Aston Martin DB Mark III
Aston Martin DB Mark III, a car based on the chassis created by Claude Hill and the Lagonda six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft engine, was unveiled at the Geneva Show in March 1957, and was only available for export until it was seen at the London Motor Show that October. Production of this model ceased when the Aston Martin DB4 was introduced, only nine months later. Of the 310 cars of this model made, many were exported to the United States.
Engineer Tadek Marek fine-tuned the 3-litre engine, resulting in a crankshaft that was sturdier than before, as well as an oil pump and timing chain, new exhaust and induction manifolds, based on the Aston Martin DB3S engine, larger valves, and high lift camshafts (in the first 150 models). Despite the performance improvement, this tweaked engine had the same capacity (2,922cc) twin SU carburettors and compression ratio (8:16:1) as the VB6J.
Externally, the most notable change was the radiator opening, modelled after that of the DB3S, and the subtle compound curves on the front of the bonnet, which would be used for all DB Mark models that followed and the Aston Martin V8. Inside, there was a new instrument panel and a completely redesigned facia, both of which were used until the Aston Martin DB6 Mark II was discontinued in 1970. In 1959, an automatic transmission (Borg Warner) option was available (as an extra).
Technical Specifications:
Engine: dohc I-6, 2922 cc, 162 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Length: 14' 3.5" (435.5cm)
Width 5'5" (165cm)
Height 4' 6.25" (138cm)
Wheelbase 8' 3" (251.5cm)
Weight: 1,270 kg (2,800 lb)
0-60mph: 8.2 secs
Price New: £ 3,076 (Saloon), £ 3,451 (Drophead Coupe)
Production Dates: March 1957 - July 1959
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