Chassis No.: DB51529R

Engine No.: 400/1527

Registration: tbc

To the casual observer, the 1963 DB5 is virtually indistinguishable from a late model DB4 Vantage; the DB5 is essentially a four-litre version of the DB4. Initially fitted with the four-speed David Brown gearbox, the vast majority of cars received the superior five-speed gearbox either as an option or later as standard fitting. So why is the DB5 so often thought of as the quintessential Aston Martin? Without doubt this is due to a Silver Birch example featuring in the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger, complete with special modifications and hidden weaponry.

With 007 behind the wheel of the sensational sports GT, demand outstripped supply - the factory just couldn't capitalise fast enough on the marketing success of the DB5. Even today, DB5's are highly regarded and change hands for sums significantly greater than almost anything else in the range. Its production, however, was fairly short-lived, ending in September 1965 after 1,021 had been manufactured.

Chassis number '1529/R' was sold new to Carter-Parratt Ltd of Sutton, Surrey and was originally finished in Platinum with red Connolly leather interior. Only one additional owner is listed on the accompanying copy build sheet: Anthony Nathaniel Crossley of Reading Carpet Co Ltd, though the change is undated. The build sheet lists various works carried out at Newport Pagnell up to January 1967 (at 21,691 miles). The previous owner bought the car circa 1988 from his father-in-law, Eric Bradley, who had purchased it from Ralph Rothermere around 1968. Fulham Workshops of Parsons Green (later Clapham Common) serviced the Aston for many years until they retired.

In 2006 Aston Martin specialist Tim Bissett, was commissioned for an rebuild and upgrade, these works involved enlarging the engine to 4.2 litres capacity. Photographed in the history file is confirmation the car was used competitively for the 2001 Classic Marathon rally wearing its number 65 and registration 2189 RD. Our highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic vendor purchased this car at a Bonhams auction in December 2017 before undertaking a full nut and bolt restoration. The two-year restoration is detailed in a hardback photo book supplied with the car showing the entire process before being finished and used for his daughter’s wedding.

Part of the restoration included various upgrades to be implemented and during the restoration our vendor installed a high-capacity aluminium radiator with electric fan, power steering, larger 6” wire wheels and tyres and Billet crankshaft with fast road cams. Nice touches to the cars everyday usability includes central locking, an upgraded light system and a retro style modern DAB radio.

The history file includes invoices from the restoration, original order details, earlier servicing schedule and engine rebuild details from Tim Bissett, photographs of the car racing, a restoration photobook and details of a full ‘tune up’ in 2020. This example has been well cared for by our vendor who has owned no less than three DB5’s. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a current MoT test certificate together with a good history folder the DB5 is still, quite rightly, considered one of the most stunning designs ever penned. This quintessentially British sportscar is a highly useable example.

• Interested parties should note that the private registration plate shown is to be retained by the vendor and a new, age-related registration issued instead.

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=4397&au=77