Rare Aston Martin DB Mk III Drophead Coupé Finds Home at Nicholas Mee & Co

The renowned Aston Martin specialist, Nicholas Mee & Co, based in Hertfordshire, proudly presents a truly exceptional vehicle—a unique Aston Martin DB Mk III Drophead Coupé. This particular model, one of only two produced with a high-performance engine and competition-specification components from the outset, is believed to be the sole survivor. The captivating Aston is showcased in its original Black color, complemented by a Beige leather interior.

In the mid-1950s, luxury car buyers enjoyed a plethora of choices. Rolls-Royce and Bentley catered to their traditional market with extravagant limousines, Ferrari and Maserati provided fast GTs for sports enthusiasts, and Porsche was gaining recognition for its thoughtful sports cars. Aston Martin positioned itself as an unparalleled blend of style, sophistication, and performance, offering a spacious 2+2 configuration. Described by a journalist as “a very sporting car that you can drive in a dinner jacket,” the DB 2/4 hatchback could also excel on racetracks and rally courses.

The DB Mk III, the pinnacle of the DB2 series introduced in 1950, marked Aston Martin’s evolution. While production was commonly associated with Feltham, the DB Mk III’s production process increasingly centered around Newport Pagnell. Engineer Tadek Marek, responsible for the DB4/5/6 straight-six and 1970s V8, enhanced the six-cylinder engine designed by WO Bentley, resulting in the ultimate ‘DBB’ specification. With features like triple Weber carburetors, a higher compression ratio, special camshafts, and twin exhausts, it delivered 195 bhp—about 20 percent more than its regular counterpart.

Competing admirably with Italian GTs and Jaguar XKs, the DB Mk III showcased its prowess. Even the production racing car DB3S, with 20 units built, couldn’t boast significantly more power despite its lighter build. A level above in rarity were the two DB Mk III Drophead Coupés, equipped with ‘hot rod’ DBB engines from the start—one of which is now available from Nicholas Mee & Co and is believed to be the sole surviving model.

Chassis 300/3/1555 of the Aston Martin DB Mk III Drophead Coupé was commissioned in Black with a Beige Connolly leather interior, emphasizing its serious driving intent. Equipped with the highest-specification engine, front disc brakes, Alfin rear drums, competition shock absorbers, chrome-plated wire wheels, a twin exhaust system, and a fly-off handbrake, the car was designed for performance. Its initial owner in Montreal enjoyed the car for almost 30 years before it embarked on a journey to collectors in North Carolina and eventually returned to the UK with just 31,000 miles on the clock.

Preserving its originality became a priority for successive owners, presenting the car today in its as-delivered Black with Beige leather configuration. The striking aesthetic aligns seamlessly with the sporting nature of Aston Martin. With a rebuilt engine ensuring it is now ‘on the button,’ this remarkable DB Mk III Drophead Coupé, recording just 36,500 miles, stands among the coveted Aston Martins available at Nicholas Mee & Co’s cutting-edge showroom in Essendon, Hertfordshire.