The Aston Martin DB2 / 4 Mark 3 – A close look at this sports car including used performance, technical data, features, rivals comparison, history and prices.

from classic to modern

CAR

The Aston Martin DB2 / 4 Mark 3 sports car was introduced in 1957 as a 2 + 2 hatchback, and was the successor to the DB2 / 4 Mark 2, of which 199 cars were made covering three variants.

Although worm and sector steering, a live rear axle and a four-speed manual gearbox were retained, it differed from the Mark 2 as follows:

  • The grille was reformulated to one similar to the one used in the DB3S racer

  • Instrument panel layout changed

  • A Laycock-de-Normanville overdrive was available as an optional extra

  • Automatic transmission (only 5 cars installed) became available after the first 100 units, as were Girling disc brakes on the front wheel

  • Rear wing modified to accommodate Humber Hawk saloon replacement taillights

In 1959, in order to complement the hatchback variant, a two-seater Drophead Coupe and Fixed Head Coupe were introduced towards the end of Mark 3 production that year.

A variety of engines were used with the Drophead Coupe, and both variants were fitted with the more traditional hinged roof caps instead of the 2 + 2 hatchback body style.

The Mark 3 sports car continued with the Tickford trainer, and was the final evolution of the DB2 through the Mark 3A in 1958, and ended with the Mark 3B in 1959.

When production ended in 1959, 55 units were produced, consisting of: 462 Hatchback, 5 Fixed Head Coupe (with DBD engine only) and 84 Drophead Coupe (68 with DBA, 2 with DBB and 14 with DBD engines).

Interestingly, a DB2 / 4 Mark 3 was used in the James Bond movie “Goldfinger”.

An eminent motorsports magazine described the Mark 3 as “A car for the connoisseur.”

THE MOTOR

There were four different power plants available for this Aston Martin, depending on the car’s end function:

DBA engine

This was the standard version, and consisted of the 2.9-liter, inline-six Lagonda unit as used in the Mark 2, fitted with two SU carburettors, and developing 165 bhp, with a top speed of 120 mph and 0-60. mph. in 9.3 seconds.

However, when equipped with an optional dual exhaust system, the power would increase to 178 bhp, producing the same top speed of 120 mph but with 0-60 mph now up to 9.2 seconds.

DBB motor

This higher-performance optional unit was equipped with three Weber dual-choke carburettors, specially designed extended-life camshafts, increasing compression to 8.6: 1, high-compression pistons, along with the dual exhaust system.

This format now developed 195 hp, but was only installed in 10 cars.

DBD engine

This less extreme optional unit was installed in 47 cars and consisted of three SU carburettors and the dual exhaust system, which developed 180 hp.

DBC engine

This was the last option installed on a single car and consisted of three Weber double choke carburettors, compression raised to 9.5: 1, racing camshafts, specialized connecting rods and high compression pistons.

This provision developed 214 CV.

COMPETENCE

The following sports cars were typical competitors to the Aston Martin DB2 / 4 Mark 3: Jaguar XK150, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, and Ferrari 250 Europa GT.

SPORTS CARS FOR SALE

A good example of an Aston Martin DB2 / 4 Mark 3 sports car would come in the region of $ 200,000 / £ 125,000 to $ 250,000 / £ 160,000, while a really excellent car would cost between $ 300,000 / £ 190,000 and $ 400,000 / £. 250,000.

This concludes my Aston Martin DB2 / 4 Mark 3 sports car review.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *