Lot 153: 1963 Aston Martin DB5 Saloon

Aston Martin’s post-war evolution took a giant step forward with the launch of the DB4 in 1958. Classically proportioned, the Touring-designed body established an instantly recognisable look that would stand the marque in good stead until 1970. The engine remained an all-alloy twin-overhead-camshaft ‘six’, but W O Bentley’s old 3-litre unit had been superseded by a new design by Tadek Marek. Proven in racing before it entered production, the new 3,670cc engine developed its maximum output of 240bhp at 5,500rpm. The David Brown gearbox was a new four-speed all-synchromesh unit.
Touring’s Superleggera body construction, which employed a lightweight tubular structure to support the aluminium-alloy body panels, was deemed incompatible with the existing DB2/4-type multi-tubular spaceframe, so engineer Harold Beach drew up an immensely strong platform-type chassis. Independent front suspension was retained, the DB2/4’s trailing links giving way to unequal-length wishbones, while at the rear the DB4’s live axle was located by Watts linkage instead of its predecessor’s Panhard rod. Five series were built as the model gradually metamorphosed into the DB5 of 1963. The latter’s distinctive cowled headlamps had first appeared on the DB4GT and the newcomer was the same size as the lengthened Series 5 DB4. The 3,995cc engine - first seen in the Lagonda Rapide - was mated to a four-speed/overdrive gearbox; a ZF five-speed unit being an option at first and standardised later.

An overdrive transmission model, this left-hand drive DB5 was sold new in France via Garage Mirabeau and has enjoyed only four owners, the third of whom kept the car from 1967 until 1984/85 when it was acquired by the vendor. Never fully restored, ‘DB5/1303/L’ nevertheless benefits from an overhauled engine, clutch, starter motor, dynamo, water pump, shock absorbers and brakes. Finished in its original colour scheme of grey with black hide interior, the latter featuring the original radio in working order, the car comes complete with in-period Marchal fog lights, jack, tool kit and French Carte Grise.

Modèle équipé d'un overdrive, cette DB5 à conduite à gauche vendue neuve en France par le Garage Mirabeau n'a connu que quatre propriétaires, le troisième l'ayant conservée de 1967 à 1984/85, époque où elle fut acquise par le Vendeur. Jamais totalement restaurée, “ DB5/1303/L ” a néanmoins bénéficié d'une réfection du moteur, de l'embrayage, du démarreur, de la dynamo, de la pompe à eau, des amortisseurs et des freins. Peinte dans sa couleur d'origine, gris avec intérieur en cuir noir et radio d'origine en état de fonctionnement, la voiture est complète avec ses antibrouillard Marchal d'époque, son cric, son outillage et sa carte grise française.