Lot 550: 1963 Aston Martin DB5 4.2-Litre Saloon to Vantage Specification

Accompanying (copy) build sheets record that chassis number ‘1313/R’, registration ‘1999 DG’, was sold new to Plough Motors, of Stonehouse, Gloucestershire for use as a demonstration car. Details of past owners contained within the substantial history file show that ‘1999 DG’ was owned by one F I Sumner, of Beckenham, Kent up to 1974 and then by J T Bateman, of Middleton-on-Sea, Sussex, there being bills on file for this period from Aston Service Dorset and R S Williams. Peter Wilson, of Woldingham, Surrey was the Aston’s next owner (from January 1983), there being bills on file relating to his tenure issued by Aston Service Dorset, Vintage Restorations and Connolly Bros up to the 1990s and beyond. The car’s next recorded change of keeper saw it pass to the current vendor in September 2001.
By this time the Aston was looking rather tired and it was decided to undertake a total restoration, full details of which are available for inspection. In November 2001 the car was dismantled, being stripped of all interior/exterior trim, suspension, steering, engine, gearbox, rear axle, etc. All underseal and paint was removed from the chassis, which was thoroughly inspected for damage and corrosion. New inner and outer sills were fitted to offside and nearside; a new front outrigger fitted to the nearside; and new lower bushes fitted to the rear radius arms’ attachment points. The complete chassis was then painted and protected with Wurth cavity wax treatment, including all box sections and sills. After stripping to bare metal, the body was found to be in generally very sound condition and sent to Southborough Coachworks for a full professional repaint in Aston British Racing Green.
The engine was stripped completely and the corrosion-damaged block repaired and rebuilt to 4.2 litres capacity using all new bearings and timing chains plus a new clutch cover and plate. 'Motor Man' at Horsham rebuilt the cylinder head, converting it to unleaded compatibility in the process, to include new valves, springs, seats, buckets and Vantage camshafts. The head and manifolds were gas flowed and matched.
After overhaul, the gearbox and rear axle were reinstalled in the car, together with the engine. The starter motor and alternator were both reconditioned and the cooling and fuel systems, including Weber carburettors, thoroughly overhauled. All serviceable suspension components were stripped, cleaned, inspected and repainted as necessary then refitted to the vehicle using new ball joints/bushes to the front and new bearings/bushes in the rear radius arms and Watts linkage. New adjustable Koni telescopic dampers were fitted all round complete with new Eibach springs (standard length, 10% up-rated) and new bump stops and check straps.
All brake pipes and flexible hoses were renewed, a new master cylinder and two new Aston Workshop servos fitted together with all associated hoses, clips and a new reservoir. The brake calipers were stripped, cleaned, repainted and then rebuilt using new stainless-steel pistons and all new rubber seals and bleed nipples. All brake pads, including handbrake, were renewed and new handbrake cables fitted.
The electrical system’s main loom was found to be serviceable. After checking and cleaning the dashboard instruments were reinstalled and the fuse boxes, horns, rear light lenses, headlamps (halogen) and bowls renewed. The ignition distributor was reconditioned using a new cap and leads, and the coil and battery renewed.
All external trim parts were properly refurbished and refitted using new rubbers/seals as required. Polyfacto in Hailsham carried out a complete interior re-trim in black Connolly hide, with new headlining and leather-bound woollen carpeting throughout, including the boot. New stainless/chromed wire wheels shod with Avon tyres finished off the restoration, after which the vehicle underwent a full electronic geometry check and adjustment.
Presented in excellent condition throughout, ‘1999 DG’ represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a fully rebuilt DB5 to enhanced, 4.2-litre, Vantage specification. The car is offered with the aforementioned service history; assorted restoration invoices and related correspondence; a large quantity of expired MoT certificates; current road fund licence; Swansea V5C document and MoT to May 2009.