Lot 465: 1964 Aston Martin DB5

To many observers the Aston Martin DB5 is the epitome of-the company's models during the David Brown era, boasting both beauty and refined high performance. It is also perhaps the best known Aston Martin in the world, having starred in the James Bond films Goldfinger and Thunderball, complete with machine guns and other gadgetry. In evolution terms the DB5 is a Series V DB4 but with a 4.0 rather than 3.7 litre engine, its coachwork embodying detail changes; it thus featured similar stunning styling from Touring of Milan, incorporating DB4 GT-style faired-in headlamps, with aluminium panels attached to a lightweight steel frame using Touring's Superleggera method of construction. Underneath the platform chassis used independent coil spring wishbone front suspension with a live rear axle located by Watt linkage and parallel trailing arms. Disc brakes were fitted all round, but the Girling items of the DB4 GT rather than the DB4's Dunlop discs. The Tadek Marek designed twin overhead camshaft, straight six engine was enlarged to 3,995cc from the DB4's 3,670cc, power rising to 282bhp at 5,500rpm in standard trim; a 314bhp Vantage option, using triple Weber rather than SU carburettors, higher compression ratio and a different camshaft profile, was a rare and desirable option. Initially, the all-alloy engine was mated to a four-speed David Brown gearbox with overdrive but later models featured a five-speed ZF unit; automatic transmission was also offered for the first time. Other changes over the DB4 included an alternator, four exhaust silencers rather than two, electric windows and variable intensity brake lights. Following its launch in July 1963 in saloon and convertible forms the DB5 received much praise, not least for its performance. A maximum of 148mph in standard trim, allied to 0-60 and 0-100mph in 7.1 and 16.9 seconds respectively, made the DB5 one of the fastest cars available and a match for the very best from Europe. Its production, however, was fairly short-lived, ending in September 1965 after 1,021 had been made; of these only 123 were Convertibles while just 65 had the Vantage engine. Manufactured in 1964, AOR 359B remained for many years in the same ownership and in modified form it was a regular participant in Aston Martin Owners Club races during the late 1990s; results, when driven by George Guy, included second in class finishes at Silverstone, Mallory Park and Oulton Park in 1998 and a first on handicap finish in an Aston Martin Championship race at Donington Park the following year. In 2000 the car was also awarded equal second in the Newcomers Class at the AMOC Spring Concours at Stonor Park. Now back in full road trim and with its 4.2 litre engine to otherwise standard Vantage specification, and with the added benefit of a limited slip differential, AOR 395B's is supplied with a comprehensive history file which includes receipts from leading Aston Martin specialists which date back to 1988; in 2004, for example, £10,800 was expended on the engine rebuild to 4.2 litre specification. The most recent work includes reconditioning of the up-rated braking system and a new fan assembly in late 2006, at a cost of £1,500, and, in May this year, a new speedometer drive assembly at a cost of £296. Complete with a dynamometer readout for the engine dated September 21st 2007, an AMOC Vehicle Identity Form, V5C registration document and a MoT test certificate valid until September, AOR 395B is finished in the most highly sought after colour combination of Sliver Birch with black leather interior. Always maintained to a very high standard, this most desirable Aston Martin is offered in good all round condition.