One to Buy: ex-works / Peter Collins 1953 Aston Martin DB3/S
Aston Martin created the DB3S to replace the DB3 which had been the firm’s first purpose-built sports racing car of the David Brown era. The new model featured an improved chassis, uprated suspension and brakes, redesigned bodywork and the latest iteration of the WO Bentley-derived three-litre dual overhead cam straight six.
Campaigned in three distinct series between 1953 and 1957, eleven examples of the DB3S were assembled to works specification during this period, several of which were subsequently uprated to the latest specification to keep them competitive.
In addition, a batch of 20 customers cars were also built up between 1955 and 1956.
Currently on the market with Tom Hartley Jnr. in Leicestershire is the second of those eleven works cars manufactured: chassis DB3S/2.
Raced by the factory team throughout 1953 and ‘54, chassis 2 was most famously driven to victory by Reg Parnell and Eric Thompson at the 1953 Goodwood 9 Hours. Parnell and Thompson also finished second in DB3S/2 at the 1953 Dundrod TT World Sportscar Championship race while Peter Collins used it to bag third at the British Grand Prix Support Race around Silverstone.
For the 1954 season chassis 2 was uprated to Series 2 trim and most notably collected a second place finish with Peter Collins at the Aintree International meeting. Afterwards Collins purchased the car and continued to race it with works assistance.
Today chassis DB3S/2 is presented in superb restored condition throughout.
Reprinted below is Tom Hartley Jnr.’s description:
‘The ex Works and Peter Collins DB3S’.
DB3S/2 is 1 of only 11 works spec cars ever produced, of which just 10 were campaigned by the factory and the other sold to a privateer.
This particular example does not just boast period Le Mans and Mille Miglia history, but was the winner of the 1953 Goodwood 9 hours and was driven in period by the likes of Peter Collins, Roy Salvadori and Reg Parnell.
Following its works history which spanned over two years, DB3S/2 was sold to Peter Collins but was subsequently still prepared and supported by the factory on a number of occasions. In total, Collins raced on at least 10 occasions with DB3S/2.
Having had very few owners throughout its life and those owners being of Aston Martin and car collecting royalty and still retaining its original chassis, body and engine from when it was sold to Peter Collins in 1955, DB3S/2 is an exceptional example of what is one of the most important Aston Martins.
Exceptionally well restored and fresh from a service by marque specialists.
For more information visit the Tom Hartley Jnr. website at: https://www.tomhartleyjnr.com/
