Most of the updates from the previous series are hidden from  view, such as five windscreen demister vents instead of three, twin bonnet stays and an electric tachometer. The principle external change is to the rear light clusters which are the only really noticeable change in appearance from the earlier cars. Instead of the cathedral rear lights, a polished plate houses the separate indicator, rear/brake light and a red reflector lenses each on heavy polished chrome bases.

With only 165 examples built during 1961 only, the series 3 is one of the scarcest of the DB4 saloons. It was superseded by the series 4 in September 1961. As an option, the DB4 series 3 could be specified with the twin plug, triple Weber GT engine and it is believed that three highly desirable cars were built this way.