Vehicle Description
- Peony Red and perfectly complemented by tan Connolly leather
upholstery with matching Everflex convertible top and camel Wilton
wool carpets. 5-speed ZF manual gearbox, Matching numbers
The high-performance, rare Vantage-specification DB5 did not make
its first appearance until September 1964. The Aston Martin sales
brochure for the DB5 Vantage quoted power output at 325 bhp at
5,750 rpm, some 40 bhp more than the standard engine, a vast
increase. The Vantage upgrades further included flow-tuned intake
manifolds proving a "ram" effect, the cylinder head featured
extra-large ports, valve timing was modified, and ignition timing
was advanced for extra power and a flatter torque curve. A vacuum
reservoir was also added to the power-assisted brake system. As
expected, the DB5's performance was sharpened considerably in
Vantage tune, particularly with zero-to-60 times dropping to just
6.5 seconds.
The example featured here, is one of the seven DB5 Vantage
Convertibles originally produced by the factory. Completed on April
1, 1965, this matching numbers, factory Vantage convertible was
destined for the home market as a right drive example dispatched
five days later to its selling dealer J. Blake and Company
Limited.
The original owner of this DB5C was Mr. J.V.R. Bullough was an
esteemed member of the Aston Martin Owners Club. Although Mr.
Bullough clearly had superb taste and a desire for additional horse
power, it would be presumed he was not the tallest of gentleman as
he specified two unusual, additional items. The first was a
two-inch clutch-pedal extension and second, additional padding to
the front-seat squabs. The car's next owner was Mr. T.F. Kennel of
Buckinghamshire, followed by another AMOC member, Mr. J.
Denoyer.
Shortly after its importation to the U.S., by another AMOC member,
the DB5C received a comprehensive restoration by experienced Aston
Martin restorers Kent Bain's Automotive Restorations of Stratford,
Connecticut, which was completed to concours standards in 2005,
including a professional conversion to left-hand drive. All
restorative work was fully documented and restoration invoices
total over $200,000. Since restoration, just under 2,000 miles have
been traveled, and the DB5 has been properly and regularly
maintained for driving pleasure.
This wonderful and rare convertible example embarked on a highly
successful post-restoration show career, winning a Class Award at
its first showing at the AMOC Lime Rock Classic in Connecticut.
Other show entries included the 2007 Gold Coast Concours at Glen
Cove, New York, followed by the Amelia Island and Greenwich
Concours d'Elegance in 2009, the Fairfield Concours in 2010 and
most recently the Cavallino Mar-A-Lago Concours, where it received
a class award.
The DB5C is complete with a jack, a knock-off hammer, owners
handbook and a tool roll, plus a copy of an impressive original
factory sales brochure. Accompanied also by its British Motor
Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, a copy of the factory build
sheet, including early Aston Martin Works Service entries, and
restoration invoices.