I think it’s safe to say that those of us residing in the rather opulent surroundings of MotorMartin Towers are all big fans of Aston Martin, what they stand for and the results of all their endeavours. So when we heard that Renowned London specialist Fiskens is offering for sale two legendary Aston Martins, there was much gathering around the news desk to gather all information available. Fiskens have confirmed to MotorMartin that although the cars, a 1955 DB3S and a 2005 DBR9, were built 50 years apart they share a quite unrivalled competition pedigree which they have shared below.
The beautiful DB3S was introduced in 1953 and scored victories in prestigious events such as the Tourist Trophy and Goodwood Nine Hours. It also finished second at Le Mans on three occasions and was raced by the greatest names of the era, including Stirling Moss, Peter Collins and Roy Salvadori.
Fiskens’ example is one of the 20 ‘customer’ DB3Ss, chassis 115 being delivered new to US privateer Joe Lubin. In 1957, future Ferrari F1 ace Richie Ginther raced it for Lubin at selected meetings – he scored a second place at Pomona, plus two thirds at Paramount Ranch and another at Palm Springs.
Alan Selby bought ‘115’ in 1965 and kept it for more than 40 years. A ground-up restoration was carried out in the late 1990s, but the Aston retains its original chassis, body and period straight-six engine, plus a Rex J Woodgate competition powerplant.
Despite being very much a 21st-century racer, the later car evokes Aston Martin’s 1950s success via its use of the famous ‘DBR’ name. The DBR9 twice won the GT class at Le Mans – in 2007 and 2008 – and fought a number of memorable battles with Chevrolet’s Corvette. Chassis DB9/102 was the second customer car to be built and was sold to the Diniz family in Brazil. Former Grand Prix driver Pedro Diniz entered the Aston in the 2006 Mil Milhas, with Raul Boesel, Pedro Lamy and former Indycar champion Tony Kanaan as his team-mates. Arguably one of the most original DBR9s in existence, ‘102’ was recently tested by works driver Darren Turner.
“The DB3S is one of the prettiest Astons ever made,” said Gregor Fisken recently to MotorMartin, “as well as being supremely well balanced and rewarding to drive. The DBR9, meanwhile, is one of the marque’s greatest GT racers, and we’re extremely proud to be offering both of them for sale. Either car would be welcome at the world’s finest events.”
Freshly prepared following its outing on the 2017 Mille Miglia, the DB3S is eligible for the Le Mans Classic, Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and Goodwood Revival, while the DBR9 is ready to race in Global Endurance Legends and Masters Endurance Legends series.
Enthusiasts will be able to discuss the two Astons, as well as other consignments, with the Fiskens team at the Concours of Elegance, which will take place at Hampton Court Palace on 1-3 September 2017 and what a show it promises to be.
Where will you go?