Aston Martin DB5
'Now Pay Attention Please'
The Aston Martin ‘DB’ range is synonymous with high performance, luxury and beautiful GT sports cars. The Aston Martin DB5 in particular, is arguably one of the most famous and iconic cars ever made. In many instances the very earliest or latest examples of a model become the most collectable, however the DB5's appearance in the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger, cemented its place in history. The all-aluminium bodywork was designed by the legendary Italian coachbuilder Superleggera and production of the model ran from 1963 to 1965 with just over 1,000 cars ever leaving the factory.
This stunning vehicle was completed in September 1965 and supplied by Aston Martin's oldest dealership, H.W Motors Ltd, now known as H.W.M Aston Martin. The original Surrey-based celebrity owner, actor and comedian Dick Emery, would have received a great deal of admiration when he took delivery of his DB5.
Fewer than 900 saloon examples were built between 1963 and 1965, with by far the most famous of the original owners being the world’s best-known secret agent – James Bond – who first drove the car that is today inextricably linked with him.
This particular DB5 was delivered when new in California Sage and equipped with standard specifications, including a ZF 5-speed transmission.
Changing hands some years later, it was eventually purchased by a Hampstead-based enthusiast.
A Thorough Restoration
The car was subsequently bought by a new owner who presented the car to Aston Engineering for a thorough inspection and estimate of costs for a total 'body off' restoration.
The complete restoration was then carried out by highly experienced engineers and craftsmen at Aston Engineering, who finished the car in the iconic colour combination it wears today of Silver Birch over black hides. The restoration was completed in May 2016, accompanied by a photographic restoration file documenting the entire process. The owner also opted for several upgrades from Aston Engineering, including an engine rebuild to 4.7 litre specification, suspension upgraded with Aston Engineering's Handling Pack, removable electronic power assistance for the steering, a coveted Becker Mexico Retro in-car entertainment system, Borrani wire wheels complete with 3-eared spinners, refrigerated air conditioning, central locking and upgraded safety features such as inertia seat belts and headrests.
After enjoying the car for the summer of 2016, the owner handed the car over to Aston Martin Works for sale. It was sold to a highly regarded UK-based collector in September 2016. In 2018, the new owner commissioned Aston Martin Works to rebuild the car's engine to 4.2-litre specification with a factory upgrade to Vantage specification at a cost of nearly £57,000. To this day, the car has covered less than 1,000 miles since its engine rebuild.
An Opportunity
This superb DB5 is now ready to grace the world's finest concours lawns in the upcoming motoring season. Having been expertly maintained since the completion of its restoration in 2016. A substantial history file compliments the car, which includes the original Aston Martin build sheet showing Dick Emery as the first owner, an Aston Martin Heritage Trust Certificate, Owner's Handbook, MOTs, numerous invoices and a photographic presentation of the complete restoration from start to finish.
