Lot 326: 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Saloon

‘WGR 666’ was purchased by the current owner in 1986. The previous keeper, Gordon Long, acquired the car in 1980 and the logbook indicates that there were three previous owners. A duplicate of the original green logbook records details of three previous owners going back to 1968. The original owner of the car was Pollard & Sons Ltd, of Bury, and while it is not known when the original owner sold the car, it seems likely that it has had no more than half a dozen-or-so owners in its life, the last for 22 years. A selection of expired MoT certificates is provided, recording the mileage when purchased as 33,323 miles (though more probably 133,323!). The current mileage total stands at 47,200.
The DB5 was in regular use throughout the late 1980s and early ’90’s, by which time the mileage had increased to 41,543 miles. During this period the car was used as daily transport and there is a selection of invoices on file for running repairs and work carried out by the previous owner. The Aston was then laid up in 1993 when a full chassis and mechanical renovation was commenced, lasting until 2000/2001 (invoices on file).
The engine was fully stripped and rebuilt with new cylinder liners, Cosworth pistons, new torsional vibration damper, unleaded-compatible valves and new timing chains. The camshafts were up-rated to Vantage ‘C’ specification, the carburettors gas flowed and the entire engine balanced and reassembled. It was noted at the time that the block was unusually sound, with no cracks in the lower liner seating areas and negligible corrosion.
At the same time the front and rear suspension systems were completely stripped and re-bushed throughout, the brake system comprehensively rebuilt with overhauled calipers (with stainless-steel pistons), reconditioned servos and master cylinder, new pipes/hoses, handbrake cables and new rear brake discs. The chassis itself was restored with new inner and outer sills, front outriggers, rear jacking points, new door bottoms, engine bay side panels and localised repairs to the rear radius arm mountings. The car was thoroughly rust-proofed after completion of the work.
‘1453/R’ returned to the road in 2000 and was used sparingly between 2000 and 2006 when a full cosmetic makeover was commissioned and the body stripped back to bare metal. The aluminium door skins and sills were replaced prior to re-spray, with all this work being undertaken by respected specialist, Morlands. On stripping the paint it was noted that the aluminium bodywork was in an exceptionally straight and undamaged state, the only significant repair required being the replacement of the rear valance.
In order to remedy a couple of oil leaks, the engine was stripped, checked and reassembled by Chris Shenton Engineering, and as a precaution a new oil pump chain and tensioner were installed, valves clearances rechecked and the whole engine detailed. A report is available detailing the work and verifying the excellent condition of the engine. On completion, the engine was test run before being reinstalled in the newly detailed engine bay. A new wiring loom has been installed also. Bills for the work under taken by Chris Shenton Engineering totalling approximately £32,000 document this recent renovation.
All chromework has been renovated by Derby Plating Services at a cost approaching £6,000, and a new set of chromed wire wheels, new tyres and new windscreen have been fitted. The interior has been re-trimmed in its original-colour leather, and the original West of England cloth headlining replaced together with the interior and boot carpeting. Assorted invoices for parts from marque specialists such as R S Williams, Aston Service Dorest and other specialist suppliers are provided also, indicating further expenditure in the region of £4,000.
While the car has been fully restored, it nevertheless retains its original engine, gearbox, rear axle, registration number and colour scheme (pale blue metallic with blue leather and carpets). The majority of the bodywork is original, as are the other fixtures and fittings, as the car has never been allowed to deteriorate to the extent of requiring total reconstruction. The Aston also benefits from a Webasto sunroof fitted in 1967, which makes it particularly light and airy for summer use.
Offered with old-style logbook, current road fund licence, MoT to February 2009 and Swansea V5,
‘1453/R’ represents a rare opportunity to purchase a DB5 that has been in long term ownership, is in excellent restored condition and possesses a documented history.