Lot 458: 1965 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. Chassis Number DB51894R was first registered on January 5th 1965. Many years later, in 1976, the car was shipped to Michigan, USA, where it resided for many years until returning to England in 1984. It was purchased by its current owner from a friend in 1999, after which it underwent numerous restoration projects, including conversion to negative earth, unleaded head conversion, new wire wheels and exhaust, a full engine rebuild, a full rebuild of the front and rear suspension systems, and the fitting of an uprated handling kit. The total cost for all of this work comes to nearly £25,000. All work was completed by renowned Aston Martin specialist Rikki Cann in Essex.Finished in striking red with a black leather interior, the car is sold complete with current V5, MoT certificate valid until June 2009 and various invoices and bills. An excellent opportunity to acquire one of Britain's most celebrated sportscars.