Description
1959 Aston Martin DB MKIII
Registration: 229 XVT
Chassis Number: AM300/ 3/ 1817
Engine Number: DBA/ 1407
Recorded Mileage: c. 7, 000 miles since restoration
- Multiple concours award-winning example
- Fully matching numbers
- Beautifully restored
- One of just 551 DB MKIII models produced, among the finest remaining examples
The DB Mark III occupies a particularly significant place in the history of Aston Martin. Introduced in 1957 as the final development of the DB2/ 4, it represented the culmination of Aston Martin's early post-war sporting grand tourers before the arrival of the DB4. Just 551 examples were produced, with its importance extending beyond rarity: it was the final Aston Martin to employ the twin-cam, Lagonda-derived six-cylinder engine and the final evolution of Claude Hill's chassis, while introducing the now-iconic Aston Martin grille.
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1957, the Mark III's new frontal treatment was designed by Bert Thickpenny and drew inspiration from the successful DB3S competition car. The grille would become one of the defining visual signatures of Aston Martin, with the dashboard too echoing its distinctive shape. The Mark III was also the first Aston Martin to enter the world of James Bond, appearing as the “DB III” in Ian Fleming's Goldfinger novel (1959), predating the DB5's famous cinematic association.
Beneath its elegant fastback coachwork, the Mark III benefited from considerable engineering development. Engineer Tadek Marek substantially reworked the 2, 922cc Lagonda-derived straight-six, and in twin-exhaust DBA specification the engine produced an impressive 178bhp. With a top speed of approximately 120mph and 0–60mph in around 9. 3 seconds, the Mark III offered genuine sporting performance alongside its grand-touring abilities. Girling disc brakes and the refined Claude Hill chassis made for a truly rewarding overall package. The Autocar described it as “one of the world's outstanding sports models”.
This fine example presents an especially compelling proposition. First registered on 6 April 1959, this late-production car carries chassis number AM300/ 3/ 1817, engine number DBA/ 1407 and gearbox number DBLCW/ 0/ 311, and is a matching-numbers car. Its original supplying dealer was Langley Motors of Thames Ditton, the celebrated Aston Martin dealership associated with racing driver and 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours winner Roy Salvadori. The DB was supplied new to Thos. S. Penny Ltd of Taunton, Somerset.
The car retains its original exterior hue of Masons Black, complimented by a beautiful light tan connolly leather interior. The combination suits the Mark III's graceful proportions beautifully, contrasting the characteristic grille, fastback profile, cathedral-style rear lamps and elegant brightwork.
Following its early life in Somerset and Leicestershire, in 1963 the Aston Martin left Great Britain for New Zealand, where it remained for more than five decades. In 2019, it emerged as a genuine barn-find, remarkably original and untouched. Its repatriation marked the beginning of a comprehensive restoration undertaken to a standard befitting its rarity and provenance.
A no-expense-spared restoration was undertaken by marque specialists DD Classics of Richmond with a focus on concours-standards throughout.
The work included a bare-metal repaint in its original Masons Black, complete retrim in light tan connolly Vaumol hide and complete mechanical refurbishment with sympathetic and exhaustive attention to every aspect of the car. Retaining the car's character was a priority, where possible parts and panels were preserved and brightwork restored to an exceptional standard, replacement components were sourced from Aston Martin works, or fabricated as required from Marque specialists across the UK.
A substantial restoration portfolio accompanies the car. The comprehensive file includes extensive photographic documentation chronicling the restoration, together with invoices detailing the craftsmanship and investment involved in returning this DB MKIII to its present standard.
This example is no static concours exhibit. Now well settled with approximately 7, 000 miles under its belt since restoration, this sublime GT has been used as intended. Recent trips include an epic grand tour from Bath to Malta for the Style & Elegance Concours, where it was awarded Best in Show. This trip was celebrated recently in a substantial editorial feature in Octane magazine, August 2026 (Issue 278).
More recently, 229 XVT returned from Belgium following attendance at the Spa Classic, demonstrating its ability to undertake serious continental touring. Briefly, other concours appearances and awards include:
May 2025 - ‘Car of the Show’ - Wheel Nuts Classic Car Show.
June 2025 - Winner, Concours de Elegance - Masters of Motoring at Bowood House
July 2025 - Winner, Concours de Elegance - Wallop Wheels and Wings
Aug 2025 - Winner ‘1st in Class’ Concours de Elegance – Sherborne School Classic Car Show
Sept 2025 - Runner up – Car of the Show - John Haynes Classic Car Show
June 2026 - Concours des Legendes at Wilton House
The current owner has continued to refine the car in accordance with its original build specification, preserving charming period details including the wonderfully evocative “electrical socket for the gentleman's razor”.
A rare late-production, matching-numbers DB Mark III, this exceptional example remains through its continued long-distance a genuine driver's car. A truly splendid example of the ultimate evolution of the Feltham Aston.
Coming to auction with Dore & Rees Motoring at Castle Combe on 12th September.
Details of this vehicle and others featuring in the Castle Combe Autumn Classic Auction will be available very soon. Visit the Dore & Rees Motoring website for full details.
