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Classic Car Reviews: The Aston Martin DB MkIII The Aston Martin DB MkIII, produced from 1956 through to 1959, was the ultimate expression of a lineage started in 1950 by the DB2. The DB2 was the first real post-war Aston Martin; yes, there was the 2-litre Sports, which was retrospectively to become known as the DB1, but with only 15 of that model made, it could legitimately be thought of as somewhat of a prototype. But the DB2 was a car to be reckoned with. This would compete at Le Mans and other races in a variety of guises, from works to enthusiast maniac, and as such was modestly accomplished. It had some drawbacks in that what boot-space there was accommodated only the spare wheel and a large petrol tank. It could also be said that it was strictly a two-seater, but since this was a common feature of sports cars of the day, it seemed like the perfect car for a certain "Mr and Mrs Smith"... Then in 1953 came the Aston Martin DB2/4. This odd designation, given the establishment of a lineage, refers to the addition of two occasional rear seats; still not exactly a place where his lordship holds his balls and dances, but comfortable enough for small children and little people generally. A curious feature of the main coupe version of this car was the hatchback - it was the first production car, to be so equipped and established a reputation with Aston Martin cars of usability. The DB2/4 MkII was broadly similar in concept, except that it had a re-designed rear-end to tap into the fashion for fins, which further improved luggage space - but the Aston Martin DB2/4 MkIII was a minor revolution; not only was the engine uprated, so that the standard unit would now displace the 2.9 litres previously seen on the hotter Vantage versions of cars, but the mechanicals were updated also. As an option, for the first time on a production Aston Martin, the buyer could specify the new technology of disc brakes for the front wheels! The gorgeous bodywork was designed by Lagonda stylist Frank Feeley, the man also responsible for the DB3S racer. The front end was re-designed to take in the shape grille which had previously been seen on the aforementioned DB3S; the back end was also re-designed to take the tall rear lights seen at the time on the Humber Hawk of the period. The new, grille-shaped dashboard layout also makes its debut on this car - a change from the centrally-mounted grille of the earlier DB cars, and ergonomically very much an improvement. There were a range of gearbox specifications, from the standard 4-speed David Brown manual with a Laycock de Normanville overdrive fifth to an automatic gearbox; of course, even the high-powered DBB engine's 195 bhp wouldn't be too much trouble to these units, although in later cars different set-ups were tried. However, in the two years of the car's production, there were only 551 made; as this is the most advanced version of the very desirable DB2 family, it would be an excellent investment, if you can get hold of one. .

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