Vehicle Description
Chassis No. AM300/3/1522
Engine No. DBA/1138
As Aston Martin sought to capitalize upon the success of the DB2,
the company introduced the DB2/4 in 1953, a refined 2+2 grand
tourer with more room for occupants and luggage. It was a practical
solution, featuring one of the first applications of a rear
hatchback door, but by 1957, the platform had evolved into
something more sophisticated, capable, and altogether more
definitive: the DB2/4 Mark III.
The DB2/4 Mark III ushered in a host of visual and technical
refinements. Its new DB3S-style grille, designed by Bert Thickpenny
at Tickford, set the template for Aston Martin's most distinct
design language. John Turner, the Mark III's designer, was just 17
years old when he penned the elegant lines of Aston's new model.
Inside, the Mark III featured a redesigned dashboard with its
instruments now grouped in a panel in front of the driver,
enhancing aesthetics and usability. Under the hood, the 2.9-liter
Lagonda straight-six was thoroughly reworked by Aston engine guru
Tadek Marek. Featuring new and stronger internals, the engine
produced 162 horsepower in standard form, but an optional
twin-tailpipe exhaust system boosted power output to 178
horsepower. Improved clutch and transmission components were paired
with standard front disc brakes, delivering the best performance
and drivability yet seen in a roadgoing Aston. Despite a modest
weight increase, the DB2/4 Mark III was the fastest Aston Martin
road car yet.
The DB2/4 Mark III holds a special place in James Bond lore: it was
the first and only Aston Martin ever depicted in Ian Fleming's
original novels, driven by Bond in Goldfinger (1959). By the time
of the legendary story's film adaption in 1964, the current Aston
model was used instead, and the DB5 formally married the two
British icons.
Of the 551 DB2/4 Mark IIIs produced, the overwhelming majority were
four-seater saloons. A limited-production two-seater variant was
also made, with just four Fixed Head Coupes and 85 Drop Head Coupe
convertibles constructed. These highly exclusive variants exchanged
the hatchback trunk for a standard hinged lid, trading practicality
for a sleeker silhouette.
This 1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 MK III Drop Head Coupe is a rare
factory left-hand drive, U.S. market example fitted with the
optional twin-pipe exhaust system, taking advantage of the full
178-horsepower arrangement. Chassis 1522 was originally finished
with a Deep Carriage Green with Light Cream Connolly leather trim
and Black Everflex soft top. It was delivered new in July 1958 to
scientific inventor Dr. Hans Baruch of Berkeley, California. It
remained with the esteemed physiologist for a quarter century,
until it was acquired by Ken Lawrence of nearby Pleasant Hill,
California in 1983. Under its next owner, S T Hamilton, the car was
displayed at the 1989 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and won a
1st in class award at the Monterey Festival Concours d'Elegance.
The DB MKIII would then be sold to collector and enthusiast Jerry
Rosenstock of Van Nuys, California, in 1998, who continued the
tradition of showcasing this rare and gorgeous Aston. The DB2/4
Mark III was displayed at the 1998 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance
on the streets of Beverly Hills, the 1998 Pebble Beach Concours,
and the 1999 Newport Beach Concours d'Elegance-where it won a class
award. In 1999, the car was also featured in issues of Sports Car
International and Sports Car Illustrated. Ultimately in 2007 the
rare Aston Martin would be sold to Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah, the
Prime Minister of Kuwait, and remained overseas in his collection
for some time.
In 2018, the Aston moved to the U.K. and underwent a detailed
inspection and service at Aston Martin Works. The Newport Pagnell
outfit fully rebuilt the motor, revitalized the paint, and
retrimmed the dashboard; a ~$145,000 operation that concluded in
April 2021.
The Aston would be acquired by the Lone Star Sports Car Collection
upon completion of this restoration, introducing the Aston to his
acclaimed Texas-based collection of incredible classic cars.
Between August 2021 and May 2022, the DB2/4 Mark III underwent
another extensive $96,000 restoration, with Foster Vintage in
Northlake, Texas painting the car in its current Red paint finish
and reupholstering the seats in their current Brown leather with a
complementary tan soft top, while Red Car Restorations in Rockwall
refreshed many of the car's electric systems and mechanicals.
Offered now with fewer than 100 miles recorded post-engine rebuild,
this stunningly restored DB MKIII DHC is complete with a copy of
its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, copies of
invoices and inspection paperwork from Aston Martin Works, as well
as invoices from the recent restorative efforts since 2021. This
1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark III is a standout example for
collectors seeking a last-of-the-breed icon of British motoring
that combines rarity, pedigree, provenance, and impeccable
presentation.
