One of the most attractive and elegantly designed sports racing cars of the post war period, a rare 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Sports Racing Car is expected to fetch a staggering £2.5 million ($3,8 million) when it goes under the hammer at RM Auctions’ highly anticipated Monterey sale, August 17–18 in California. So, the spectacular car, one of just 21 ever built by Aston Martin, could become one of the most expensive British cars ever sold.
“Enthusiasts at Monterey in August consistently look for the finest sports racing cars with which to participate in events around the world, from the Historics at Laguna Seca to the Mille Miglia,” says Rob Myers, Chairman & Founder, RM Auctions. “We are thrilled to be offering this superb DB3S at our sale this year on behalf of its gentleman owner. A fantastic car with great history, it reflects our commitment to offering our clients the world’s finest motor cars.”
The car, which was even adored by James Bond, is a masterpiece of David Brown’s vision. This one, the stunning 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Sports Racing Car with the chassis number 118, was commissioned by Hans Davids, a Dutch motorsport aficionado who actually raced it in England after which he sold it to Paul Hyatt, a captain in the U.S. Merchant Navy, who imported the car to the United States where it continued its strong racing record before it passed through the hands of many owners,, including two well-known Aston collectors who carefully maintained the car for 48 years.
“Aston made very few sports racers in their storied history, with a mere 21 DB3S models available to privateers. DB3S/118 is among the best of the examples extant, with a fully documented race and ownership history and a factory engine upgrade to the ‘Works competition’ twin-plug head specification in its first year and which is still retains today,” adds Don Rose, RM Car Specialist. “An important and fascinating car, you will not see another one in its brilliant orange Dutch national racing livery, as it was when it took first place at its native Zandvoort circuit two years running.”
Painted in the distinctive national racing livery of “Dutch Racing Orange,” a rareAston Martin DB3S is fitted with a 3 liter engine producing 210 bhp. It is not only spectacular in appearance but maintained in pristine condition.
