Vehicle Description
Selling Exclusively at Auction, through Bring-a-Trailer.com:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1964-aston-martin-db5-2
1964 Aston Martin DB5
Chassis No. DB5/1305/L
Engine No. 400/1258 (matching-numbers)
Gearbox No. S432/4/1353 (matching-numbers)
Axle No. H63/163 (matching-numbers)
An Important Early Example of Aston Martin's Legendary Saloon
The 5th DB5 Saloon Built and believed to be one of the first sold
in America
Complete Matching-Numbers Throughout - Drivetrain & Livery
Documented by Factory Correspondence, Build Sheet & British Motor
Industry Heritage Trust
Thoughtfully Preserved, from Nearly 4 Decades of Previous
Ownership
California "Blue Plate" Car
Maintained by the Esteemed Aston Martin Services & Kevin Kay
Restorations
Recent Major 40 hour detailing and preparation performed.
Complete with Original Instruction Book, Keys, Emergency Equipment,
& Extensive Servicing Records
The Aston Martin DB5 Saloon is generally regarded as one of the
most famous automobiles ever built by any marque. The DB5 was an
obvious extension of the DB4, featuring similar Touring-designed
coachwork and an enlarged 4-liter update of Tadek Marek's
race-engineered aluminum engine. With 170 improvements over the
preceding model, the DB5 was undoubtedly a superior driver's
car.
According to its Aston Martin Specification Sheet and British Motor
Industry Heritage Trust, chassis number 1305/L completed assembly
on October 10, 1963 - finished in Platinum (white) paint over Dark
Blue Vaumol Connolly leather. Options and equipment included:
overdrive to a brisk final-drive ratio of 3.77:1, three-eared
hubcaps (knockoffs) over chrome road wheels - mounted to Dunlop
whitewall tires, triple SU HD8 carburetors, Girling disc brakes,
and Ace number plates reading "DB5 1964". By virtue of its chassis
number, this particular DB5 is just the fifth saloon produced, and
correspondence from the manufacturer in fact confirms the car is
among the first half-dozen examples completed.
1305/L was dispatched on the 15th of October and sold new through
British Motor Car distributors of San Francisco, California and was
most certainly one of the very first of its kind on the West Coast.
The DB5 was ordered by Washington Fruit and Produce Company of
Yakima, Washington, on behalf of John Bloxom, the company's owner
and manager. According to his son, after taking delivery of the DB5
in mid-June 1964, Mr. Bloxom took great pleasure in driving the
car, commuting 120 miles several times each month to a related
business division in Hood River, Oregon. Relishing Oregon's winding
roads, Mr. Bloxom received at least a few speeding tickets along
the way and even ran the car in a local hill climb at Maryhill
Loops.
By the mid-1970s, Mr. Bloxom sold the Aston Martin, and it passed
to one or two intermediaries over the next few years before
becoming available for sale in 1981 in Sausalito, California.
Purchased then by the DB5's most recent private owner, a collector
based in nearby San Francisco, who would uphold 38 years of
meticulous care and thoughtful preservation.
Presented in its original form, 1305/L wears its original livery of
Platinum over Dark Blue and retains a significant portion of its
original equipment and complete drivetrain. In 1994 the body was
taken down to bare metal and repainted in proper lacquer, while the
front seats were reupholstered in Connolly leather. The exterior
displays what appears to be original brightwork, trim, Triplex
glass - including the windshield with Stanford Indian football
decal (mascot discontinued in 1972), and correct chrome wire wheels
(rebuilt in 1987) with Borrani 3-eared knock-offs - shod with new
185R15 Universal Sport whitewall ties, as originally delivered. A
pair of once-mounted Lucas Range fog lamps accompany, as well as
its matching set of California "Blue Plates".
The Aston Martin's cabin remains fitted with much of its original
upholstery and trimmings, this includes the headliner, rear leather
seats, surrounds, and carpeting - protected by custom 4-piece Coco
Mats. Period Rupert Parachute lap belts secure the driver and
passenger. A new Out of Site Audio Bluetooth radio powers a lower
dash-mounted speaker, installed in years past. All lights,
instruments and safety equipment are currently in proper working
order.
The engine bay is clean, kempt and bright with freshened finishes
and obvious mechanical upkeep. A sizable binder of service work
performed under previous ownership documents years of maintenance
by Aston Martin Services of Orinda, California and extensive recent
work performed in the last decade by the respected Kevin Kay
Restorations of Redding, California. With major work performed by
Kevin Kay in 2011 (see invoices). The DB5 performs beautifully in
spirited sprints or for extensive vintage touring. A Fall 2020
inspection and scheduled service include a tune-up and new tires,
followed up with 40 hour detail and steam clean. The Saloon retains
its original matching numbers engine, transmission, and rear
axle.
Of important note, the undercarriage displays original undercoating
and red oxide primer in areas, and is abnormally solid as original
untouched. This leads to a highly original luggage compartment with
preserved carpeting, jack with lever, lead hammer, and matching
spare tire assembly.
In addition to the aforementioned documents, 1305/L is supported by
original correspondence with Aston martin Lagonda, build
specification sheet, British Motor Industry Heritage Trust
Certificate, original Instruction Book, original keys, Original
Parts Catalog, Workshop manual and Aston Martin in America
manual.
Here is an important Aston Martin that displays the rewarding
benefits of nearly 40 years of care by a single conservator, while
claiming an extremely early position in the model's build sequence.
Ready for immediate driving enjoyment, DB5/1305/L is fit for any
marque enthusiast as a particularly desirable example of
Newport-Pagnell's most legendary model.
The above vehicle information is accurate to the best of our
knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. It is provided
'as-is', without warranties as to its accuracy, whether expressed
or implied, and is intended for informational purposes only.
Corrections or additional information is always appreciated.
All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any
finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and
shipping expenses. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. DriverSource
is not liable for any errors, omissions, or mistakes.
