162 bhp, inline six-cylinder, four-speed manual transmission, independent coil spring front suspension, live axle with coil springs rear suspension, four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,515 mm (99")

• Factory left-hand drive, matching-numbers example

• Single ownership since the 1970s with 85,000 original miles

• California ‘black plate’ car with documented ownership history

• Early Mark III, eligible for numerous pre-1958 events

The landmark DB2, considered by many the first “real” postwar Aston Martin, was introduced in May 1950. The ultimate and most highly refined variant, the DB Mark III (the “2/4” designation was eventually dropped) was introduced in March 1957 and produced through July 1959 in both fixed and drophead coupe form.

Engineer Tadek Marek thoroughly revised the six-cylinder engine, with output rising substantially. Front disc brakes supplemented Alfin rear drum brakes, with this upgrade being optional on the first 100 Mark IIIs. Styling and body fittings were updated, most notably with a new DB3S-style grille opening. While the later DB5 is most often associated with James Bond, Ian Fleming’s original novel Goldfinger actually had 007 driving a DB Mark III. In fact, the Mark III was the only car in his books equipped with the “Q-Branch” lethal gadgets Bond fans associate with Aston Martins.

This factory left-hand drive DB2/4 Mark III is presented here in its attractive original livery of Peony Red (a deep, rich red) with a beige Connolly leather interior. Once production was completed on December 6, 1957, the car was shipped to authorized sales agent, Peter Satori of Pasadena, California, where it was sold to a Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes. The car remained in Southern California and changed hands a few times, known through 1968, then ownership history picks up again when its most recent, long-term keeper Mr. Leonhardt of Los Angeles acquired the Aston in 1976. During his ownership, the Mark III was well loved and maintained but driven sparingly. The service records, which are included in the sale, reveal that between 1976 and 2011, the car was driven less than 10,000 miles.

In the summer of 2011, Mr. Leonhardt sold the car to a noted restorer who has been preparing it for the next phase of its custodianship with a truly impressive reconditioning. The work performed included completely rebuilding the brake system including the lines, shoes and wheel cylinders. A new clutch pressure plate was installed along with a new water pump. The fuel tank was removed, all lines were replaced, and the carburetors were serviced. All in, the mechanical work totaled over $12,000. The Peony paint is in very good condition with an excellent, even shine and no major blemishes, a testament to the quality of its one known re-spray. The glass and chrome are also very good including the wire spoke wheels, fitted with fresh period-correct Avon tires. In November of 2011 a completely new and authentic beige Connolly leather interior was installed along with Wilton wool carpets.

It is rare to find a real California Aston Martin delivered from new with desirable left-hand drive, with mostly known ownership history and freshly re-commissioned by a knowledgeable restorer. In the final iteration of the classic DB2 line, the DB Mark III is the most refined of the series, and they are a pleasure to own and to drive.