Lot 311: 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon

For the past 29 years this DB5 has been undergoing restoration at the hands of its owner, Jess Line, who worked for Aston Martin from 1975 to 2003, retiring as Chief Engineer in charge of Aston Martin Engineering at Newport Pagnell.
‘GJW 393C’ came into the Service Department at Newport Pagnell in 1978 for an engine tune up and Jess took the opportunity to buy it. The car was driven into his garage, with a failing clutch, and the marathon restoration programme was started, the project being undertaken purely for pleasure - a labour of love. ‘GJW 393C’ has not been used on public roads since 1979, although it has been lovingly cared for and kept garaged as all Astons should be, and therefore has not been MoT'd or licensed.
Assistance in its restoration was sought only from experienced, time-served Aston Martin employees including chassis and engine engineers, trimmers, panel beaters, painters, electricians and coach finishers, all of them ‘good old boys’ who knew what they we doing. All spare parts used were purchased from the Service Department stores including original paint. Far too lengthy to reproduce here, the list of parts replaced and renovation tasks completed is nevertheless available for inspection. As one would expect, the work included a complete bodywork refurbishment, bare metal repaint, full interior and boot re-trim, and overhaul of the running gear.
Although the car has been kept in a dry garage since acquisition, the under bonnet area, braking, fuel and other systems needed attention after such a prolonged period of storage. Accordingly, the car’s mechanicals were overhauled recently by a service engineer and electrician. The full under bonnet area was stripped (the engine remaining in situ) and extensive re-commissioning undertaken, including a full overhaul of the cooling, induction, ignition, fuel supply and braking systems (list available). New engine mounts were fitted and the panel area and all removable parts within the engine bay appropriately refinished. All its original badges are on the car.
Up to one month ago the DB5 had been started on regular basis and run in the drive. However, since then it has not been possible to start the engine because of a defective starter motor. We are advised that the engine-related electrics have been checked and are working though the rest of the electrical system needs reconnecting. Accordingly, the vehicle is sold strictly as viewed.
These iconic hand-built Aston Martin sports cars are part of this country’s automobile design, engineering and manufacturing history. Part of Jess Line’s life, and repository of many memories, this DB5 is offered for sale only reluctantly in the hope and expectation that the fortunate next owner will prove to be a similarly fastidious custodian. The car comes with sundry restoration invoices and Swansea V5.