Lot 347: 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. Manufactured in 1965, DB5/2178/R started its life in Buckinghamshire and has had three owners from new. The first stamped entry in the folding log book, a duplicate of the original, dated 7th October 1969, confirms that the car was registered to a Mr Rhiando of south Ascot. It is quite appropriate, therefore, that this DB5 is offered for sale in the very place it started its motoring life. Owned by the vendor since 1977, this Aston Martin has undergone a gradual and sympathetic restoration. In 2001 Motorman Engineering completed an engine rebuild and axle work, Car Care Works completed work on the clutch, brakes, suspension and steering and, finally, GTC heritage specialists worked on finishing details. Complete with V5 registration document and MoT test certificate, HAA 53D is finished in gold with beige leather interior. This lovely DB5 is on the button and ready for serious motoring.