1959 Aston Martin DB MkIII Sports Saloon Project
Registration no. not registered
Chassis no. AM300/3/1813

'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 Autocar, 4th October 1957.

Chassis number '1813 is notable as one of only three DB Mark IIIs fitted by the factory with Borg Warner automatic transmission; it is the only automatic saloon, the other two cars ('1812' and '1814') being drophead coupés. The accompanying BMIHT certificate and copy guarantee form show that the '1813' was built in left-hand drive configuration for the North American market, and that it left the factory finished in Desert White with black interior. Borg Warner automatic transmission, fully chromed road wheels, wood rimmed steering wheel, polished rear brake drums, and a lockable glove box lid are listed as items of non-standard equipment. The destination dealer in the USA was Charles H Hornburg Jr, and the Aston was delivered to its first owner in Newport Beach, California in October 1959. The original engine was 'DBA/1452'.

Little is known of the Aston's subsequent history, the documents on file picking up the story when the car was advertised for sale and purchased by a Mr S Klein in January 1988. The advertisement described the DB as a competition car with V8 engine and manual transmission. In 1996, '1813' was sold via Scott Johnston of Bend, Oregon to an enthusiast in the Netherlands, passing to the current vendor circa 2014.

The car is offered today in need of complete restoration and should prove to be an excellent basis for such a project, being free of any rust or corrosion to the chassis or body, we are told. A dismantled and incomplete 3.0-litre engine of VB6 type is included in the sale together with a Borg Warner automatic transmission and a David Brown manual gearbox. The accompanying history file contains bills of sale, assorted correspondence, various shipping documents, and a copies of the aforementioned advertisement, BMIHT certificate, and guarantee form.