Lot 539: 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Saloon

Aston Martin’s post-war evolution took a giant step forward with the launch of the DB4 in 1958. Classically proportioned, the Touring-designed body established an instantly recognisable look that would stand the marque in good stead until 1970. Five series were built as the model gradually metamorphosed into the DB5 of 1963. The latter’s distinctive cowled headlamps had first appeared on the DB4GT and the newcomer was the same size as the lengthened Series 5 DB4. The DB5’s 3,995cc engine, first seen in the Lagonda Rapide, was mated to a four-speed overdrive-equipped gearbox, a ZF five-speed unit being standardised later. This original, UK-market, right-hand drive, five-speed DB5 was supplied new via Mill Garages in Sunderland and delivered finished in Caribbean Pearl with red leather interior. At some point the car went to Australia (the AMOC Register records it as resident there in 1977) where it spent time in a museum before returning to the UK circa 2003, by which time the colour scheme had changed to dark green/beige. Re-registered ‘DUJ 220B’, it was purchased from the importer by the current owner who commissioned marque specialists Chris Shenton Engineering to undertake a thorough rebuild to ‘better than new’. Carried out between 2005 and 2006, the work included an extensive restoration of the chassis and body (a photographic record of which is available) and refinishing in ‘James Bond’ silver with fully re-trimmed black leather interior. Mechanical work included an ‘unleaded’ cylinder head conversion (the engine had been rebuilt in Australia and on inspection was found to be satisfactory) and a new clutch. Sensible upgrades include modern heat shielding and sound proofing, alternator electrics, modern water pump internals, Harvey Bailey handling kit, Koni adjustable shock absorbers, high efficiency alloy radiator, stainless-steel exhaust system and an in-period Motorola Aston Martin radio with FM conversion by the Vintage Wireless Company. The car is offered with tailored cotton dust cover, owner’s handbook, BMIHT production record sheet, restoration invoices, current MoT and Swansea V5 registration document. Presented in excellent condition throughout, ‘DUJ 220B’ represents an exciting opportunity to acquire what is virtually a ‘new’ Aston Martin DB5.