Lot 354: 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, ejector seats and other gadgetry. In evolutionary 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. First registered on the 25th of March 1965, DB5/2007/R is described by its current owner as being in good condition. Records from 1991 onwards show work carried out by well known Aston Martin specialists, while accompanying paperwork shows the cylinder block was replaced with a similar one from a DBS and the engine rebuilt in October 2004 by Aston Workshop to 4.2 lead-free petrol specification; the clutch assembly was inspected at the same time and found to be in fine order. There is a photographic record from Aston Workshop on CD documenting this work. Within the last 12 months the current owner has carried out the following: stripping and repainting of the front inner wheel arches, including powder coating of the removable panels in black, stripping and repainting of the engine bay and powder coating all brackets in black, overhauling the rear brake calipers and brake pipes, including fitment of replacement hoses, and overhauling the rear axle. The car also benefits from a complete stainless steel exhaust system, including manifolds. Finally, the dashboard was repainted and re-trimmed this year and a new headlining fitted, while the doors are described as being in very good condition; receipts for these recent parts and work are present in the car's file. Finished in striking British Racing Green with the original tan interior, which was refurbished in 1993, COJ 483C is sold complete with V5 registration document, MoT test certificate valid until July 2009 and various invoices and bills. With the odometer currently showing 23,250 miles, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire one of Britain's most iconic sports cars.