Vehicle Description
1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible: One of Only 39 Left-Hand Drive
DB5 Convertibles Built 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible Coachwork
by Touring Chassis Number: DB5C/1278/L Engine Number: 400/4711/VC
-One of just 39 left hand drive Aston Martin DB5 Convertibles
built-Believed to be the 1964 New York show car-Desirable factory
color scheme of black over original terra cotta interior-Factory
equipped with air conditioning-Formerly owned by Aston Martin
chairman Peter Sprague-Upgraded by Aston Martin with rare VC series
Vantage engine-Offered with build sheet, parts catalog, workshop
manual, jack and tool kitThe most iconic classic Aston Martin is
the DB5, the model that represents the pinnacleof the David Brown
era. Unveiled to the world in 1963, the DB5 featured beautiful
aluminum coachwork in thefamous Superleggera style and significant
mechanical upgrades over the DB4 includinga new four-liter engine,
improved ZF gearbox, Girling disc brakes, and standard
electricwindows. This new Aston Martin drew praise from buyers,
journalists, and motoringenthusiasts, not to mention that it was
immortalized in film as the personal transport ofJames Bond.
Between 1963 and 1965 Aston Martin built just 1,021 examples of the
DB5, a total thatincludes 123 of the ultra-rare DB5 Convertibles.
From this extremely limited production,a mere 39 Convertibles were
specified in the more popular left hand drive configuration.These
extremely scarce LHD DB5 Convertibles are coveted by collectors, as
they are oneof the most exclusive and prestigious road going Aston
Martins ever produced. We are pleased to offer this magnificent DB5
Convertible, a fascinating left hand drivecar that has been kept in
one familys ownership since 1977. As documented by the factory
build sheet, this rare Aston Martin was specified in thegorgeous
color combination of Black over Terra Cotta Connolly leather
upholstery. Othernoteworthy factory options include Normalair air
conditioning, Power Lok differential,Blaupunkt radio, Britax
seatbelts, and chrome wire wheels wearing Dunlop whitewalltires.
Originally delivered to the well-known US distributor J.S. Inskip
in February 1964,this DB5 Convertible is believed to be the car
displayed at that years New York AutoShow. In 1977, famous American
businessman Peter Sprague purchased the DB5 Convertible,which is
notable as he was the very gentleman who helped save Aston Martin
in 1975,when he and George Minden purchased the company out of
receivership. Mr. Sprague served as the Chairman of Aston Martin
Lagonda Ltd. for five years, and it was onlyfitting that he drove a
classic DB5 Convertible during this period. While the DB5
Convertible was in his ownership, the factory supplied him a
replacementengine for the car. This was no ordinary engine, but
rather was the most powerfulVantage engine ever produced a VC
series unit with triple Weber carburetors, greatlyimproving the
performance of the DB5 Convertible. This rare engine,
number400/4711/VC, remains in the car today. The car remained in
the Sprague family until we purchased it from Mr. Spragues son,who
had received the car as a 21 st birthday present. Other than a
repaint in the factoryblack color, this DB5 remains in amazingly
original condition, including the nicely wornleather interior. It
has always been serviced by Aston Martin experts, shows less
than65,000 original miles, and is powered by the ultra-rare VC
Vantage engine speciallysupplied by Aston Martin to Peter Sprague.
It is offered with a copy of the factory buildsheet, workshop and
parts catalogs, tool kit, and jack. Never before offered for sale,
this incredible left hand drive DB5 Convertible has a richhistory,
a factory supplied Vantage engine, and a special connection to the
man whosaved the Aston Martin marque. This is truly a once in a
lifetime opportunity forcollectors and is definitely one of the
most exciting and important Aston Martins we haveever presented for
sale.
