Lot 338: 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. Finished in the classic and highly sought after James Bond colours of Silver Birch with dark blue leather interior, this fine DB5 was delivered to its first owner, Gregson and Co, on January 23 1964. Believed to have never undergone restoration - backed up by an official valuation from June 1989, included in the accompanying comprehensive history file, that declared this Aston Martin then to be "one of the most original and sound examples of this car existing today". Also contained in the file are copies of the original Aston Martin Lagonda build sheet and service work record by AML until November 1967, assorted correspondence/documentation relating to the DB5, old MoT test certificates dating back to April 1967 that confirm the recorded mileage, a current test certificate valid for 10 months, a DVLA record of its post-1974 keepers, various photographs and service/maintenance bills totalling in excess of £20,000 since January 2002, at which point some sill and chassis renovation work was carried out and new chrome wire wheels fitted; the most recent work, in August 2006, comprised stripping and rebuilding of the cylinder head with new valve seats and guides and fitment of an up-rated radiator at marque specialist Nicholas Mee & Company. A highly attractive and hugely desirable example of one of the most collectible of Aston Martins ever produced.