Vehicle Description
To many observers the Aston Martin DB5 is the epitome of-the company"s models during the David Brown era, boasting both beauty and refined high performance. It is also perhaps the best known Aston Martin in the world, having starred in the James Bond films Goldfinger and Thunderball, complete with machine guns and other gadgetry. In evolution terms the DB5 is a Series V DB4 but with a 4.0 rather than 3.7 litre engine, its coachwork embodying detail changes; it thus featured similar stunning styling from Touring of Milan, incorporating DB4 GT-style faired-in headlamps, with aluminium panels attached to a lightweight steel frame using Touring"s Superleggera method of construction. Underneath the platform chassis used independent coil spring wishbone front suspension with a live rear axle located by Watt linkage and parallel trailing arms. Disc brakes were fitted all round, but the Girling items of the DB4 GT rather than the DB4"s Dunlop discs.
The Tadek Marek designed twin overhead camshaft, straight six engine was enlarged to 3,995cc from the DB4"s 3,670cc, power rising to 282bhp at 5,500rpm in standard trim; a 314bhp Vantage option, using triple Weber rather than SU carburettors, higher compression ratio and a different camshaft profile, was a rare and desirable option. Initially, the all-alloy engine was mated to a four-speed David Brown gearbox with overdrive but later models featured a five-speed ZF unit; automatic transmission was also offered for the first time.
Other changes over the DB4 included an alternator, four exhaust silencers rather than two, electric windows and variable intensity brake lights.
Following its launch in July 1963 in saloon and convertible forms the DB5 received much praise, not least for its performance. A maximum of 148mph in standard trim, allied to 0-60 and 0-100mph in 7.1 and 16.9 seconds respectively, made the DB5 one of the fastest cars available and a match for the very best from Europe. Its production, however, was fairly short-lived, ending in September 1965 after 1,021 had been made; of these only 123 were Convertibles while just 65 had the Vantage engine.
Supplied by J.Blake and Company Ltd, chassis number 143512 was delivered new to Mr John M Garbutt of Suffolk. First registered on the 25th April 1964 the car remained in this single ownership until 2016. We are advised that the only alteration in specification from the original, is its colour scheme.
Originally Sierra Blue, the colour was changed to its current California Sage Green to match its famous DB4 GT Zagato counterpart. This, of course, stems from the iconic "2 VEV" number plate which has inspired this sister car specification change in colour with a registration of "VEV 2" to match.
Spending much of its early life between North London and Suffolk the car was serviced by Odeon Motors Group, Loxleys Ltd and Edmonds Group with extensive bills to prove. Serviced more recently by Stratton Motor Company and HWM Aston Martin.
The Fawn colour interior is original and as a result, is a little worn in areas but a re-trim is by no means essential. As charming as the car is fully functional, this lovely right hand drive example of a DB5 has a special poise that few other cars can match. In the hands of a trusted keeper for 52 years. Whether buying to keep or if you wish to carry out a restoration, this is a truly iconic British Sports car whichever you look at it and with comprehensive history file and heritage certificate to match is a very rare thing.
