1965 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon, Coachwork by Touring

3,995cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 SU Carburetors
282bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission (see text)
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle with Coil Springs
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Truly iconic model; James Bond's preferred Aston Martin
*Offered with copy of factory build sheet and extensive maintenance records
*Restored and uprated by Beachum of New Zealand
*UK delivery example

THE ASTON MARTIN DB5

"Racing has played a major part in the development of all Aston Martin engines since Frank Halford designed the original 1.5-litre unit for Bamford & Martin. The 3,995cc 6-cylinder light alloy engine fitted to the DB5 is in all major respects the same as that which powered the 4-litre prototype which ran in the 1962 and 1963 Le Mans 24-Hour races.' ? Autocar, May 21st, 1965.

The DB5 was introduced in July 1963 and represented a further evolution of the preceding DB4 series rather than the beginning of an entirely new model line. The major change was the adoption of a 4.0-liter version of the (previously) 3.7-liter six-cylinder 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. Outwardly there was little to distinguish the DB5 from the final Series 5 DB4 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. The DB5's superb performance ? 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 148mph ? ranked it amongst the world's fastest cars.

Beyond all independent expressions of its beauty and performance, which were well founded, the DB5 was endorsed by the most famous of all Secret Service agents, James Bond. From its debut in Goldfinger in 1964, the model has commanded iconic status throughout the world, whether as seen through images of the suave Sean Connery leaning against a DB5 on a Swiss mountain pass, or children's toys that would jettison Mr. Bond's captor, seemingly no age group is immune to its charms, quite simply the DB5 is part of our culture.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This DB5 is a great looking example of the marque and model. Currently finished in the iconic James Bond preferred hue of Silver Birch, this Aston Martin has enjoyed many decades of active maintenance and enjoyment as documented by its four decades worth of receipts in two huge binders.

As verified by its factory order, the car was originally sold new in the UK, to Crabtree & Nicol in Sheffield, England, with its delivery date being March 3rd, 1965. Leaving the factory in the color scheme of Dubonnet over Grey Connolly hides, the first owner was an enthusiast caretaker. Factory notes indicate that on April 27, 1966, just over a year after the car was first delivered, the DB5 returned to the factory works for engine repairs, clutch replacement, brake service and chassis lubrication with the mileage noted as 19,497 miles. Little is known about the history of the car from 1966 until 1978 as the thick service history file commences with receipts starting in July of 1978 under the ownership of David Welch of New Jersey.

In 1979, the DB5 returned to the U.K. with A.J. Breakspear, Esq of Bath taking ownership of the car for a brief time before selling it to A.R.J. Dyas, Esq. of London. Dyas would own the car for three years, doing a major rebuild of the engine and interior in 1980, before selling it to a Mr. B. Simonile of Birmingham in 1983. Keeping the DB5 for only two more years, it later found its way to John R. Anson, Esq, also of Birmingham. In 1988, an inspection of the car found corrosion on the chassis, doors, and other places. Mechanically sound but cosmetically tired, 1998/R was thoroughly restored in a process that was extensively documented in photos that accompany the car. Completed in 1990, the car received a top market appraisal of £75,000.

In the late 1990s, the car was sent to world-renowned Aston Martin specialist Beachum in New Zealand for another overhaul and mechanical upgrades. Further documented in an additional set of photos, the entire drivetrain was rebuilt, the transmission was replaced with a more modern, all-synchromesh unit with an eye toward ease of use and reliability for touring, air-conditioning was fitted along with power steering, additional soundproofing, central locking, and much more. In September 2002, the DB5 traded hands again and was air-freighted back to the US for the first time in over two decades.

Remaining on the East Coast for over a decade after its return stateside, the current owner acquired the car about five years ago. Seeking a DB5 that would be quick, reliable, and fun, the Beachum upgrades on this example made it the perfect machine for its new keeper. Shown across the country at everywhere from the Vintage Weekend at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL to the Quail: A Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, CA, the car made a splash where ever it went. With its uprated drivetrain, air conditioning, and many discretely added comfort features, it is the perfect, all-weather tourer.

Today, presenting very well, with a driving experience to match, this Bond-like DB5 is ready to tackle its next mission. It wears Dunlop wire wheels, with Borrani knock off hubs while included with it are a proper restored DB5 jack, owners' manual and tool kit, as well as copious documentation including a copy of its factory buildsheet, a thick file of receipts going back to 1978, over two decades of old UK MOTs, and multiple photo albums documenting the major restorations carried out over the years.

One of the truly iconic cars of all time, this is a fine way to sample the legendary DB5.