First Aston Martin with the famous grille Real James Bond’s car Coachwork done by Tickford Ready to go road-tripping; functionality combined (big trunk) with sportiness The Aston Martin DB MkIII, often referred to as the 'DB2/4 MkIII' or just 'MkIII' was introduced in 1957 at the Geneva Motor Show. The MkIII is a refined version of the DB2, as Aston Martin always endeavours perfection, it believes that the best can be made better. The MkIII was manufactured in ‘larger’ numbers - approx. 600 were made in total until 1959 - and it brought improvements compared to the DB2. It is perhaps the most iconic Aston Martin, as it introduced the Aston Martin trademarking grille. For James Bond fans, we must dispel a common misconception: this is the Bond car that is referred to in Ian Fleming's book Goldfinger. The DB2 already was a highly coveted car, but Aston Martin did not let that stop them from bringing even better and more powerful cars to market, resulting in the design of the MkIII, an aerodynamic and sleek sports car that is very functional, family-friendly and ergonomic. The car can accommodate four people, has a spacious trunk that can even be expanded by folding down the rear seat. Functionality is not something you would expect from an Aston Martin, though it fits it like a glove. An Aston Martin was ‘twice as expensive as a Jaguar’ at the time, unlike Jaguars which were made mechanically, Aston Martins were made by hand with the greatest care. The MkIII brought disc brakes on the front wheels, ensuring ample braking power. The seats were designed to be very comfortable, and although air conditioning did not yet exist, Aston Martin achieved a similar effects using air vents that blend nicely into the exterior design. The gearbox was fully synchronized, and the bodywork was done by Tickford. Just about 600 units were manufactured, not all have survived over the decades, therefore a MkIII is a very rare vehicle that, despite its age, still represents Aston Martin and the history of the brand with great pride today. Technical information: Body work Length (cm): 431 (170 inch) Width (cm): 165 (65 inch) Height (cm): 136 (54 inch) Wheelbase (cm): 252 (99 inch) Weight (kg): 1361 (3000 lbs) Mechanics Engine: 2922 cc six-cylinder front-engine Valve gear: 12, DOHC Fuel system: 3 SU carburettors Gear box: 4-speed manual Transmission: RWD Right-steered power: 178 hp (133 kW) at 5500 t/m torque: 244 Nm at 5500 t/m Top speed: 181 km/h (112 mph)