1965 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon, Coachwork by Touring
1965 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon
Coachwork by Touring
Chassis no. DB5/1839/L
Engine no. 400/1905
3,995cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 SU Carburetors
282bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual ZF Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle with Coil Springs
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Exceptional nut and bolt restoration by marque specialist Kevin Kay
*Matching numbers, factory LHD example with original coachwork
*Offered with copy of factory build sheet and extensive documentation
*Truly iconic model; James Bond's preferred Aston Martin
THE ASTON MARTIN DB5
"Like all classic GT cars, it combines enormous speed and comfort and the more you put into your driving, the more the car returns for your entertainment. And the DB5 really is entertaining to anyone who can exploit its outstanding performance, handling and brakes. It will also carry four people (just) and a fair amount of luggage so the merits of family transport (if need be) have not entirely been sacrificed to speed and elegant looks." Motor, 6th February 1963.
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 recognizable look that would stand the marque in good stead until 1970. The engine was still an all-alloy, twin-overhead-camshaft, six but the old W O Bentley supervised 3.0-liter unit had been superseded by a new design by Tadek Marek. The new 3,670cc engine featured 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 92mm, and developed its maximum power of 240bhp at 5,500rpm. The David Brown gearbox was a new four-speed all-synchromesh unit.
Touring's Superleggera body construction, which employed a lightweight tubular structure to support the aluminum body panels, was deemed incompatible with the DB2/4-type multi-tubular spaceframe, so engineer Harold Beach drew up an immensely strong platform type chassis. The DB2/4's trailing-link independent front suspension gave way to unequal-length wishbones while at the rear the DB4 sported a live axle located by a Watts linkage instead of its predecessor's Panhard rod.
Five series were built as the model gradually metamorphosed into the DB5. Introduced in July 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 boasted a 4.0-liter engine, this enlarged unit having been seen first in the Lagonda Rapide of 1961. Equipped with three SU carburetors, the '400' engine produced 282bhp at 5,500rpm and was mated to a four-speed/overdrive gearbox, a 'proper' ZF five-speed unit being standardized later.
The DB5's distinctive cowled headlamps had first appeared on the DB4GT and the newcomer was the same size as the lengthened, Series V DB4. Outwardly there was little to distinguish the DB5 from the last of the DB4s apart from twin fuel filler caps, though these had already appeared on some cars. Beneath the skin however, there were numerous improvements including alternator electrics, Girling disc brakes instead of Dunlops, Sundym glass, electric windows and an oil pressure gauge as standard equipment.
From September 1964 the 314bhp, triple-Weber Vantage engine became available and was fitted to a total of 95 cars. The DB5 was also offered in convertible form (the 'Volante' name would not be applied to the soft-top Aston until the DB6's arrival) while independent coachbuilder Harold Radford offered a shooting brake conversion. 1,021 DB5s were manufactured between July 1963 and September 1965, a total that included 123 convertibles and 12 shooting brakes.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
According to the documentation on file, this factory left-hand drive DB5 was delivered new to Mr. Frank Jackson of Elma, New York. Finished with an exterior in Sierra blue and a Black Connolly leather interior, the car was further optioned with chrome wire wheels, an engine breather valve system, heated rear screen, and Fiamm horns with a changeover switch. After a handful of years, the car would be placed in the hands of another New Yorker by the name of John F. Argue, and later in the 1980s to John. J. Dowling.
Upon entering the care of O.M. Herrera, the Aston Martin had traveled to the opposite coast and would remain there in Southern California up until present day. While in his hands, the DB5 received a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration from renowned marque specialist Kevin Kay. The restoration took several years, and detailed receipts and information about it can be found in the car's impressive history file.
Mr. Kay's efforts on the car are readily apparent, and as the vehicle sits today, now in the classic color of Silver Birch over a dark blue leather interior, it shows in remarkable condition indeed. Very little flaws are to be found throughout and the car shines with immense luster both from its brightwork and paint. Inside, the seats show a light 'worn-in' patina, with much else being devoid of intense use.
Complete with a bevy of documentation, the Aston Martin DB5 will arrive with a couple of documentation books displaying service work dating back as far as the 1970s, as well as a copy of the factory build sheet. In addition, a heritage certificate and further invoices from the restoration will also be included. For all parties interested, it is greatly recommended to visit the history desk on our auction site as to fully take in the scope of the assembled paperwork. In 2007, the car entered its most recent home of a prominent, Los Angeles-based collector, and has since been shown at prominent Concours d'Elegance events such as the The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering, and the Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance.
The understated elegance of Aston Martin's DB5 has made it the preferred mode of transportation for those looking for style, luxury, and rapid progression down the motorway. It comes as no surprise that the vehicle was chosen for 007's main mode of transportation back in the 1960s, as the vehicle effortless exudes the panache needed to provide the role of an international man of mystery. Well sorted examples of the DB5 will most certainly continue to be coveted motorcars for years to come, and DB5/1839/L unquestionably finds itself in the upper rung thanks to Kevin Kay. Retaining its original, matching numbers engine and factory left hand drive steering arrangement, this DB5 really ticks all the boxes. This is a wonderful opportunity to get behind the wheel of one of the most charismatic cars of the 1960s.
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1965 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon
Coachwork by Touring
Chassis no. DB5/1839/L
Engine no. 400/1905
3,995cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 SU Carburetors
282bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual ZF Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle with Coil Springs
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Exceptional nut and bolt restoration by marque specialist Kevin Kay
*Matching numbers, factory LHD example with original coachwork
*Offered with copy of factory build sheet and extensive documentation
*Truly iconic model; James Bond's preferred Aston Martin
THE ASTON MARTIN DB5
"Like all classic GT cars, it combines enormous speed and comfort and the more you put into your driving, the more the car returns for your entertainment. And the DB5 really is entertaining to anyone who can exploit its outstanding performance, handling and brakes. It will also carry four people (just) and a fair amount of luggage so the merits of family transport (if need be) have not entirely been sacrificed to speed and elegant looks." Motor, 6th February 1963.
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 recognizable look that would stand the marque in good stead until 1970. The engine was still an all-alloy, twin-overhead-camshaft, six but the old W O Bentley supervised 3.0-liter unit had been superseded by a new design by Tadek Marek. The new 3,670cc engine featured 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 92mm, and developed its maximum power of 240bhp at 5,500rpm. The David Brown gearbox was a new four-speed all-synchromesh unit.
Touring's Superleggera body construction, which employed a lightweight tubular structure to support the aluminum body panels, was deemed incompatible with the DB2/4-type multi-tubular spaceframe, so engineer Harold Beach drew up an immensely strong platform type chassis. The DB2/4's trailing-link independent front suspension gave way to unequal-length wishbones while at the rear the DB4 sported a live axle located by a Watts linkage instead of its predecessor's Panhard rod.
Five series were built as the model gradually metamorphosed into the DB5. Introduced in July 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 boasted a 4.0-liter engine, this enlarged unit having been seen first in the Lagonda Rapide of 1961. Equipped with three SU carburetors, the '400' engine produced 282bhp at 5,500rpm and was mated to a four-speed/overdrive gearbox, a 'proper' ZF five-speed unit being standardized later.
The DB5's distinctive cowled headlamps had first appeared on the DB4GT and the newcomer was the same size as the lengthened, Series V DB4. Outwardly there was little to distinguish the DB5 from the last of the DB4s apart from twin fuel filler caps, though these had already appeared on some cars. Beneath the skin however, there were numerous improvements including alternator electrics, Girling disc brakes instead of Dunlops, Sundym glass, electric windows and an oil pressure gauge as standard equipment.
From September 1964 the 314bhp, triple-Weber Vantage engine became available and was fitted to a total of 95 cars. The DB5 was also offered in convertible form (the 'Volante' name would not be applied to the soft-top Aston until the DB6's arrival) while independent coachbuilder Harold Radford offered a shooting brake conversion. 1,021 DB5s were manufactured between July 1963 and September 1965, a total that included 123 convertibles and 12 shooting brakes.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
According to the documentation on file, this factory left-hand drive DB5 was delivered new to Mr. Frank Jackson of Elma, New York. Finished with an exterior in Sierra blue and a Black Connolly leather interior, the car was further optioned with chrome wire wheels, an engine breather valve system, heated rear screen, and Fiamm horns with a changeover switch. After a handful of years, the car would be placed in the hands of another New Yorker by the name of John F. Argue, and later in the 1980s to John. J. Dowling.
Upon entering the care of O.M. Herrera, the Aston Martin had traveled to the opposite coast and would remain there in Southern California up until present day. While in his hands, the DB5 received a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration from renowned marque specialist Kevin Kay. The restoration took several years, and detailed receipts and information about it can be found in the car's impressive history file.
Mr. Kay's efforts on the car are readily apparent, and as the vehicle sits today, now in the classic color of Silver Birch over a dark blue leather interior, it shows in remarkable condition indeed. Very little flaws are to be found throughout and the car shines with immense luster both from its brightwork and paint. Inside, the seats show a light 'worn-in' patina, with much else being devoid of intense use.
Complete with a bevy of documentation, the Aston Martin DB5 will arrive with a couple of documentation books displaying service work dating back as far as the 1970s, as well as a copy of the factory build sheet. In addition, a heritage certificate and further invoices from the restoration will also be included. For all parties interested, it is greatly recommended to visit the history desk on our auction site as to fully take in the scope of the assembled paperwork. In 2007, the car entered its most recent home of a prominent, Los Angeles-based collector, and has since been shown at prominent Concours d'Elegance events such as the The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering, and the Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance.
The understated elegance of Aston Martin's DB5 has made it the preferred mode of transportation for those looking for style, luxury, and rapid progression down the motorway. It comes as no surprise that the vehicle was chosen for 007's main mode of transportation back in the 1960s, as the vehicle effortless exudes the panache needed to provide the role of an international man of mystery. Well sorted examples of the DB5 will most certainly continue to be coveted motorcars for years to come, and DB5/1839/L unquestionably finds itself in the upper rung thanks to Kevin Kay. Retaining its original, matching numbers engine and factory left hand drive steering arrangement, this DB5 really ticks all the boxes. This is a wonderful opportunity to get behind the wheel of one of the most charismatic cars of the 1960s.
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