To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 15 - 16 August 2025.

• Finished in its factory-correct Silver Birch over Red leather trim
• Matching-numbers engine as confirmed by a copy of its factory build record
• Single California ownership from 1974 through 2024 with extensive service documentation
• Recent cosmetic restoration returning the car to its original color combination

Universally regarded as one of the most beautiful and iconic motor cars ever built, the Aston Martin DB5 represents the pinnacle of 1960s British grand touring. Produced from 1963 to 1965 in limited numbers, the DB5 introduced a host of refinements that helped make Aston Martin the symbol of sophistication and power it remains today.

Beneath its timeless Superleggera aluminum bodywork, penned by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, the DB5 housed a robust, all-alloy 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with triple SU carburetors and twin overhead camshafts delivering a factory-rated 282 horsepower and top speed of over 140 mph. Inside, the DB5 was appointed to an impeccable standard, featuring Connolly leather upholstery, Wilton wool carpets, and polished wood veneer accents, all underscoring the car’s well-earned reputation as both a high-performance grand tourer and gentleman’s express.

Beyond its impressive specifications, it was the DB5’s starring role in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger that forever cemented the model’s status not just as a collector car, but as a cultural icon known the world over. With a production run of approximately 887 saloon examples, the DB5 remains a rare and highly coveted prize among collectors of all stripes.

Completed on 19 May 1965, the Aston Martin DB5 offered here, chassis 2151, was delivered new as it presents today in the quintessential specification of Silver Birch over Red leather trim. A right-hand-drive, home-market example, 2151 was sold on 24 September 1965 through Plough Motors of Gloucestershire to its first owner, residing in Llandudno, North Wales. A copy of the original factory build sheet confirms regular service by Aston Martin through at least 1968. During this period of the car’s life a Webasto sunroof, a popular period accessory, was added and remains on the car today. Ownership history since new is documented in the extensive records that accompany this vehicle.

In 1974, the car was acquired by an enthusiast in Sunnyvale, California, who imported it to the United States, where it would remain under his careful stewardship for the next five decades. Over the course of these 50 years, the DB5 was sympathetically maintained by Kevin Kay Restorations and actively enjoyed by its long-term owner. A Tremec five-speed gearbox was installed for improved drivability.

After acquiring the DB5 in 2024, the consignor commissioned select repairs at Kevin Kay Restorations and, after briefly enjoying the car on the road, elected to have it cosmetically restored to its original color combination. Invoices and accompanying photographs detail a bare-metal respray in its highly desirable factory livery of Silver Birch along with the installation of a new Red leather interior. When the body was stripped to bare metal, it was found to be in exceptionally good condition with few needed repairs.

After paint, interior, and re-chroming of the exterior trim was completed, the DB5 returned to Kevin Kay Restorations for installation of a new windshield. During the restoration process, the car was importantly verified as possessing its matching-numbers engine, confirmed by a copy of its factory build sheet. Freshly completed in June 2025, the car now presents as it did upon leaving Newport Pagnell in the summer of 1965 and is accompanied by a copy of its original build record, British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, period DB5 Instruction Book, tools and jack, service invoices dating to the 1980s, and a collection of photographs documenting its 2025 refurbishment.

Combining a classic livery with a fresh cosmetic restoration, chassis 2151 represents a truly exceptional example of Aston Martin’s most celebrated model. With its documented history and sublime presentation, it offers an ideal entry into vintage tours, rallies, and concours events worldwide.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo25/.