Produced between 1963 and 1965 with coachwork penned by Federico
Formenti at Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, the DB5 combined
Italian styling finesse with Aston Martin's engineering pedigree.
An evolution of the already-successful DB4, the DB5's key
difference from its predecessor lay beneath its aluminum skin. The
DB5 featured a new, enlarged 4.0-liter inline-six paired with
either a ZF five-speed manual or Borg-Warner three-speed automatic,
delivering smooth, effortless power. Standard appointments were
lavish for the era: a full Connolly leather interior, reclining
seats, Wilton wool pile carpets, twin fuel tanks, Girling disc
brakes, and 15-inch chrome wire wheels. Blending such a fine
combination of performance and comfort, it is no wonder Autocar's
September 1964 road test of the DB5 called it "a car which cries
out to be driven, to be driven well, and to be driven far."
While the DB5 is perhaps best known for its leading role in the
James Bond franchise, it was far more than a mere film star. The
DB5's rise to fame wasn't just confined to the silver screen; its
appeal extended to the era's cultural icons. Rock legends such as
Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Mick Jagger, and Robert Plant
counted themselves among its distinguished owners. Fittingly, the
DB5 became a symbol of England's prominence during the Swinging
Sixties, in which the David Brown Era of Aston Martin would reach
its zenith.
Aston Martin introduced the top-of-the-line DB5 Vantage variant in
1964, which was made in very small quantities and featured an
upgraded motor with a significant horsepower increase plus
additional torque lower in the rev range. Displacement remained the
same, but new triple Weber carburetors that replaced the stock SU
units and a revised camshaft profile boosted power output to an
astonishing 321 horsepower. This unlocked a new ceiling of
performance for the DB5, allowing the car to reach a top speed of
150 mph and accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds. At
the time, the DB5 Vantage was one of the fastest four-seater grand
touring cars on the road.
This 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage is one of just 21
left-hand-drive examples out of a total of 60 DB5 Vantage Coupes
produced. It is finished in quintessential Silver Birch over a Blue
Connolly leather interior and equipped with the desirable ZF
five-speed manual transmission as delivered from the factory.
Factory options included triple-eared chrome wire wheels, desirable
Normalair air conditioning, Bosch K�ln TR radio, and a heated rear
window-plus mph gauges as a U.S. market example.
The DB5 Vantage was completed at Aston Martin's esteemed Newport
Pagnell facility on 30 April 1965 and was delivered new to a noted
Aston Martin enthusiast Mr. Joseph C. Cline, originally finished in
striking Sierra Blue over a Dark Blue interior. Since the car was
originally issued with London registration DGY 159C plates under
the Home Delivery Export Scheme, it is likely Cline and the DB5
embarked on a journey across Britain, savoring the open road and
experiencing the grand tourer precisely in the manner it was
envisioned before shipping it home to Ohio.
The DB5 Vantage is believed to have remained in the US since
delivery to Mr. Cline and was at one point registered to a G.
Tolaram according to the Aston Martin Owners Club Registry. It was
purchased by a collector in New York in 2012 and was sold to a
prominent vintage car dealership in Connecticut the following year.
Another private collector acquired the DB5 in 2019 and commissioned
a restoration, which included a repaint to its current finish.
Today the car is offered from a prominent Southern California based
collection, who during his ownership entrusted the car to further
restoration work by the noted specialists at Fast Cars of Redondo
Beach, California, of which receipts are on file. Upon close
inspection today, the Aston Martin displays a high level of
authenticity, with many original finishes still intact. Chrome and
brightwork have a nice shine, and Cibie driving lights are
appropriately fitted out front. Its Bosch K�ln TR radio has been
replaced with a period Motorola unit. It is furnished with a copy
of its build sheet as well as Heritage Certificate from the British
Motor Industry Heritage Trust, which confirms its matching numbers
engine and original transmission.
Equally at home on vintage road rallies or cross-country tours, it
embodies the grand touring spirit the DB5 and other luxury GT cars
were built around. Being one of just 21 factory left hand drive
top-of-the-line Vantage examples made, with desirable factory
options such as air conditioning plus documented provenances and
the quintessential specification approved by Bond and Beatle alike,
it remains firmly in the upper echelon of David Brown-era Aston
Martin collectability.
Vehicle Details
1965 Aston Martin DB5
Listing ID:CC-2008558
Price:Auction Vehicle
Location:Las Vegas, Nevada
Year:1965
Make:Aston Martin
Model:DB5
Odometer:91553
Stock Number:LV25Lot_126
VIN:DB5/2136/L
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