Lot 230: Aston Martin DB5

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, ejector seats and other gadgetry. In evolutionary 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.

WGR 666 was purchased by the current owner in 1986. The previous keeper acquired the car in 1980 and the logbook indicates that there were three previous owners. The original owner of the car was Pollard & Sons Ltd, of Bury, and while it is not known when the original owner sold the car, it seems likely that it has had no more than half a dozen owners in its life, the last for 22 years.

The car was in regular use throughout the late 1980s and early 90s, by which time the mileage had increased to 41,543 miles. During this period the car was used as daily transport and there is a selection of invoices on file for running repairs and work carried out by the previous owner. The Aston was then laid up in 1993 when a full chassis and mechanical renovation was commenced, a process which was not completed until the year 2000.

The engine was fully stripped and rebuilt with new cylinder liners, Cosworth pistons, new torsional vibration damper, unleaded-compatible valves and new timing chains. The camshafts were up-rated to Vantage C specification, the carburettors gas flowed and the entire engine balanced and reassembled. It was noted at the time that the block was unusually sound, with no cracks in the lower liner seating areas and negligible corrosion.

At the same time the front and rear suspension systems were completely stripped and re-bushed throughout, the brake system comprehensively rebuilt with overhauled calipers (with stainless-steel pistons), reconditioned servos and master cylinder, new pipes/hoses, handbrake cables and new rear brake discs. The chassis itself was restored with new inner and outer sills, front outriggers, rear jacking points, new door bottoms, engine bay side panels and localised repairs to the rear radius arm mountings. The car was thoroughly rust-proofed after completion of the work.

1453/R returned to the road in 2000 and was used sparingly between 2000 and 2006, when a full cosmetic makeover was commissioned and the body stripped back to bare metal. The aluminum door skins and sills were replaced prior to re-spray, with all this work being undertaken by respected specialist, Morlands. On stripping the paint it was noted that the aluminum bodywork was in an exceptionally straight and undamaged state, the only significant repair required being the replacement of the rear valance.

The engine was then stripped, checked and reassembled by Chris Shenton Engineering, and as a precaution a new oil pump chain and tensioner were installed, valve clearances rechecked and the whole engine detailed. On completion, the engine was test run before being reinstalled in the newly detailed engine bay. The entire engine renovation process ran to a total of some £32,000, details of which are provided in the car's file.

All chromework has been renovated by Derby Plating Services at a cost approaching £6,000, and in addition, a new set of chrome wire wheels, new tyres and a new windscreen have been fitted. The interior has also been comprehensively re-trimmed and the original West of England cloth headlining replaced, together with the interior and boot carpeting. Assorted invoices for parts from marque specialists such as R S Williams, Aston Service Dorest and other specialist suppliers are provided also, indicating further expenditure in the region of £4,000.

While the car has been fully restored, it nevertheless retains its original engine, gearbox, rear axle, registration number and colour scheme (pale blue metallic with blue leather and carpets). The majority of the bodywork is original, as are the other fixtures and fittings.

A selection of expired MoT certificates is provided in the car's extensive history file, recording the mileage when purchased as 33,323 miles. The current mileage total stands at just 47,200 miles. In addition, the vehicle's history file documents at least £70,000 worth of bills and receipts.

1453/R represents a rare opportunity to purchase a DB5 that has been in long term ownership, is in excellent restored condition and possesses a superb documented history.