• The third left-hand-drive DB5 Vantage built and the first delivered in continental Europe, according to Aston Martin build records
• Despatched to Switzerland just one day after Aston Martin officially revealed the Vantage engine in the country
• Supplied new in the stunning colour combination of Aegean Blue over a Beige Connolly leather interior
• In current ownership since 2007; retained in long-term storage since

Aston Martin announced the Vantage engine for the Swiss market on 4 March 1965. The 4.0-litre straight-six powerplant produced 325 horsepower at 5,750 rpm—40 more than the standard engine. The firm stated that the first example would be available to view at the Geneva Motor Show from 11 to 21 March 1965.

According to Aston Martin build records, chassis DB5/1996/L was the third left-hand-drive DB5 Vantage built and would become the first Vantage-engined car in continental Europe. Completed on 27 February 1965, the coachwork was finished in Aegean Blue with Beige Connolly leather, with the car sent directly to Swiss Aston Martin distributor, Garage Herbert Patthey. Specified with a Motorola radio/aerial, chrome wire wheels, Bray immersion heater, spark plug holder and, curiously, a detachable passenger seat headrest. It is thought the headrest was specified in such a manner so that a cameraman could sit in the back and photograph road tests. The factory guarantee was issued on 5 March—one day after Aston Martin announced the model.

While the next 30 years of the Aston Martin’s life are unknown, the car resurfaced in 1996 under the ownership of Computer Help AG in Switzerland. The firm retained the car until September 2007, when it was acquired by the consigning owner. This DB5 Vantage was then exported to Kuwait and placed in dry storage as part of a large collection. Please note this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and will require recommissioning prior to road use.

Today, the car is presented in its factory-correct colour combination of Aegean Blue over a Beige Connolly leather interior. As an extremely early left-hand-drive example, this example presents a tempting proposition for the discerning Aston Martin enthusiast.

Please note this lot has entered the EU on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the EU on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the EU.

Bitte beachten Sie, dass dieses Fahrzeug mit einer vorübergehenden Einfuhrgenehmigung in die EU eingeführt wurde, die entweder durch die Ausfuhr des Fahrzeugs aus der EU mit einem genehmigten Frachtbrief und den entsprechenden Zollunterlagen oder durch die Zahlung der geltenden Mehrwertsteuer und Einfuhrzölle aufgehoben werden muss, damit das Fahrzeug in der EU verbleiben kann.

Please note, on closer inspection it was found that this car’s engine block is restamped. Contrary to the printed catalogue, the block is likely to be a non-original part.

Bitte beachten Sie, dass nach näherer Betrachtung der Motorblock dieses Fahrzeugs umgestempelt worden ist. Daher handelt es sich im Gegensatz zur im Katalog gemachten Aussage bei dem Block wahrscheinlich um ein nicht-originales Teil.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mu23.