Aston Martin DB3
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 5
Introduction
The DB Mk.III resulted from its predecessor, the DB 2. It had a bigger and wider grille and a three-litre twin-cam six motor. This was upgraded for this model by the introduction of a stiffer block and much improved timing chain and intake manifolds. Technology taken from the DB3-S racers resulted in larger
valves and higher-lift cam-shafts which caused better breathing from the car.
The twin
SU carburettors stayed. David Brown had supplied the gearboxes on all DB models. It had a crash first gear and the option of
overdrive on top gear on the MK III which gave 28.4 per 1000rpm. Girling front discs were considered an innovative aspect of the Mk.III.
The 1959 DB3
Besides the brand new, mouthwatering
DB4 model introduced in
1958, David Brown was still offering his Aston Martin DB3 at the end of the 1950s decade. Lagonda production had ceased - "temporarily" - many observers thought a new Lagonda was due early in
1960 and some even went so far as to suggest that it would be powered by the old Le Mans V12 power unit.
But to get back to earth, the DB3 buyer for
1959 had the option of the stock, twin overhead camshaft six-cylinder motor or a new version developing 195 b.h.p. at 5,500 r.p.m. The old motor had twin SU carburettors and a net output of 162 b.h.p. at 5,500 r.p.m. Differences in the new engine centred on the breathing department, where triple SUs looked after mixture control. Bodies of standard and special series DB3s were identical. The
DB4, of course, had a four-seater body and a 240 b.h.p. motor.
