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UK V5
See UK Registration/Import Status Guide in catalogue.

One of the most iconic and famous cars of all time, the Aston Martin DB5 debuted in 1963 as a development of the Series V DB4 Vantage. Available in a choice of sports saloon or convertible body styles, the DB5 was slightly longer, heavier, and better equipped than its predecessor. Among its improvements were a new alternator-type charging system, standard tinted glass, electric window lifts, reclining seats, wool pile carpets, twin fuel tanks, chrome wire wheels, an oil cooler, and full leather cabin trim. As before, the platform-type DB5 chassis was handsomely cloaked in lightweight aluminum-alloy body panels built with the patented Superleggera (Super light) technique under license from Italy’s renowned Carrozzeria Touring.

Performance of the DB5 was maintained with the Tadek Marek-designed DOHC inline six-cylinder engine upsized to 3,995 cc with a heady 282 hp rating standard and 314 hp in uprated Vantage specification. Early examples of the DB5 utilized a four-speed gearbox, with a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic or five-speed ZF manual unit initially optional, and the five-speed soon became standard equipment. Precise rack and pinion steering and dual-system Girling hydraulic disc brakes on all corners completed the impressive mechanical specifications of the DB5.

In 1964, the DB5 found everlasting fame as the mount of a certain secret agent in the epic James Bond film Goldfinger. After production of just 898 cars, the DB5 was replaced in 1965 by the larger and slightly restyled DB6. Just 123 convertible DB5s were made from 1963 to 1965, including a 37-car run as DB5 production was being phased out in favor of the DB6. Interestingly, the now-typical “Volante” name given to Aston Martin convertibles was only applied to the succeeding DB6 and later models. Nonetheless, the open-air body of the DB5 Convertible remains particularly attractive along the short-wheelbase DB5 chassis, making the DB5 Convertible highly sought after by collectors as one of the most desirable classic Aston Martin models ever conceived.

This gorgeous 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible, chassis DB5C/1906/R, is a factory-original, right-hand-drive, five-speed example, purchased new on January 20, 1965, by famed actress and BAFTA winner Beryl Reid. She entrusted it to Aston Martin Works Service on three occasions during the late 1960s, the last for collision repairs at 19,339 miles in 1968. In 1973, the Aston Martin was acquired by Bruce G.S. Coles, who retained it for the next 37 years. Having already been refinished during Beryl Reid’s ownership, from the factory-original Caribbean Pearl to Midnight Blue, along with a new gray hood, the DB5 was used briefly for daily transportation before being reserved for use purely on high days and holidays, thereby minimizing exposure to inclement weather. Circa 1980, the engine was rebuilt to Vantage specification with upgraded cams and cylinder head by an Aston Martin specialist.

The next owner acquired DB5C/1906/R in May 2010. Shortly thereafter, it received a concours-quality restoration at the Aston Martin Works Service department in historic Newport Pagnell. The restoration commenced in June 2010 and was completed in August 2011, which included addressing the mechanical systems as well as a bare-metal body restoration and refinishing. A new owner joined the DB5’s roster in March 2012 and following purchase, elected to have the DB5 refinished in Gabiano Blue by Spray-Tec Restorations Ltd at a cost of over £25,000. The leather upholstery was beautifully re-trimmed in beige by the late noted craftsman Lincoln Scott. Since restoration, the DB5 has seen only sparing use and has been maintained to exacting standards by DK Engineering. A detailed history file accompanies this exceedingly rare and desirable 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible, including service and restoration records, MOT test certificates, original and reproduction DB5 instruction books, registration documents, and original log book. Also included are a reproduction tool roll and correct-type reproduction tools.

Simply put, this 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible is a quintessential postwar grand touring machine and, quite likely, one of the finest expressions of the concept in existence and currently available.