To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Elkhart Collection event, 23 - 24 October 2020.
Estimate:
$750,000 - $850,000
- One of 886 saloon examples built
- Comprehensively restored in 2015
- Engine upgraded to more powerful Vantage specification
- Cosmetically refinished in the original factory color
combination
- Documented with factory production record and BMIHT
certificate
- Accompanied by tool kit, hammer, and jack
Hardly requiring an introduction, the Aston Martin DB5 has been
dubbed the "world's most famous car" as a result of its
unforgettable appearances in the James Bond film franchise. Though
the DB5 largely resembled the outgoing fifth-series DB4, the new
model offered as many as 170 improvements, demonstrating the
company's commitment to building the most mechanically developed
and time-perfected model at the time. Revered by sports car
enthusiasts the world over, the DB5 saloon was built in a modest
quantity of 886 examples over 26 months of production, and it
remains one of the important bellwethers of British performance
cars.
This beautifully presented Aston Martin benefits from a recent
restoration to very high standards, including upgrading the engine
with that of the more powerful Vantage specification. According to
a factory production record, chassis no. 1900/R completed assembly
on Christmas Eve 1964 equipped with Selectaride shock absorbers, a
heated rear window, Motorola radio with a powered antenna, triple
SU carburetors, and chrome wire wheels with three-ear knock-offs
mounted with Avon Turbospeed GT tires.
Finished in Sierra Blue and trimmed with an interior of black
Connolly Vaumol leather, the DB5 was dispatched for distribution
five days later to Francis Motors in Nottingham, a division of C.
H. Truman & Co., Ltd. In early January 1965, the car was sold to
Harold Wilson Ltd., an insurance company based in Nottingham,
presumably on behalf of one of the company's principals. Factory
records reflect that the Aston Martin experienced a life of
vigorous use during its first year, as a replacement engine (no.
2280) was supplied to Truman's on the customer's behalf in early
October 1965. An Aston Martin repair note dated in late November
shows that the door trim was refitted, the clutch assembly was
rebalanced in tandem with a modification to the gearshift lever,
and new seals were fitted to the timing case. Gaskets were replaced
on the cam cover, a new fuel pump was installed, and the exhaust
mounts were replaced. At the time of these repairs, the odometer
displayed 22,827 miles of use, suggesting that the Harold Wilson
employee was enjoying the sports saloon to the fullest extent.
Although this Aston Martin's interim history is currently unknown,
by 2015 the DB5 was acquired by Bell Classics, a restoration
specialist based in Markyate, England. The technicians at Bell
reportedly conducted a comprehensive refurbishment that addressed
every mechanical and cosmetic aspect. All systems were completely
disassembled and rebuilt as needed, including the brakes,
suspension, and exhaust.
Upon rebuild, a proper inline six-cylinder engine was upgraded to
Vantage specifications, which included installing triple Weber 45
DCOE carburetors and uprated camshafts. In true Vantage
presentation, a proper Vantage badge was affixed to the side
strakes, announcing that the car enjoys a higher state of tune than
most of its siblings. As per the original cosmetic appearance, the
body was stripped and refinished in the lovely factory color of
Sierra Blue, the interior was reappointed in proper black Connolly
leather with matching carpets, and the brightwork was re-chromed.
Refurbished wire wheels shod with Pirelli Cinturato tires completed
the exhaustive restoration.
In early 2019 the DB5 was offered for sale, and following
acquisition by the Elkhart Collection, the car was exported to the
United States, leaving the UK for the first time in 54 years. With
the restoration reportedly costing in excess of £340,000, it comes
as little surprise that the DB5 presents so beautifully, with the
rare factory color offering an exquisite finish. Ideal for
presentation at regional concours d'elegance and Aston Martin
Owner's Club events, this pristine DB5 is accompanied by a jack,
hammer, and tool kit, and it would make a superlative addition to
any collection of European sports cars, offering a well-restored
and authentic example of the marque's, if not the world's, most
famous car.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20.
