1959 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 Mk III - All Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III

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1959 ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 Mk III

Background

The final refinement of the cars based on Claude Hill’s design and the Lagonda six cylinder twin overhead camshaft engine, is the DB Mark III. Launched in March 1957 at the Geneva Motor Show, it was available for export only until the London Motor Show in October of the same year. The model remained in production for about nine months after the DB4 was introduced. Of the 550 (approximately) cars produce over two thirds were exported to the U.S.A.

The chassis specification was very similar to the DB2/4 MkII. An option of Girling front disc brakes was available from the start of production but became a standard fitting after the first 100 cars were produced. Tadek Marek, the gifted engineer who had recently joined Aston Martin and would go on to design the next generation 6 cylinder engines and then the V8, virtually re-designed the 3.0 litre engine. This included a new block (with top seating Liners), a stiffer crankcase, a new crankshaft, oil pump and timing chain. Performance was equally improved by re-designing the induction and exhaust manifolds, whilst the ports are based on the DB3S engine, with larger valves and high lift camshafts. The majority of cars were fitted with the DBA engine, which was claimed to produce 162 b.h.p. at 5500 r.p.m., breathing though twin SU carburettors. A few (47) cars were supplied with the uprated DBD specification enginewith triple SU carburettors giving an advertised 180 bhp.

In appearance, the Mark III can be distinguished from the MkII at the front by the elegant shaped radiator opening adopted from the DB3S and consequently compound curves of the front of the bonnet, which can be traced on all subsequent models including the V8. And from the rear by the cathedral rear lights which give the car a much cleaner appearance. Opening rear quarter light windows are also fitted. Internally, the facia and instrument panel are completely different, the latter remaining in use up to the DB6 MkII. The standard transmission remained the same as the MkII, with overdrive as an option.

The Mark III is nearly 9” longer than the DB2 and weighs about 350 lb more, which is an increase of about 15%. However, more than 50% more power is available from the standard DBA, compared to the original LB6B engine. It was described by The Autocar (October 4th 1957), who recorded: 9.3 sec 0-60 m.p.h., 31.0 sec 0-100 m.p.h., 17.4 sec over a standing quarter mile and a maximum speed of 120 m.p.h.

Summary

Bought with enthusiasm, restored then owned and driven with enthusiasm, this is no museum piece. She is a lovely old car with a genuine patina that speaks of being used exactly according to David Brown’s vision for Aston Martin cars. The Mark III is the ultimate evocation of the DB 2/4 that the market has rightly recognised with their burgeoning values. But this is not a car to treat with kid gloves and tuck away in storage, this is a car to enjoy, to maintain and to cherish – cracking value and a cracking drive.

Vehicle History

A copy of the original build sheet notes the delivery of the car to its original owner Allan Wright of Ipswich Aircraft & Engineering Ltd of Colchester in Essex. The car was supplied by Langley Motors and the original colour scheme is described as Desert White with Black Leather.

The car has a very good ownership history with the car owned by an Aston Martin enthusiast, a Mr Gilham of Capel in Surrey from 1961 until it was bought by the current owner in 1974. For Gina, the wife of a renowned motoring historian and custodian of the Midland Motor Museum, this was very much “her car” and it has been enthusiastically entered into a variety of events over the past forty years whether taking part in Historic Rallies with her husband, Mike, or taking her place alongside other Aston Martins on the starting grid at Oulton Park.

But first came a comprehensive restoration, supervised by her husband, who also established an Ownership Log at the start of her ownership of the car and, alongside the record of invoices for restoration and subsequent major professional refurbishments to the head and steering box, it faithfully records the care and attention lavished on what was a clear family favourite. Over a hundred handwritten pages record everything from a “run around the block” to preparation for events like the Rally of the Tests. The full list of the events that have been enjoyed over the years is astonishing:

4th March 1989 The Pomeroy Trophy

17th September 1989 Raced at Oulton Park

15th September 1990 Raced at Oulton Park

2nd May 1992 AMOC Historic Rally

4th December 1993 Le Jog Classic Rally

14th May 1995 JDC Driving Tests

12th June 1995 AMOC Le Mans Tour – 3 laps of circuit

24th July 1997 AMOC Display at Silverstone

21st October 1998 AMOC Loire Tour

8th October 1999 Irish Rally

8th November 2001 Rally of the Tests

15th April 2007 MAC Classic Run

25th July 2007 Rotary Run

29th July 2007 MAC Classic Run

13th April 2008 MAC Classic Run

28th June 2008 Outer Hebrides Tour

30th July 2008 Rotary Run

25th April 2010 MAC Classic Run

17th August 2013 AMOC Shelsley Walsh Demonstration

27th April 2014 MAC Classic Run

Like every “Mum’s” car, 1790 actually served the whole family – the Irish Rally was supposed to be an education in navigation for Gina’s son but he enjoyed driving the car so much that he did most of the driving. And so it was on many of the other rallies where husband Mike would turn green when navigating – no clarification as to whether that was Gina’s enthusiastic driving or Mike reading the maps.

And of course, what family treasure would miss out on a family wedding and the car enjoyed a more leisurely outing when their daughter took the car to her wedding!

When she was purchased on 15th September 1974, the mileage recorded on the car was 93,615 and the mileage covered in the intervening period is a shade over 20,000 miles – this is a car that has been cherished and thoroughly enjoyed for the past 40years.   

MOT History

MOT Date   Odometer

16.12.88    93,807
13.08.90    96,211
31.08.91    96,900
16.11.93    98,096
11.05.95    00,943
27.06.96    02,069
22.07.97    03,195
14.10.98    03,393
26.02.00    07,075
20.11.01    07,518
27.01.03    07,606
16.08.04    08,845
02.08.06    09,000
10.04.08    10,057
18.08.09    12,081
23.08.10    12,675
08.08.12    13,127
24.04.14    13,623

Service and Maintenance Record

06.04.59- Mileage: 02,996- Service Agent: Aston Martin

Engine, gearbox and rear axle refilled with oil. Oil in front suspension checked, chassis points greased and lubricated, brake reservoir and battery topped up. Engine tuned, steering checked, rear brakes attended to, head lights re-focussed, ash trays renewed, steel finishing strip to driver’s door tightened.

06.07.59- Mileage: 07,305- Service Agent: Aston Martin

New set of KLG 75 plugs fitted, engine refilled with oil, points cleaned and adjusted, petrol filter & carbs cleaned, air filter element replaced, engine tuned, brakes and clutch mechanism adjusted, gearbox and rear axle oils changed, oils in steering box and front suspension checked, chassis points greased and lubricated. Choke rectified, carbs checked, cable assembly modified, new speedo, clock, cable and drive elbow fitted, n/s dipper rectified, driver’s window rectified.

17.12.59- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Martin

Engine de-carbonised, new set of inlet valve guides and sealing rings fitted, valves and valve seatings re-faced, tappet clearances reset. Timing chains adjusted, new water hoses and gaskets fitted. Plugs cleaned and reset, points cleaned and adjusted. petrol filter & carbs cleaned, air filter element replaced, engine tuned, brakes and clutch mechanism adjusted, gearbox and rear axle oils changed, oils in steering box and front suspension checked, chassis points greased and lubricated. Paintwork rectified.

01.01.60- Mileage: 05,439- Service Agent: Aston Martin

New cylinder head fitted

09.10.63- Mileage: 37,557- Service Agent: Aston Martin

Cylinder head surface faced up, cylinder liners superficially examined, cylinder head re-fitted, new starter ring gear and replacement clutch unit fitted. Replacement petrol pump fitted, oil pressure increased. Accident repairs carried out including re-cellulosing.

01.03.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Hodgkiss

Remove both sills, prepare for new metal, sand off areas on body to be repaired

07.04.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Hodgkiss

Make up panel, fit new outer sills o/s & n/s. Replace inner sills, weld in new metal to n/s rear wheel arch. Cut out old metal and weld in new metal to o/s rear wheel arch. Open rear panels in preparation for aluminium welding

31.05.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Hodgkiss

Cut out old aluminium on wheel arches, make and weld in new arches, Make repairs to rear door aperture, n/s/r wing and around petrol lid. Grind down and shape welds

30.06.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Hodgkiss

Cut out and weld in new metal to o/s/r wing and shape panels and wheel arches

31.08.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Hodgkiss

Remove filler from rear panel, beat out and reshape, complete final shaping of rear wheel arches, hatchback aperture, roof panel and rear panel. Strip paint from vehicle, grind down and weld in new metal to front window screen pillars. Strip paint and sand bonnet, sand down hatchback

03.10.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: FAG Bearing Co

6 x bearings

04.10.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset

Parts only: Oil seal pinion shaft, oil seal axle shaft, oil seal rear hug container, gasket x 2

04.10.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: FAG Bearing Co

2 x bearings

05.10.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: FAG Bearing Co

2 x bearings

22.10.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset

Parts only: Metastatic bush

01.11.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Hodgkiss

Cut out and weld in new metal to both sides of bonnet. Renew lower front panel, complete aluminium and metal welding.

08.11.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Ferodo

Customer brake shoes each fitted 1 x lining

06.12.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset

Parts only: 2 x front hub seal, 2 x bearings, 2 x oil seal, 2 x lower trailing link pins, 4 x outer tracks, 4 x felt seals, 116 x roller, 2 x eccentric spindle. 4 x bush

31.12.84- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Hodgkiss

Shape and front mudguards to bonnet, weld and rivet in position, make good lower edge of wheelarch

10.01.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: FAG Bearing Co

Inner front hub bearing

18.01.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Goodridge UK ltd

3 hose kit

18.01.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset

Parts only: Front disc callipers – pistons, seals & gaiters, service kit one axle

30.01.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset

Parts only: Cylinder liner front & rear, cylinder liner intermediate, top overhaul kit set of engine gaskets, conversion set of engine gaskets piston rings, top chrome, piston rings no 2, connecting rods small end, piston ring scraper apex, piston ring twin segment scraper camshaft drive chain, intermediate drive chain, oil pump and distributor drive chain, crank shaft main bearing set, bottom end connecting rods

01.02.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Hodgkiss

Stop sill panels in preparation for new skins

04.04.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Jones & Sons

Plate 2 x bumper and one grille

24.04.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset

Parts only: 6 x inlet valve, 6 x exhaust valve, 2 x chrome top compression ring, 2 x scraper ring

14.05.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: JBC Motors

To recut locating slots in con rods to suit replacement bearings, closing big end eyes and honing to size. Fitting 5 little end bushes supplied and making one to suit con rod.

11.06.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset

Parts only: Inlet and exhaust valve guides

26.06.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset

Parts only: Inner and outer spring valves

03.10.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: JPM Hogan Motor & Eng

Clean, bead blast, crack detect pressure test. Fit customer’s valve guides, supply and fit 12 valve seats inserts. Pre-machine valve seats, surface grind head face. Finish grind re-cutting of seats to suit customer’s special tool for tappet clearance. Lap in customer’s new valves, Assemble both cam shafts on each bank with customer’s new springs, valves etc Final check for tappet clearance and vacuum test head. Supply and fit 1 x helicoil

31.10.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Chapman Spooner Ltd

Supply Lucas starter motor and Lucas dynamo

01.11.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Hodgkiss

Shaping of rear panels and front wings

12.12.85- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset

Parts only: Carburettor parts, needles, jets, service kits, float chambers

20.01.86- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: JBC Motors

Gearbox: Strip and check all parts, fit new 1st motion shaft, main shaft bearings and oil seals. Making shims to adapt half shaft end float and to connect gear mesh, also get correct neutral position. Making gaskets as required and re-building. Re-rivet 2nd gear synchro cone to gear.

15.05.86- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Hodgkiss

Reshaping of sill, flat body, stop up in preparation for final primer. Complete shaping of bonnet, clean up inside of bonnet & under seal. Strip down inside of doors. Strip, stop, stone chip and under seal

17.06.86- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Hodgkiss

Re-skin front ¼ panels, Repairs to vents, re-skin n/s front door. Reshape o/s front door, prime doors and ¼ panels

04.06.87- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Consolidated Bearings & Seals

1 x bearing as sample

04.06.87- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Frenco Service Replacements

1 x propshaft

18.08.87- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: PD Gough

Stainless steel exhaust

10.03.88- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: G Hodgkiss

Flat, prime, stop up and prepare for top coat. Top coat, flat, lacquer, cut and polish

18.03.88- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Vintage & Classic International

Rims, bulbs, bulb holder / harnesses, switches

04.05.88- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset

Parts only: 2 x exterior door handles, 4 x bumper bolts

19.09.88- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aldridge Trimming

Replace headlining, carpets and minor trim parts.

21.10.88- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset

Parts only: Rubber windscreen surround, rubber rear screen surround, filler strips for both. Aston Martin badge

03.11.88- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Morgans Windscreens

Laminated screen

03.11.88- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Morgans Windscreens

Laminated screen

11.11.88- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aldridge Trimming

Aston martin door panels

01.12.88- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Motor Wheel Service

Reconditioned 16� wire wheel, Aston wire re-built

03.02.89- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Aston Service Dorset

Parts only: Aston Martin badge

23.05.90- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: PD Gough & Associates

2 x straight through silencers to drawing

13.11.93- Mileage: 98,088- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

4 x Pirelli Tyres fitted 175R 16C

09.12.93 - Mileage: 00,900- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

New spark plugs NGK BP7HS. New camshaft bearing cap bolts

03.07.95- Mileage: 02,249- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

Ignition switch fitted with separate starter button

25.03.97- Mileage: 03,080- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

New battery fitted

13.01.99- Mileage: 04,551- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

New wiper blades � Tex classic 00311

10.05.99- Mileage: 04,573- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

06.10.99- Mileage: 05,600- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

4 x Avon Turbospeed tyres fitted

01.11.99 - Mileage: 07,035- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

Transistorised ignition fitted

09.11.99- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Timothy J Stamper

Distributor, crane cams, crane coil, rear bump stops

01.04.01- Mileage: 07,507- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

Diff oil seal. New front brake pads M171. Rear dampers serviced

17.06.02 - Mileage: 08,601- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

6 New exhaust valves. New fan belt 17 1090 43B 1130 LL

19.04.05- Mileage: 08,971- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

No 6 cylinder exhaust valve seat dropped out

28.04.06- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: Headshop (UK) Ltd

Check over cylinder head, remove and fit new guides, pressure test and bore out for new inserts. Crack found, inserts fitted and head retested � OK. Cut all seats and correct all heights, skimmed head to .007�. Washed head, painted and rebuilt head and reset tappets

01.10.06- Mileage: 09,004- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

6 new pistons from Headshop fitted. New alloy �Alperform� cylinder head fitted

31.07.07- Mileage: 09,634- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

6 new spark plugs NGK CR6EIA

15.04.08- Mileage: 10,285- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

New spring loaded float valves fitted. Set using 11mm dia. rod

09.07.08- Mileage: 11,729- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

New wiper blades Tex Classic B00311

02.09.08- Mileage: 11,845- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

2 New front boxes for exhaust system. 18� long removed 24� long fitted

22.09.09- Mileage: 12,089- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

New Tyres Avon Turbosteel 165/80 R16 88H

08.03.11- Mileage: n/a.- Service Agent: GTC Engineering

Standard steering box overhaul: Steering box Housing � all surfaces re-machined to bring within tolerance, new low friction cross shaft bearings fitted, machine box to accept double lip oil seal. Internal grind bores to true up and accept taper roller bearings. Cross shaft � Old roller removed, roller pocket reground to correct angle to axis, shaft reground to suit new house bearings and end plate. Thrust face ground to accept low friction thrust bearing. Roller � New upgraded GTC design to minimise straight ahead free play. End Plate � All surfaces re-machined and ground to bring within new tolerance, new low friction bearing fitted. Worm � Reground to accept new taper roller bearings. Steering Tuber and Top Bearing both replaced. Steering shaft refurbished and straightened. Final assembly, set up and paint

01.06.11- Mileage: 12,997- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

Overhauled steering box fitted

30.07.12- Mileage: 13,122- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

New Varta silver battery E7570 072 051

21.08.12- Mileage: 13,122- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

New starter solenoid

20.05.14- Mileage: 13,752- Service Agent: Bradeney Farm Workshops

Both fuel pumps overhauled. Fuel tank cleaned out & tested by �GAT� Radiators. Tap & filter fitted.

 

 

 

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Tadworth,

SURREY KT20 7HZ,

UK

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