Aston Martin to feature in a 'James Bond' novel, being driven by '007' in Goldfinger. It was also the last Aston Martin produced with the W O Bentley-era six-cylinder engine.
Its accompanying copy guarantee form reveals that chassis number '1658' was delivered new to Australia for one R F Rusk, while the AMOC Register of 2000 records the car as still there in 1994. The original colour scheme was Elusive Blue with Champagne leather trim. Various subsequent owners are listed on the (copy) Australian history sheet on file.
The current vendor purchased the Aston from Brooklands Classic Cars in October 2011, by which time the colour scheme had been changed to red with black interior. Dry stored since acquisition, the car will require recommissioning before it returns to the road.
Please note that this vehicle is only offered with a photocopy of its old registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol ( †, ?, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40, 000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40, 001 up to and including £800, 000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800, 001 up to and including £4, 500, 000 and 14. 5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4, 500, 001. (subject to VAT)
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500, 000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
