1958 DB Mark III Saloon s/n 1581

The DB Mark III is renowned for introducing the now iconic Aston Martin grille shape, echoed in the instrument binnacle, as penned by famed designer Tarek Marek.

Within only 551 made, this 1958 saloon, serial AM/300/3/1581, is particularly rare being one of 47 equipped with the DBD triple-SU carburetor high performance engine providing 180 hp rather than the base 162 hp. It has left-hand drive with kilometer instruments as required by Hubert Patthey, the Swiss Aston Martin importer in Neuchâtel.

Aston Martin factory records indicate that this was M. Patthey's personal car at least initially; throughout his career he imported 98 Astons. Documented factory extras include a Laycock de Normanville overdrive, twin exhausts, chrome wire road wheels, rear Alfin brake drums, and a wood trimmed steering wheel.

M. Patthey imported the Bristol, AC (including Cobra), and Alvis marques as well as Aston Martin. He raced many of these, including finishing second in the 2-liter class at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1958 in an AC Bristol.

This car is finished in the original Peony Red livery with black leather trim and biscuit headliner. It was purchased by the current owner in Fall 2012 and given a three-year freshening to its current period correct roadworthy condition.

This work was accomplished with the aid of the late Mike Lundquist of Sandy Utah and Dale Hancock of West Jordan Utah. As part of his trim work Dale skillfully replaced the Wilton wool headliner as documented in Aston Martin Quarterly of Autumn 2013. The owner did all the mechanical work himself.

The car has been driven actively since its return to the road both locally and on longer trips including successful completion of the 1,613 km Colorado Grand charity tour in 2017. The "wildcard" photo shows 1581 on this tour.