Chassis No. DB5/1497/R

Engine No. 400/1492

Aston Martin achieved early success in the realm of elegant post-war grand tourers with the introduction of the handsome DB2-4 in 1953, but it was the arrival of the DB4 at the end of the decade that truly catapulted the marque into the same revered space as Ferrari and Jaguar. The collaboration between Italy's Carrozzeria Touring and Aston Martin's own Tadek Marek resulted in an achingly beautiful aluminum body of Superleggera construction propelled by a 3.7-liter straight-six engine. The DB5 was the ultimate development of the constant improvements made to the DB4, and remains the most sought-after of all the DB Aston Martins for its increased power and refinement. Equipped with an enlarged 4.0-liter engine breathing through triple SU carburetors, it delivered 282-horsepower to the rear wheels through a full-synchromesh ZF five-speed transmission. Its suspension, which employed coil springs on all four corners, along with power disc brakes and rack and pinion steering, all drew inspiration from Aston Martin's competition sports racers of the era. Additional refinements included an alternator, tinted glass, reclining seats, and electric windows.

Chassis number DB5/1497/R is one of approximately 879 DB5s specified in right-hand drive and was delivered to its original owner on 9 April 1964 via Brooklands of Bond Street in London, England. The accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate records that the car left the factory finished in California Sage with a Green interior and generously equipped with chrome road wheels, two Britax safety belts, triple SU HD8 carburetors, and Dunlop RS5 tires. According to research compiled under previous ownership, the Aston is believed to have been disassembled in the early 1970s with the intention of conducting a full restoration. The original engine, recognized to be numbers-matching per the Heritage Trust, and a correct ZF transmission were refitted at some point during the beginnings of a restoration. In 2014, chassis 1497 was purchased in partially disassembled but largely complete condition including its suspension and braking mechanisms, chromed wire wheels, front and rear coachwork assemblies, both doors, a hood, all glass except the windscreen, and interior trim including the original front seats.

Since then, chassis 1497 has undergone a comprehensive, multi-year restoration completed circa 2020 to an exacting standard. The marque specialists at Trinity Engineering in Ripley, England, are responsible for the Aston's remarkable transformation, which included a full rebuild of the original engine. The aluminum Touring coachwork was renewed in classic Silver Birch while the cabin received new Black Vaumol leather hides, charcoal Wilton wool carpets, and an off-white vinyl headliner. Additional improvements specified during the restoration included air conditioning, power steering, a period radio, an alarm system, and uprated suspension. Email correspondence and an album of restoration images on file document the monumental undertaking.

Today, the car presents in wonderful overall condition having undergone recent servicing courtesy of Trinity Engineering, including a complete inspection, new fluids and filters, and an engine tune. Inside, the freshly trimmed leather upholstery, carpets, and dashboard are in excellent order, and the Smiths instrumentation is correct and functional. A tidy engine compartment completes the look of this exciting DB5, which is sure to be to be enjoyed on any number of tours or to be shown on the concours field. Showing just 1,198 miles on the odometer since its restoration, this is a well-sorted example of Aston Martin's most iconic model.

Addendum & Administrative Notes

Please note that this lot is being sold on International Documents and the buyer of this Lot will be responsible for paying an import duty calculated at 2.5% of the import value and associated import fees. If the Lot is timely exported from the United States, import duty may be refundable.

Please note that contrary to the catalog description this DB5 is in fact, a 1964 model year rather than 1965 as stated in the catalog.