1959 ASTON MARTIN DB MK III COUPÉ PAR TICKFORD

French title
Chassis n° AM300/3/1776
Engine n° DB/D/1424

• Restored by Auto Performance
• Aston Martin Paris
• Equipped with the rare original DB/D engine producing 180bhp
• Superb history files
• Provenance from Alain Aziza Aston Martin Paris

The ultimate model in the Aston Martin DB2 series – the first completely created under the direction of David Brown after he bought the company – the DB2/4 Mk III soon lost its 2/4 tag to make clear how the model had evolved, in terms both of its engineering and appearance. The mechanical components were thoroughly revised and their reliability improved, starting with the DOHC six-cylinder engine designed by W.O. Bentley for the DB2, which was enlarged from 2.6 to 2.9 litres. A stronger and more rigid block, a new crankshaft and a new cylinder head with big valves, among other features, had been developed on an interim basis by the engine designer Tadek Marek to create an all-new Aston Martin engine. Power went up from 140 to 162bhp (DB/A engine) with a single exhaust, to 180bhp with twin exhausts (DB/D engine), and to 195bhp with triple Weber carburettors in the DB/B version. In Mk III form introduced in March 1957, the successor to the DB2/4 was truly a new car: it was quicker, more reliable and safer than its predecessors, reaching over 190kph but offering the comfort of a big GT. 551 examples were built from March 1957 until July 1959, most of them coupés.
The left-hand drive car presented here, chassis no. 1776, was built in 1958 and delivered on 2 April 1959 to Mr. L. from London by Aston’s dealer at Brooklands. The options listed included the more powerful DB/D engine with twin exhausts and triple SU HV6 carburettors, producing 180bhp. Only 47 cars were built with this rare engine. The car then crossed the Atlantic to Texas, until its return in 1991, when it was acquired by Alan Aziza. It was completely restored in his workshops and painted black with a red leather interior. This DB Mk III, the most desirable model in the range, is in remarkable condition, with impressive paintwork, excellent body panels and a splendid interior. The car has been maintained and stored in the Auto Performance - Aston Martin Paris workshops. The model was chosen by Alain Aziza for its rarity and performance. It will satisfy the most demanding of collectors, who will have the pleasure of driving a car from the Aston Martin France collection.

Photo © Christian Martin

The auction of this lot will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
https://www.artcurial.com/fr/lot-1959-aston-martin-db-mk-iii-coupe-par-tickford-4134-182