Chassis No.: DB5/2098/R

Engine No.: 400/2204

Location: Amelia Island, Florida

$990,000 USD | Sold

• Magnificent, ground-up concours restoration by marque specialists
• Richard Stewart Williams-rebuilt engine to 4.2-liter specification
• Stunning in original Sierra Blue
• Outstanding professional conversion to exacting factory specification left-hand drive
• Complete with tools, handbook, and parts and service manuals

300 bhp, 4,200 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with triple Weber twin-choke carburetors, ZF five-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar; live rear axle with Watt linkage, radius rods, and coil springs; and four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 98 in.

The Aston Martin DB5 epitomized the success of the company’s mission to produce a world-class GT sports coupe with the English gentleman in mind. The car was hand built and improved upon the advanced engineering that began with its groundbreaking predecessor, the DB4. Superior materials were used in manufacture, such as aluminum-alloy body panels mounted over a skeleton of small-diameter tubing, which was patented by Touring of Milan as Superleggera construction. Its race-proven engine was also made of aluminum, including both the block and its twin-cam hemispherical cylinder head. Then, of course, the interior was upholstered in the finest Connolly leather, which was complemented by deep-pile Wilton carpets. The net result was a car of unmatched power, elegance, and luxury.

According to its factory build sheet, a copy of which is on file, this particular DB5 was originally delivered to Martins Caravan Company Ltd., in Countess Wear, North Exeter, with the guarantee issued on 22 October 1965. It was originally finished in Sierra Blue over Dark Blue Connolly leather, with the “non-standard equipment” of three-ear knock-off hubs, chrome wire wheels, and a heated rear screen. Factory service work is recorded well into 1966, including two separate rebuildings and refitting of the engine.

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A former owner noted that the car was exported to the United States in 1980, and it has remained here since, including long-term enjoyment in the Pacific Northwest; it was driven by owner Cameron Sheehan in the Oregon Columbia Gorge Classic vintage rally in 2001, 2002, and 2003. More recently, in 2013–2014 it was subjected to a full restoration from the ground up, and from bare metal (photo documented) to the highest of standards, by marque specialists Vantage Motors in Stamford, Connecticut, performed for a longtime Aston Martin enthusiast/collector.

In the words of a knowledgeable RM Sotheby’s specialist, “This car has enjoyed the most comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration of any DB5 that we have sold in memory.” Its left-hand-drive conversion was done to the most full, professional, and correct standards possible, down to windshield wipers that park opposite the driver, which required reworking the cowl for their placement. The exquisite bodywork was perfectly finished in the original color of Sierra Blue by Aston paint and color expert Dwayne Nosworthy of West Chester Classics in Connecticut, while the interior was upholstered in a sumptuous Spinneybeck butterscotch, set off with navy Wilton carpets.

Further, the current engine, a correct DB5 unit, was specially shipped to the United Kingdom for a rebuild to the desirable, powerful 4.2-liter specification by the world-renowned Richard Stewart Williams, quasi-factory Aston Martin engineers and restorers.” Many of the best names have been contracted to make this DB5 the finest example one might imagine, a lusty performer in a tailored suit.

The car now presents as a jewelry-like restoration, with all of the proper accoutrements, including a jack, hammer, tool roll, owner’s handbook, factory reprint service and parts manuals, extra keys, and a car cover.

An outstanding DB5 that presents beautifully down to the last, tiny detail, this car has been thoroughly prepared to stunning and correct presentation, in an original color that simply cannot be beat. It is stunning and worthy of consideration by the most finicky connoisseur.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/am17/lots/r170-1965-aston-martin-db5/