Very few models from Aston Martin’s postwar racing stable can claim the level of success achieved by the DB3S.

Commissioned by David Brown in November 1952, the new model was based on the concurrent DB3, but featured a novel chassis design.

Aided by a proprietary rear axle and several weight-reducing measures, the DB3S was clothed with arresting new coachwork penned by Frank Feeley that featured voluptuous curves and brake-venting cutaway front fenders.

In May 1953 the DB3S made its competition debut at Charterhall, where factory driver Reg Parnell handily defeated the Jaguar C-Types of the Ecurie Ecosse.

The model went on to take wins at the Tourist Trophy, the British Empire Trophy, and the Goodwood Nine Hours.

Campaigned by Aston Martin through 1956, the DB3S finished 2nd overall at the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it claimed no fewer than 15 victories among 35 starts during its four years of factory-entered competition.

In May 1955 Aston Martin began offering a DB3S variant ...