To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 15 - 17
August 2019.
Estimate:
$250,000 - $300,000
- One of just 47 built to this specification
- One of the first Mk IIIs to arrive in the U.S.
- Well-documented ownership history
- Recent mechanical restoration
The incredible rise of Aston Martin, from the depths of World War
II to the heights of success at the world's greatest racing events,
is a truly fascinating story. But it is a story that cannot be told
without the DB Series. The most sophisticated of all the early DBs,
the DB2/4 Mk III was the first Aston Martin to perfect the
now-ubiquitous trademark grille, with this iteration most
reminiscent of the DB3S sports racers. In the Mk III, that shape
was mirrored in the dashboard for the first time, as the
instruments were moved directly in front of the driver. With a
stiffer block, stronger camshaft, and bigger valves, the
three-liter DBA engine was the ultimate development of the original
W.O. Bentley design. As a further advancement, it was the first
Aston Martin model to offer disc brakes, albeit on the front
corners alone, making it a true sporting machine.
As delivered new, the Mk III offered here was even more sporting
than most of its brethren. Its build sheet confirms that it
received Rumbold safety belts, the factory twin-exhaust system, a
Smiths Oil temperature gauge, as well as front disc brakes�all of
which would suggest perhaps that the original owner, Air Force
Captain Jerome J. Sauber, had intended to drive the car in
competition. Documents confirm that this Mk III is one of only 47
to be so equipped, making it a rare and desirable example.
Following Captain Sauber's ownership, Aston Martin Owners Club
registries show that the car passed into the ownership of New
Jersey collector Irv Bahrt, who campaigned the car at various
competitive racing and concours events before selling it some 20
years later. Passing through the hands of a California-based
collector and later a Virginia collector, the car found its way to
the consignor in 2014. Prior to current ownership, the original
transmission was replaced with a modern Tremec five-speed,
affording the DB2/4 with enhanced drivability and improved
performance.
While in the ownership of the consignor, extensive mechanical work
was completed to bring the car to competitive reliability
standards. The engine was rebuilt, with all the internal components
being replaced with modern all-forged parts. The previously
replaced triple Weber carbs were upgraded to 45 DCOE specification,
the rear axle was replaced, the shocks were re-valved, and the
brakes were upgraded with Alfin and Wilwood components. The car was
then campaigned in the 2015 Colorado Grand and has been sparingly
enjoyed since.
Today this rare specification Mk III presents extremely well and
will certainly make an ideal companion at any number of historic
automobile events, such as the New England 1000 or a potential
return to the Colorado Grand.To view this car and others currently
consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19.
