Lot 340: Aston Martin DB5 4.2-Litre 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The engine was still an all-alloy, twin-overhead-camshaft, six but the old W O Bentley supervised 3-litre unit had been superseded by a new design by Tadek Marek. The new 3,670cc engine featured 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 92mm, and developed its maximum power 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 DB2/4-type multi-tubular spaceframe, so engineer Harold Beach drew up an immensely strong platform type chassis. The DB2/4's trailing-link independent front suspension gave way to unequal-length wishbones while at the rear the DB4 sported a live axle located by a 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 V DB4. The 3,995cc engine - first seen in the Lagonda Rapide - was mated to a four-speed overdrive-equipped gearbox; a proper ZF five-speed unit being an option at first and standardised later. The current (lady) owner purchased this superb DB5 at our inaugural Works Service Sale in May 2000 (Lot 123). A five-speed model, the car comes with a most impressive history file, clearly showing that the four previous owners spared no expense in maintaining it in top condition. Indeed the preceding owner lavished some �30,000 on the car between 1998 and 2000. Every MoT certificate since 1969 is on file, confirming the indicated 95,562 miles to be correct. This DB5 has been up-rated to 4.2 litres capacity and Vantage specification, with the fitting of triple Weber carburettors and Vantage camshafts, while the cylinder head has been converted for use with unleaded fuel. An aluminium radiator and Kenlowe fan have been fitted to ensure the most effective cooling and an upgraded efficient starter was considered a worthwhile enhancement. From the time of purchase in May 2000 up to 2005, '2194/R' underwent further restoration at Aston Martin Works Service at a cost of �170,000. Works Service has confirmed that the car has 'benefited from an extensive refurbishment to a high level and the owner's exacting requirements', although it has not had a full body-off restoration. The car's full specification is too lengthy to list here but highlights include flared wheelarches accommodating wider wheels; lowered suspension; new Girling brakes; repaired/repainted chassis/body; air conditioning; electric windows and aerials; electronic starting 'key'; and an original Motorola radio converted to FM reception and connected to a Kenwood 3-CD player fitted in the boot. In addition, the car boasts a Retrotrip; map reading lamp (in glovebox); fire extinguisher (removable); and Marchal fog lamps, making it an ideal candidate for historic rallying. In May 2003, '2194/R' gained 1st Prize in Class E (Newcomers) at the AMOC's Waddesdon Manor Concours. The car has not been used on the road since then but has been kept in warm and secure storage. Accompanying documentation includes the aforementioned MoTs (and old tax discs); original logbook; AML restoration invoices and photographs; current MoT and Swansea V5.