ASTON SERVICE DORSET LTD
DB3S/121
DB3S121
This magnificently presented Aston Martin DB3S may be regarded as the last built of these much coveted and most elegant road usable mid 1950s sports racing cars. The original Feltham built series extended to eleven works team cars, accompanied by twenty production versions for sale to competition-minded owner-drivers. The first prototype DB3S works cars made their successful debut during the 1953 season and the last to be produced by the Feltham factory emerged in 1956. (The picture to the left shows John Lambert in the initial manufacturing stage). All were powered by Aston Martin's famous 2.922cc six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft power unit. The production models (introduced at the 1954 London Motor Show) featured the engine in VB6K single plug head form with three Weber carburettors, developing up to 210bhp at 6000rpm. (The picture to the right shows the initial chassis build and fixing of the bulkhead, again John Lambert was responsible for this phase). One of these production series DB3Ss was independently road tested to return a 0-60mph time of 6.6 seconds, 0-100mph in 14.4 seconds and a maximum of 140.6mph. Manufacturing rights for all pre-1960 Aston Martin cars and components - plus the remaining factory stock of related spares - were acquired in later years by the Forshaw family. (The picture to the left shows the first fitting of the engine and radiator). When they began the complete restoration at Aston Service of a customer’s damaged DB3S - the ex-Doug Graham American-based car, serial number DB3S/112. Brothers Richard and Roger Forshaw mounted a particularly painstaking search for surviving parts of that original car, which yielded a considerable quantity of period DB3S components, both recovered from the USA and acquired from alternative sources. (This picture shows the completed rolling chassis, being rolled out into the sun). These components included chassis parts, running gear and mechanical items - many acquired in duplicate or triplicate. In combination with the existing Aston Service Dorset stock of ex-Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd components - plus a range of parts remade to the original factory designs. (The panelwork was all done by Rod Jolley. This photo shows the jig used to get exact measurements from DB3S/111.)
THE HISTORY CONTINUED
It became apparent that there were sufficient parts available to justify not only the total restoration of the Doug Graham car but also to assemble a sister car. This would emerge as an addition to the original Feltham run of the 1950s. It had closed with chassis number DB3S/120 and so this additional Forshaw assembled car has naturally been given the chassis number DB3S/121. (Both cars with their finished body panels are shown on the left outside the workshop). The economies of scale in progressing the rebuild of two cars side-by-side were obviously attractive. The project was supervised by Richard Forshaw, with body panel work beautifully formed by renowned specialist Rod Jolley.
Assembly and fitting was carried out by multi-talented Team Lotus, Team Surtees and Eagle Racing Technician, John Lambert. (John Lambert putting DB3S/121 through testing on the military circuit at Matchams). These two Forshaw rebuilt Aston Martin DB3S cars - the ex-Doug Graham chassis 'DB3S/112' and this additional sister car 'DB3S/121' - were finally completed in 1994. The superb, effectively 'Sanction 2', extension to the original DB3S production series is now offered for sale effectively as new condition, ready to run on road or track, a splendid tribute to the mastery of Aston Martin and the artistry of stylist Frank Feeley. (Both cars shown completed in the showroom at Aston Service Dorset). The cockpit of DB3S/121 completed in exactly the same specification as the original production cars, with all parts used from new/old stock at Aston Service Dorset. The finished line up outside Aston Service Dorset, 3 of the 5 DB3S once owned by Aston Service Dorset, these were DB3S/101, DB3S/002, DB3S/111, DB3S/112 and finally DB3S/121.
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