
Louis Frankel
Specialist
LOT 525 *N
1959 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon Coachwork by Tickford Registration no. not registered Chassis no. AM300/3/1733 Engine no. DBA/1465
Two years after the introduction of the DB2/4 MkII came the DB MkIII, 551 of which, mainly saloons, were made between March 1957 and July 1959. 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.
The DB Mark III is also notable as the first Aston Martin to feature in a 'James Bond' novel, being driven by '007' in 'Goldfinger'. It was also the last Aston Martin produced with the W O Bentley-era six-cylinder engine.
Its accompanying copy guarantee form reveals that chassis number '1733' was retailed by the United States importer Inskip and delivered in September 1959 to its first owner, Roger Merrill, President of Atkins & Merrill Inc of Sudbury, Massachusetts. The car left the Newport Pagnell factory finished in Cardinal Grey with blue-grey Connolly hide interior trim, and was equipped with a locking glove compartment lid.
The AMOC Register records the fact that '1733' was still in the USA in 1992. It has a sizeable entry in the Register, which lists numerous outings for the period 1973 to 1987, mainly in speed trials and concours events, while owned by member H Charles Nixon. The current vendor purchased the DB Mark III in August 2007 from Sports & Specialist Cars of Princeton, New Jersey. Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the 2007 bill of sale; sale-related paperwork; old New Jersey Certificate of Title; and the aforementioned copy guarantee form. Stored since acquisition, the car is offered for re-commissioning and sold strictly as viewed.
Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £350 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
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* | Import low rate |
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
N | NOVA declaration |
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice. |