During the winter of 1952 - 1953, Aston Martin engineers began a design to develop a shorter, generally smaller and lighter competition two-seater to replace the DB3.
The use of large diameter tubes in the chassis and torsion bar suspension was continued, but in the DB3S, a spiral bevel replaced the hypoid bevel differential, the de Dion axle was located by a central slide, rather than by a Panhard rod, and a four-speed gearbox replaced the five speed gearbox of the DB3. The 2922 cc engine was also altered: with larger inlet valves, a new camshaft and 35 DCO carburetors, and power output was increased to 182 bhp at 5500 rpm.
The first prototype was tested at Monza in May 1953 and the three cars, DB3S/2, 3 and 4, were entered for Le Mans in June of that year, although unfortunately none of them finished. However, the DB3S won all other races it was entered in during 1953.
Over a three year period the DB3S Works cars were entered for 35 races. The results speak for themselves - 15 first places, 13 second places and 7 third places.
The success of the Works cars gave the model a good start when it was introduced in October 1954.
In total, 30 cars were built, 11 were Works cars, and the remainder were sold to customers who wished to go racing.
This former Works car - DB3S/9 - has a successful history on the racetrack.
1956 - Le Mans (Moss/Collins): 2nd overall, 1st in class.
1956 - Oulton Park (Moss) 1st overall.
1956 - BARC Goodwood (Salvadori), 2nd overall.
1957 - BARC Goodwood (Brooks), 3rd overall.
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