DB3 (United Kingdom, 1951)

The Aston Martin DB3 was released in 1951 just in time to replace the larger DB2. Some important efforts had been put into the concept of the race-purpose DB3 and it was a completely new car, even though it used some parts from the DB2 model.
The DB3 series was a project that consisted on the production of 10 cars, which were built with the specific goal of competing on the tracks. The cars raced for two years with limited success and set Aston Martin to begin focusing on the production of race-specific cars. Five of those cars were eventually sold to customers.

The DB3 was released with a front 2.6-liter Lagonda engine that produced 133 hp. It was replaced in 1952 with a 2.9-liter unit with 163 hp.
This rear-wheel drive model has a 5-speed manual transmission and can reach up to 140 mi/h (225 km/h).

Tubular-framed chassis.   Platform (no data)   Suspension Front trailing arms with transverse torsion arms and Armstrong shock absorbers; rear DeDion axle with trailing arms and torsion bars.   Steering Rack-and-pinion.   Brakes Front and rear Al-fin drum brakes.

Engineer Eberan von Eberhorst is the responsible for the original design of the DB3, in which he integrated his philosophy of simplicity and durability. The clear-cut car was available in both ‘spider’ and coupe body types, although the coupes turned out to be unstable cars when driven at high speeds.

The DB3’s success on the tracks was minor but, still, it finished first at the 1952 9-hour Goodwood race. The DB3 also took second, third and fourth places at that year’s Silverstone race. At the 1953 Sebring 12 Hours, a DB3 took second place overall and a first place in its class.