Vehicle Description
1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark III Coupe
�
Estimate: $275,000 - $325,000
�
Chassis Number: AM300/3/523
Engine: 350 cid OHV V8
Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor/300 HP (est)
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Hydraulic Front Disc and Drum Rear Brakes
�
Odometer: 72,950 Miles Showing
�
Well Appointed Restored Condition
Fitted With Modern V8 Engine
Offered with Original and Modern Engine
�
The Model: After the end of WWII, Aston Martin was finding a tough
go at getting back into production. Their high-end specialty sports
car niche was filled with competitors and selling their pre-war
2-Liter Sport edition found just over a dozen customers. When David
Brown entered the picture by buying the company, he brought with
him an advanced in-line six-cylinder design that had been purchased
from its developer, W. O. Bentley. The DB2 was first shown in 1949,
and when two extra occasional seats were added the designation was
changed to DB2/4. Sales picked up a bit while constant improvements
were incorporated into the model until 1957 when the Mark III was
introduced. Going from about 140 units a year to 551 by the end of
1959, this car was a smashing success. This model is often referred
to as simply the DB MkIII, it was the final version of the DB2 and
the one most people first experienced the marque's name.
Incorporating the now famous radiator grille opening for the first
time, the shape of which was repeated with the interior's dashboard
design. Most welcomed was the addition of Girling disc brakes up
front while retaining the contemporary drum style brakes to the
rear. Of the 462 DB2/4 Mark IIIs produced, a total of just were LHD
export editions, making this car quite rare and very desirable. Add
to that splendid standard coachwork, and the classic gentleman's
sports coupe was created.
The Car: This is a most unusual DB2/4. Starting with a solid and
rust free California car, it received a total cosmetic restoration
several years ago where it was finished in Raven Black and still
shows quite nicely. Fine red leather was used for the interior
including the occasional seats which can be used with the storage
shelf is raised. All bright work such as the bumpers and those
stunning wire wheels are in show condition and even the undersides
have been finished making car quite presentable from all angles.
But the real surprise on this car comes under the hood. A built
Chevrolet 350 cubic inch V8 has been installed backed up by a
5-speed manual transmission. It is fitted with a pair of circa 1968
DZ302 cylinder heads from the Z28 program, and features an
Edelbrock performance camshaft was well as an Edelbrock 750CFM
Avenger four-barrel carburetor. It produces a harmony of powerful
exhaust sounds that bespeak this car's ability to perform with the
original grace and elegance. Knowing the value of original
components, the original 2,922cc in-line six for this car was
retained and will be sold with the car. From our understand no
major alterations were needed on the Aston Martin's chassis for the
V8 install, This would be a splendid car to enjoy today and then if
desired, the engine can be restored and reinstalled in the future
if so desired. It will be like having the best of both worlds.
