This 1957 Aston Martin MK III Prototype is Perfectly Awful

“Some day, down in the future, whoever ends up with this car when it leaves my garage-they may choose to restore it,” says Dave Adams. “…but I hope if and when that happens, they do it with the correct lens so it’s not over-restored.”
This 1957 Aston Martin Mk III is actually the prototype for the Mk III range, and was not only used for official testing and design duties, but had also been entered into the Monte Carlo Rally. As Adams explains, the Mk III represented a huge number of both endings and beginnings for the marque.
“When Ian Fleming wrote Goldfinger in 1957, the gadget-filled Aston Martin, it was a Mk III. The movie was made in 1964,” he says. “Sean Connery drives a DB5, but James Bond drives a Mk III.”
Adams has been working with classic cars since he bought and old Jaguar while a student in high school, and through years of learning, gaining experience, and importing classic cars-since the ’70s-he’s built a life around motoring. His beloved Mk III has remained in Adams’ care since he bought the car in England, and he knew from the get-go that this prototype was a special car.
“I would call it a nice used sports car,” he says. “I sort of think it’s been art directing itself over these years…to me, this car’s perfectly awful-I love it the way it is.”
Drive Tastefully®
Petrolicious.com
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[@RDSAlphard]

It wasn't showroom fresh, but I somehow love this more than a showroom fresh old cars, because this kind of car looks more honest, looks like you actually use it, not just storing it... but that's just me.

[@RalphBellairs]

Couldn't agree more. A car that is still being used every day in gloriously original condition.

[@BlueHopi144]

spot on - his car felt to be driven often and fully enjoyed all the while being watched for carefully .

[@ojodelcaos]

you are absolutely right

[@ChrisStan66]

a car is at its best when it is used and sometimes abused

[@eduardodelatorregordillo443]

I didnt live in the 50s, but I have a theory. That the cars back then, wasnt as perfect as the restored in concours de ellegances now, in every aspect of coach work, paints, trims etc. I love cars.

[@HackoDis]

Now this is what i like to see when a person buys a car, drives on a near daily basis and enjoys it. Thank you very much sir for loving this car the way it should be.

[@swbusby]

"It's not about objects or possessions, its about stories and their connection with humanity."

[@HoldFastFilms]

This guy. He gets it. I like this guy.

[@mtnman6557]

Your comment is "spot on"

[@brettshields1018]

Absolutely. It is so refreshing to see someone who takes and enjoys the car for what it was and is, rather than turning it into a an object for a museum.

[@jvincent1446]

#MeToo

[@quietenglishman4179]

He does indeed. I particularly like the Raymond Baxter connection. Super story; super car.

[@MrBfeboi]

Want an awesome line Sean Connery drives the DB5 but James Bond drives a MK III

[@2.fresh767]

Greetings from England. Great story, please don't restore the old girl, let her be, she's perfect as she is.

[@Mpayne1472]

Agreed 🇬🇧

[@StirlingMossDrives]

"It's not about objects, it's not about possessions. It's about those objects and connections with stories, history and humanity." The perfect way to sum up a true car enthusiasts connection to the automobile. Non car people will never understand this.

[@andymckee53]

The car may be "perfectly awful" but this video was perfectly brilliant! Thank you Petrolicious for a great car story.

[@logancrow5762]

I love these videos just because its about the history of the car, not just a guy reviewing someone elses car.

[@youmustbethatninja]

This guy is so awesome. Please get him on again with another one of his cars.

[@scottkohl5778]

Several years ago, I was at the All British Field Meet in Seattle (okay, Bellevue). A Cycle-winged Aston comes into the parking lot where I was standing, being driven by a gent who had to be close on 80. He pulled up, stopped, got out, and walked away. The entire front end was rock-chipped free of paint (but not rusty). God knows how many miles it had on it. It was as beautiful as this car, for the same reason. It was used and loved.

[@1240enzo]

Simply lovely, it is why as a classic car owner myself for the past 36 years or so, I totally recognise where Dave is with this Aston. I hope it doesn't ever get "restored" but rather is simply maintained and enjoyed. Its just perfect. Thanks once again Petrolicious for yet another wonderful film and story shared.

[@johnnyh18107]

It has been said many times before-but- this has to be THE BEST car lovers channel and some of the best videos on KZbin ! Stories, of different people and vehicles filmed, edited and presented in the best way imaginable. I don't know how or where you find your subject material but PLEASE keep bringing them to us for a long, long time. THANK YOU from a very grateful enthusiast/viewer.

[@pmgarrett13]

Totally agree. This is about the only channel where I am smiling, sometimes laughing, and totally in awe the whole time through. I love seeing the love car owners like this have for their cars, as they are, and driving them, rather than as trophies to be given a score and bragging rights.

[@18echosf]

I agree, as well. Petrolicious is hands-down the finest KZbin automobile channel. The stories, of course, are the key, but the quality of the videos is the absolute best. I look forward every week to receiving the notice that a new video is available for viewing. I truly hope it lasts for a very long time. If not, I'll re-watch every single one! Thanks for all your hard work and skills in telling great car stories.

[@DankeUde]

What a beauty! I think an unrestored car tells a lot more of her life than a pristine one... Thank you for sharing!

[@ooglefluffg857]

If a car is unrestored and not roadworthy, restore it. If a car is unrestored and roadworthy, you have the rarest of gems that should not be touched. Drive it, love it, and keep it going for as long as you possibly can.

[@collarbonecam]

*frantic clapping*

[@aserta]

*Roaring ovations*

[@Rottensteam]

Fapping*.

[@bradgotch]

Im standing and cheering.

[@tarransanders21]

+Sim o Like a true American. (???)

[@cfrincon]

I agree with this man. These cars are meant to be driven, not gather dust on some climate control garage.

[@scheethoofd]

"This is my favourite type of car, original and unrestored." Who am I?

[@kgarba9253]

jay?

[@LUNCHMONEY4numbers]

Lay Chino

[@burlatsdemontaigne6147]

Double denim?

[@francisbaril7868]

Jay

[@diegocalcagno5102]

Jay Leno

[@teddycharvet]

I saw this exact car at the Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance, I met the owner and he is so nice. He has the car for sale for $650k

[@jackaslope]

more like awfully perfect ;)

[@sarahdell4042]

Don't get me wrong, I love the cars featured here. The stories always trump the vehicles though. Amazing

[@Mark321Bundgaard]

I keep coming back to this episode. There's something about the rare but humble aston. It really stats what I like about this channel. It's not about cars. Not about horsepower, torque, or price. It's about story telling through engine sounds, music and great scenery.

[@joolspirog]

What a great guy and a stunning old Aston. So glad it has remained in period. Thanks

[@virgilrytaar9083]

'the Pebble beach straw hat brigade'.....ha! excellent,keep it just like this. Beautiful

[@23727bgk]

Pebble Beach now invites and shows many original cars. It will be a triumph when an original car wins best of show!

[@rprosino]

Finally...The first Pertolicious in a long time showcasing somebody who actually knows about his car. This is what all of the videos should aspire to. -- JT

[@Nemoticon]

Those little Aston's are so pretty and sweet, I just love the shape. The form and detail of this MkIII is just so perfect, cars look no way near as *right* as they did then.

[@TWBJ_01]

This is one of the best cars i've seen on this channel. Just how an old car should be. Rugged and driven.

[@roelsiebrand7181]

More of this man, please. And more like him, too. Wonderful.

[@dimik3855]

The first production Aston with: the new grille new dashboard disc brakes (front) The last one with: a space frame W.O. Bentley engine a build from Feltham 16" wire wheels I have one. A '58. In rougher shape. My first Aston. Right hand drive, like this. A joy to drive. The sound at full throttle is amazing. Even more awesome is how this car looks without both its bumpers. This video gives me goosebumps. Thanks Dave!

[@dholga1970]

A very cool car, a great find for the owner and a fantastic story to tell. Thanks for sharing, Dave Adams!

[@CoastalTides]

Beautiful story, stunning videography. I

[@samuelsteffen4491]

It seems that car used to be registered in Switzerland once, as you can see from the 'CH' sticker on the rear bumper.

[@autoroom21]

The first American that talks about England and not generic ‘Britain’. We salute you sir!

[@klasseact6663]

This owner has a great attitude on the car, glad it's driven and his hopes of it being restored "properly" is something everyone wants to see.

[@Grarder]

This is my kind of car guy. :) The car needs a certain amount of imperfections to really be perfect.

[@Codenamex47]

Thank you for keeping it "perfectly awful!" Its an amazing automobile!

[@DavidWilliams-qi3jl]

Absolutely gorgeous car! I know it's not what you'd call a classic Aston Martin colour but i think it really suits the car. All in all it's automotive perfection and i love it. You're an extremely lucky man. ;)

[@sophiareed2443]

Totally superb car and equally awesome video, you have just changed my plan on restoring my new 190SL project,,,, I’m so crazy about your car, please tell me where you got your helmet from, what model Weber’s are you using ? Thanks again Jr

[@jamesr4422]

You are right. That car can never be restored because it is what it is. It is a perfect representation of what it was designed to be - and, perhaps by fate, it has found the perfect owner.Great video.

[@frufru0071]

What's 'perfectly awful' are the 16 dudes that must have thumb spasms. Great video of an incredible sports car. Thanks.

[@mtheory85]

This is why I love Petrolicious.

[@Royal_Vengeance]

One of the very best Petrolicious ! Superb camera work as always, great owner and captivating story ! Kudos !

[@paulandsueroberts4121]

Raymond Baxter,grew up listening to Raymond when I was a kid, a great broadcaster.You mentioned that He was a Spitfire pilot during Wll, I think I'm right in saying he was the only pilot to try and shoot down a V2 rocket!

[@adamsfamily7654]

Nearly right about the V2 rocket. The kids here have no idea what a V2 rocket is, perhaps this will prompt a few to google that and comprehend the significants of your comment.. As I understand it, Raymond Baxter was part of an elite squadron of Spitfire pilots with missions into Germany to try and destroy the heavily protected V2 launch sites. Surviving something like that probably made driving a factory prepped Aston Martin 4 days, 3 nights non stop 2500 miles in the dead of winter over some of the most treacherous 1 lane alpine passes during white out blizzard condition seem like a birthday party. A Truly amazing man

[@Mrsjoke62]

Love the videos ! Actually, I look forward every Tuesday on the next video. By the way what is the song from 6:10 onwards ?

[@arumrunner]

Another great one and nice to see a non-desert shoot location

[@ajwasp3642]

I've been on that ferry. The Sang Froid Riders Club, had a 2-stroke ride, and I was on my Honda Hobbit moped. At 35mph max, I was embarrassed for holding them up, so I waved them on. No biggie, I was enjoying the country side, enjoying the smells, cruising at 30mph. Anyhow, I just arrived at the ferry, when the whole bunch, just left the dock. It's nice, cruising out there, not much traffic at all.

[@CarambleTV]

Awesome vid again! So nice to see things like this being driven rather than treated as investments and tucked away for no one to enjoy. Nice one Dave!

[@alexlamas6324]

It's more valuable the way it is, restoration could ruin it. Only minimal restoration like taking care of rust and engine upkeep is all that should be done. And for gods sake DO NOT PAINT IT!!! This car is gorgeous!

[@austino775]

This has got to be my favorite channel on KZbin. These videos are incredible..

[@bludmakesgrassgrow]

Always that one Civic owner disliking these vids...

[@pex3]

You know they've featured Hondas before, right?

[@GhostsOfAzrael]

Speaking of Hondas.... there is a bike in my subscription feed for this channel

[@Fussinated]

And always a pin head hater mentions, in dismay, a superior engineered modern vehicle over European junk.

[@chevyimp5857]

I like this guy.. great sensibilities.

[@daveoh13]

i love this series; the 1-offs, limited runs & odd-balls of the auto-world, awesome! thanks...

[@eSysmanSuperYachts]

Great to see the car being used but a little sad that it's been exported out of the U.K. I have a question, how is it he can drive around with the original British number plate on the car in the US? I thought he'd need a US type.

[@victoroporta6752]

Advance Rd! I've literally driven a majority of the roads featured in this video, the first golf course I ever played on is is about 1000 yards from the uphill right hander at 2:15, went to high school about a mile from there, love to see good old Clackamas County backroads making it big! Cheers!

[@poxpopuli2768]

The editor is doing G-d's work with this channel. We all should feel lucky.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

This might very well be the best video you guys have done so far. That car and that history is beyond comprehension. The car is priceless. Just amazing.

[@Adios571]

Thank you. I have helped others restore old English cars with varying success. The hunt for parts, the thrill of finally seeing something you have only seen in pictures or heard about. The variation of the cars, in my case ZA and ZB Magnettes from 1954 to 1958. A preservation car is always a gem. I helped one friend with one recently, but it mainly keeps hidden. Mine is a bitzer of dubious bringing up. It started off with good parebtage but has been subtracted and added to along the way. It has the wrong colour but it has its charm. It is a rolling type of restoration. I can appreciate it more because of this video and your opinions.

[@Vampirebear13]

WoW!!!! Yet another mind-blowingly epic video!!! They say ever car has a story and this story is even better than the car and the car is excellent. Petrolicious is the best car site and channel. PERIOD.

[@MrDanty64]

If only Petro would do longer ones, but then I think we both know the answer as to what it would take$? OR?

[@areasevenpro]

Bruce Wayne also drives a Mk III.

[@TP-3000]

I had the privilege to know Raymond Baxter. I suspect he would've enjoyed this piece very much. Chapeau

[@tonypate9174]

Flash back to my youth and the air show specials far to male and war like be on air today ,All done with style from a man been there done it and no need for the tee shirt

[@LaudaMaestro]

Hats off to this guy. Love the production too, great music as usual.

[@carfreakjim]

A few months ago I was at an car event, somewhere in the back there was an unrestored aston martin db2, I walked around in the pouring rain for at least half an hour just checking out al the details. I was there with two other "petrol heads", they were looking at some new lexus and did not even take an look at the aston. Once they were bored of the lexus they came to me and asked if I was done looking at the car. It just kinda hurted me to see them not even being a little bit interested in the car.

[@carfreakjim]

And that was not the first time something like that happened, last summer they asked me why I was taken pics of that old ugly car, that old "ugly" car was an beautiful facel vega hk500.

[@waxwingflock]

The films this channel produces are way better than Top Gear or Grand Tour have ever produced. They are about real people and their relationships with cars. And they are beautifully made!

[@rachet01]

Other than owning another MGB GT, I'd love to own this beauty !!! What a special car !!!

[@langstonwilliams5530]

I'm glad I discovered this channel!! I love the tone of the narrative. Most of all I enjoy the way the owner of the cars express the history of the vehicle and their connection to the car. Very very genuine! There's a lot of made up material on KZbin, however this program is definitely not one of them.

[@TickleFingers]

love love love that car.... it is just so beautiful. This one on particular is so rare. Hopefully it ends up in a museum. It's sad to think things like this are squirreled away for individual pleasure when there is so much for so many to admire. Doing a great job petrolicious!

[@edstababy]

So much character, when I die and my cars get passed on to new owners I can only hope they appreciate them as much as I did... 💞

[@paulccraciun1816]

The scenery is absolutely gorgeous. It's perfect for a drive in a car like that.

[@momininam946]

Absolutely beautiful story. You guys have done it again. It's an immense pleasure to watch your videos. :')

[@richardmccann3447]

Just lovely. They're only original once and this car just oozes its history.

[@leomehmedi8486]

Admiring his confidence, great pleasure and smile. Happy man!

[@MQZ17]

Wait, how is it awful? that car is beautiful

[@ars3nic]

By every *objective* measure, it's awful -- it's dirty and dinged up, some of the body panels are misaligned, the interior is in pretty bad shape, etc. Subjectively, however, it's perfect just like it is.

[@overbuiltlimited]

One of my favorite videos I've seen from Petrolicious. The story is compelling and the footage top notch. Really well done guys!

[@trefod]

Is it me or does the car look like it is sagging slightly on the right side, like the suspension on that side has given up the ghost?

[@adamsfamily7654]

Hi, Dave Adams here To the couple of viewers obsessed about the car listing to the right. Yup. Brownie points for you. In the process of recommissioning the car for the video shoot I forgot to top up the hydraulic fluid in the shocks. However, read on. I have spent 35 years wrenching on goofy old exotic cars and consequently I am as worn out as my old Aston. Btw..I am also listing to the right as I have recently blown out both my rh shoulder and rh knee. That doesn’t stop us from having fun together. In fact, I would bet you could not get through those curves much faster then I can driving my old beast!

[@matthewsmith6486]

So here it is 6 years on. I've watched this video several times because I love looking at this car. Do you still have it and drive it Dave Adams? I hope so.

[@johnmendezdesign]

Some people have all the luck, Good on hm, Beautiful vehicle and great attitude. Cheers mate!

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

Knew nothing about cars and bought a Jag! ;-) What a prefect way to learn. My first car was a 1976 spitfire, same deal. ;-)

[@fklstv7]

That outro was beautiful. Keep up the great work Petrolicious!

[@mikeyerke3920]

An American speaking (British) English! Hahaha! Nice. I'll bet he has a nice collection of "spanners." Neat.

[@johnnichols9056]

Can you say aluminium ( in British it sound different ). My father had two medical degrees from England and some of his every day speech reflected it even though he was born in West Virginia in 1921.

[@mikeyerke3920]

@@johnnichols9056 Al ewe min eee um? Or something like that…?

[@johnnichols9056]

@@mikeyerke3920 Al You Min I Um, your damn close.

[@mikeyerke3920]

@@johnnichols9056 haha

[@scootosan]

They're only original .....Once

[@jeffkeen6943]

Thanks Dave... great story and a great car... Cheers from Downunder!!!

[@tythompson1633]

Fantastic video of a beautiful unrestored chunk of history. The fact that it's in my neck of the woods just makes it that much sweeter.

[@nohopeforthekids]

This car was for sale on Craigslist last winter. I wanted to look at it so bad but could never bring myself to be a tire kicker with this guy.

[@fredstapelbedtm7384]

Can't wait for David Lee to come on this show!!!

[@MrStevoovets]

Being young loving classic cars is quite saddening, because while "its not about those object and connections" obtaining such a beautiful car let alone several might as well be impossible.

[@comethiburs2326]

keep looking small. midgets and TR4's are still achievable, if you have the will and the might to deal with a complete overhaul. it wont be the same in 10 years.

[@scottf6182]

Absolutely loved seeing air cooled VW posters in the background......I drove airheads for 18 years.....last one was a green single cab for 10 years .....daily driver......fixed and repaired as needed..........miss that one a lot since I sold it.......

[@RoyCousins]

Great car. I even love the colour. Don't restore it, just drive it, look after it and love it.

[@chestermcdaniel106]

She is one of one. This made a 45 year old car guy cry! Thanks for sharing!

[@-CLASSIFIED-]

this is how all cars should be , well used. not stashed away to rot in a shed or sitting pretty in a showroom. they need to see the road and stretch their legs , run free for a bit.

[@hazenaudel6146]

This is my favorite of the stories. A passionate humble gentleman what wants the drive the sh!t out of an incredible car. For himself and nobody else

[@Irishrob]

Brilliant im very happy to see this chanel back on form. Keep up the amazing work.

[@ABCDEFGHIJKELA...]

more of this type of car! this is the kind of thing that makes great stories, cars in real condition, with real history that get driven, and loved.

[@FirstOnRaceDayCapri2904]

my Ford Capri has some rust, it has 488 thousand kilometers, the engine is not numbers matching to the car, it burns oil, it ticks, the rear seats uld need re-upholstering... it's far from concourse but it gets driven a lot and works perfectly fine, i'd rather have this than a trailer queen that never gets driven, even though i would love to have it restored to concourse condition i would still drive it if it were, even more than i do now to be honest

[@klx300moto99]

I recognize all those roads and I drive them regularly, living in the Wilsonville-Canby area. I'm very interested in getting some more history on these cars and this shop and also if this is a public shop. if any one knows any information about the shop, if its public or not and the importing of these cars, it would be much appreciated👍

[@Papieck37]

I love what he says about those folks with "Straw hats at Pebble Beach" LOL...couldn't be said better....a car should be driven......that is what they were made for....not showcasing it in a garage

[@dennyvandermeulen]

hmm....i see lots of americans, but not a lot of american cars on this channel...i wonder why...hehehe

[@MrRaitzi]

Simple. These people have both money and taste :)

[@DeltaSniperZRR]

Hoo ho, I'm from Europe but I have to say, the most beautiful cars from the 1940s till mid 70s are from America. With that, I'm not saying there weren't any nice cars built in Europe.

[@philipcooper8297]

All the 'merican classic cars are long gone, as their build quality was questionable and the steel used on those was literally a rust magnet.

[@hoebywan]

I have seen several American cars on this channel. Classic cars mean different things to different people, that's the point of this channel.

[@KnightDriveTV]

European automotive history is stronger than that of America, in terms of motorsport. I think it's only natural that people who don't live on a drag strip, connect well with what European cars have offered over decades past. When it comes to internet/social media though, hype is alive and well. I think only in the past couple decades have some American firms started to understand what a "driver" car is. I think the Corvette truly represents the ebb and flo of the American mindset, starting as a European competitor, evolving by pressure into somewhat of a muscle car, to then living in a realm of indecision through the mid to late 70's and 80's, to finding its own roots in motorsport and growing off of the 90's. Today, the Corvette finally leads a charge toward European balance, that it attempted to begin 60+yrs ago. It's just taken America that long to actually want it, and buy it. Still, we see the balance lean toward horsepower, because Americans want numbers to talk about. Petrolicious strikes the right chord with a lot of enthusiasts I think, because it's about the ride/drive, the experience, not necessarily some horsepower induced, short term thrill. These people are true enthusiasts. So is Petrolicious truly about cars, or about people?

[@victorsnip6734]

F...k sake..... I love these kind of stories.... 3 decades searching and driving such a unique and honest car.... It's just beyond words..... Don't restore her and the next owner should sign a contract when buying that it will be untouched or at least will stay in this condition. Just another great Petrolicious story

[@johnnichols9056]

How ironic, my first issue of Motorsport has an article showing a MKIII being restored it's a early 70s issue also Has an article about a Alfa GTA twin plug! This guy knows what he's doing, wish I'd done what he did and is doing. Closest I got was driving a Healy MK III to the reporters to go back to England, a scary drive because instead of hopelessly shot electricals it's steering was in a truly bad way, on my way back thinking what a mistake to wasn't my car to begin with oh well.

[@johncapidecallu8076]

This is far from being awful, this is gorgeous!

[@Celicarz11]

I cannot believe how cool this is! A living unrestored prototype that ran Montecarlo! The Aston i'd never dreamed of!!!