1959 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon, Coachwork by Tickford Registration no. 829 UXJ Chassis no. AM300/3/1798

* Late disc-braked model
* Overdrive transmission (working well)
* An older restoration
* Present ownership since 2005
* Prepared for long-distance road rallying
* Maintained with no expense spared
* Comprehensive history file

Although it never featured in a James Bond film, having ceased production years before the franchise commenced, the DB Mark III nevertheless was the Aston Martin driven by '007' in Ian Fleming's novel, 'Goldfinger'. It was also the last Aston Martin produced with the six-cylinder engine designed under the supervision of the great W O Bentley.

Two years after the introduction of the DB2/4 Mark II came the DB Mark III - the '2/4' suffix being dropped - 551 of which, mainly saloons, were made between March 1957 and July 1959, 55% of which were exported. Externally the most obvious change was the adoption of a DB3S-style grille, establishing the 'hallmark' look of subsequent Aston Martins, which had been drawn up by Tickford designer, Bert Thickpenny. This restyled nose give the car a more imposing look while the interior boasted a redesigned dashboard with instruments grouped in a cowled panel ahead of the driver.

The 3.0-litre engine benefited from an extensive redesign by Tadek Marek (newly arrived from Austin) and featured, among other improvements, a stiffer block, stronger crankshaft and a new cylinder head with bigger valves. 162bhp was available with the single-pipe exhaust system, 178bhp with the optional twin-pipe version. Elsewhere there were improvements to both clutch and gearbox; Laycock overdrive became available and front disc brakes were standard rather than optional after the first 100 cars had been built, commencing at chassis '1401'. Despite the inevitable weight increase, the Mark III was faster than any of its predecessors with a top speed of 120mph.

A very late example, this Aston Martin DB Mark III was purchased by the current vendor from Sherwood Restorations, Nottingham in 2005. The car has been restored in the 1980s by Aston Service Dorset, the engine being rebuilt, the body stripped to bare metal, the interior re-trimmed, etc (bills and photographs on file). In 1994 it had won AMOC concours at Silverstone.

In the current ownership, the Aston has been prepared for and used on long-distance road rallies. Accordingly, upon purchase Sherwood Restorations fitted a full stainless steel exhaust system, bucket seats, safety harnesses, and a Brantz rally meter, while an additional fuel tank was installed in spare wheel well at the same time (original seats with car). In addition, the rear springs have been re-tempered and the car now sits correctly.

While in current ownership, '829 UXJ' has been maintained by JAF Classic Workshops in Cambridgeshire. A new aluminium radiator was fitted in 2008 and a new set of MWS wire wheels in 2006. No expense has been spared in keeping the Aston in fine mechanical fettle, as evidenced by bills on file detailing the works carried out (inspection recommended). The substantial history file also contains numerous expired MoTs: a V5C Registration Certificate; sundry maintenance bills from Aston Martin Works Service while in previous ownership; and a DB Mark III instruction book.
An older restoration with a delightful patina, the car drives very nicely and is presented in 'turnkey' condition, ready to resume its rallying career or indeed enjoyed as a road car.