 1964 DB5 | 1964 007 DB5 |
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1965 Aston Martin DB5 news, pictures, and information | ||
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Robert Barnford and Lionel Martin began the Aston Martin Company as a means to build racing cars. They started their business in 1913 and built their vehicles atop a Isotta-Fraschini chassis. The name was derived from the Aston Clinton Hillclimb race and Lionel Martin's surname. Their reputation for fast vehicles quickly grew and soon they were establishing speed records. By 1924, the company was taken over by the first of many ownership changes. Though the management and ownership was seemed to be constantly changing, their goals were to produce cars capable of establishing new records and winning races.
Post World War II production was slow and money was tight. Industrialist David Brown acquired the Aston Martin Company in 1947 and the Lagonda automobile company. David Brown's initial would adorn the vehicles for many years and his contributions to the company were more than just financial, they were legendary. The first of the DB series, the DB1, was introduced in 1948 of which only 14 were built. The DB2 followed in 1950, outfitted with a Lagonda engine and styling by a Lagonda designer. In total, there were more than 400 DB2s created. Only 10 of the DB3's were created, which were more of a race car than they were a street machine.
The DB4 was a very powerful and competitive car and was a strong contender again Ferrari's and Maserati's. Carrozzeria Touring of Italy was responsible for the 'superleggera', meaning superlight, light-weight bodies. The cars continued to evolve in technology, capability, and design. By 1963, Aston Martin introduced their DB5. It was described as an evolution of the DB4, continuing the design established by its predecessor. Under the hood lurked a more powerful and potent engine. It played a staring role with James Bond in the 'Goldfinger' movie.
The DB5 continued in production until 1966 when it was replaced by the slightly larger DB6. With the extra room, the rear passengers gained a little extra legroom.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2006
Post World War II production was slow and money was tight. Industrialist David Brown acquired the Aston Martin Company in 1947 and the Lagonda automobile company. David Brown's initial would adorn the vehicles for many years and his contributions to the company were more than just financial, they were legendary. The first of the DB series, the DB1, was introduced in 1948 of which only 14 were built. The DB2 followed in 1950, outfitted with a Lagonda engine and styling by a Lagonda designer. In total, there were more than 400 DB2s created. Only 10 of the DB3's were created, which were more of a race car than they were a street machine.
The DB4 was a very powerful and competitive car and was a strong contender again Ferrari's and Maserati's. Carrozzeria Touring of Italy was responsible for the 'superleggera', meaning superlight, light-weight bodies. The cars continued to evolve in technology, capability, and design. By 1963, Aston Martin introduced their DB5. It was described as an evolution of the DB4, continuing the design established by its predecessor. Under the hood lurked a more powerful and potent engine. It played a staring role with James Bond in the 'Goldfinger' movie.
The DB5 continued in production until 1966 when it was replaced by the slightly larger DB6. With the extra room, the rear passengers gained a little extra legroom.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2006
 |  |  | Volante Convertible Coupe |
Aston Martin's reputation was long-established as a low-volume producer of exquisite sports cars by the time the DB-5 was introduced in 1963. This car was originally restored in 1986, and shown at the Pebble Beach Concours in 1988. It also received the People's Choice award at the 2002 Greenwich Concours.
 |  |  | Coupe Coachwork: Touring Chassis Num: DB52054L |
| Sold for $341,000 at 2009 RM Auctions. | |||
Aston Martin unveiled their DB4 model in 1958 at the Paris Auto Salon. It was a new car in virtually every regard, and built on a new steel chassis with four-wheel disc brakes and fitted with a newly developed alloy, twin-cam inline six-cylinder engine designed by Tadek Marek. The engine was similar in its design and construction to the Lagonda engine designed by W.O. Bentley and found in earlier Aston Martin DBs.
In 1963, Aston Martin introduced the DB5 at the Earl's Court Motor Show in London. The design was similar to the DB4, but the six-cylinder engine displacement had been increased to 4-liters. It had three SU carburetors as standard equipment, with horsepower increased by 20 percent to 282 horsepower. Other refinements included a twin fuel fillers, electric windows, and a highly tuned exhaust system. After just 50 units were built, the ZF five-speed gearbox became standard equipment.
Between 1963 and 1965, just 886 DB5s were produced, all of which received Touring's superleggera (super light) bodywork.
This Aston Martin DB5 is entirely original with the exception of a repaint. It was donated to Ohio's Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum in 2001. The car is painted in red and well equipped with factory air conditioning, which was offered as an option when new.
In 2009, this Aston Martin DB5 was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in Monterey, California presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $145,000-$185,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $341,000 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009
 |  |  | Volante Convertible Coupe |
Hand crafted aluminum bodies and leather interiors, the DB line was well received, then bolstered by the driving team of Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori racing the DBR1 3-liter factory team car to victory in the 1959 24-Hours of LeMans, securing the World Manufacturer's Championship for Aston Martin. The firm then retired from competition to devote attention to road cars, continuing the DB designation.
An improved engine of 4-liter displacement was introduced in the DB5, first show during October of 1963. Variations of the DB engine powered all the production DB models until modern times. The DB5 was so well received that production had to be doubled, largely due to the 'Goldfinger' DB5 of agent 007, James Bond. Among the last of the DB5 models produced, thirty-seven convertibles (Drophead Coupes) were fitted with some DB6 features. The 4-inch longer wheelbase DB6 replaced the DB5/6 making these Volante models among the rarest of the Aston Martin series.
 |  |  | Vantage Convertible Chassis Num: DB5C/1924/R |
| Sold for $1,210,000 at 2012 RM Auctions. | |||
Initially, the DB5 engine was mated to a four-speed David Brown manual gearbox with overdrive or a three-speed BorgWarner automatic unit. After mid-1964, an all-synchromesh ZF five-speed manual gearbox replaced the four-speed as a standard DB5 feature, in which the fifth gear was effectively an overdrive. Standard features on the DB5 included reclining seats, full leather interior, wool-pile carpeting, electric window lifts, twin fuel tanks, chrome wire wheels and an oil cooler.
The prototype Vantage-specification DB5, DP 217, bore the chassis number DB5/1451/R and came equipped with triple Weber twin-choke, sidedraft carburetors along with the five-speed gearbox. Power was rated at 325 BHP at 5,750 RPM, some 40 bhp more than the standard engine. Vantage upgrades included flow-tuned intake manifolds proving a 'ram' effect, the cylinder head featured extra-large ports, valve timing was modified, and ignition timing was advanced for extra power and a flatter torque curve. A vacuum reservoir was also added to the power-assisted brake system. With this list of upgrades, zero-to-60 times dropped to just 6.5 seconds.
This example was completed on April 1st of 1965 with RHD for the home market and dispatched five days later to its selling dealer J. Blake and Company Limited. The original owner was Mr. J.V.R. Bullough, a member of the Aston Martin Owners Club. Two unique features ordered to this car were a two-inch clutch-pedal extension and additional padding to the front-seat squabs. The car received UK-registration MTF 222C. The car's next owner was Mr. T.F. Kennel of Buckinghamshire, followed by its next recorded owner from the AMOC Register, Mr. J. Denoyer.
Prior to being imported to the United States, the DB5C received a comprehensive restoration which was completed to concours standards in 2005, including a professional conversion to left-hand drive. Since restoration, approximately 2,000 miles have been traveled.
The car is finished in Peony Red and complemented with tan Connolly leather upholstery with matching Everflex convertible top and camel Wilton wool carpets. Its first post-restoration showing was the at AMOC Lime Rock Classic in Connecticut. Other show entries included the 2007 Gold Coast Concours at Glen Cove, New York, followed by the Amelia Island and Greenwich Concours d'Elegance in 2009, the Fairfield Concours in 2010 and most recently the Cavallino Mar-A-Lago Concours.
The car retains its jack, a knock-off hammer, owners handbook and a tool roll.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island sale presented by RM Auctions. The car was sold for $1,210,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012
 |  |  | Coupe Coachwork: Touring Chassis Num: DB5/2055/L Engine Num: 400/2083 |
The first recorded owner of this car was W.H. Bradshaw of Forest Hills, New York, who took delivery on September 21st of 1965. It was originally finished in Silver Birch Metallic and had factory-installed air-conditioning, as well as chrome-plated wire wheels and auxiliary Fiamm horns. It was a relatively late-build example that features the ZF five-speed gearbox and was originally equipped with white-striped Avon Turbospeed tires.
The second owner was a resident of North Carolina. It was used for many years before being put in storage where it sat undisturbed for the next 31 years. Years later, it was purchased by another resident of North Carolina who commissioned a full restoration.
The inside features a grey broadcloth headliner and Wilton wool carpets lined in leather. Replacing the original blue leather, Coachtrim of Danbury, Connecticut, reupholstered the interior in black leather. The exterior was finished in Silver Birch. The odometer currently shows just over 66,000 miles. The restoration work was completed in 2005.
In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island sale presented by Gooding & Company. It was estimated to sell for $750,000 - $850,000. Bidding failed to satisfy the vehicles reserve and it would leave the auction unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012
 |  |  | Coupe Coachwork: Touring Chassis Num: DB5/2207/R |
| Sold for $405,142 (€313,600) at 2012 RM Auctions. | |||
The six-cylinder dual overhead cam engine delivers 282 horsepower and is mated to a ZF five-speed manual gearbox.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale by RM Auctions at their Monaco sale. It had a pre-auction estimated sale price of €285.000-€330.000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of €313.600 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2012
 |  | Coupe Coachwork: Touring Chassis Num: DB5/2098/R Engine Num: 400/2204 |
| Sold for $363,000 at 2013 Gooding & Company. | ||
Under the bonnet was a Tadek Marek-designed, all-alloy, four-liter DOHC inline six-cylinder engine breathing through a trio of big SU side-draft carburetors. The engine offered 282 horsepower and 288 lbs./ft of torque. The steering was handled by a rack-and-pinion unit controlled through a large mahogany-rimmed steering wheel with black painted spokes.
This right-hand-drive DB5 is finished in Sierra Blue metallic with a dark blue leather interior and Wilton wool carpeting, all believed to be original to the car. It rides on 72-spoke wire wheels and is equipped with electric window lifts and seats with adjustable backrests.
The early history of this car is not known. It has been repainted once, around the early 2000s, and the front seating surfaces and carpeting are believed to have been replaced. The odometer shows 66,447 miles, which may be original.
It is believed that this car came to the United States around 1980 and found its way to the Northwest.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2013
The DB5's were built from 1964 through 1965 during which 1021 examples were produced. They followed the success of the DB4's and featured similar body work as the 2 door, 4 seater Saloon. The DB name was derived from David Brown, an individual who had purchased the Aston Martin Company. The six cylinder engine was still standard. However, this Tadek Mereck designed straight six was now displacing 3995 cc and was capable of producing 282 horsepower. The Vantage option increased the output rating to 314 bhp. Most of the DB5s featured a new ZF five-speed transmission.
Unlike the DB4's, the DB5's were equipped with Electric windows and Selectaride type Armstrong Dampers. These were luxuries, but they also increased the weight of the vehicle and decreasing the overall performance. The zero-to-sixty time was 8.1 seconds with the top speed being in the neighborhood of 143 mph.
Just like the DB4's, the DB5's were available in convertible form. Twelve vehicles were built by Coachbuilder Harold Radford and designated the DB5 Shooting Brake.
The DB5 series will be remembered in history as having a staring role in the James Bond Film 'Gold Finger'.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006
Unlike the DB4's, the DB5's were equipped with Electric windows and Selectaride type Armstrong Dampers. These were luxuries, but they also increased the weight of the vehicle and decreasing the overall performance. The zero-to-sixty time was 8.1 seconds with the top speed being in the neighborhood of 143 mph.
Just like the DB4's, the DB5's were available in convertible form. Twelve vehicles were built by Coachbuilder Harold Radford and designated the DB5 Shooting Brake.
The DB5 series will be remembered in history as having a staring role in the James Bond Film 'Gold Finger'.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006
The DB series was named after the head of Aston Martin from 1947 until 1972, David Brown. Debuted in 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 was the spicy replacement of the earlier DB4 model. The DB5 was available as a convertible or a sports saloon and was slightly heavier and longer than the DB4. Standard equipment on the DB5 included pile carpets, recling seats, a fire extinguisher and electric windows. All DB5 models had four seats and two doors and the sports saloon had a UK list price of £4,248 including purchase tax and the convertible was £4,562.
The Aston Martin DB5 weighted 3,310lb and could achieve 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds. Unfortunately the weight disadvantage was offset by the 4-liter version of the double overhead engine that produced 282 bhp. Early vehicles were fitted with a four speed gearbox, but came with the option of three-speed automatic, or even a five speed ZF manual unit. Eventually the five speed gearbox became standard equipment on all DB5 cars. Producing 282 bhp, the three SU carbs aided the car to reach to 145 mph.
A Vantage model was a higher performance variant of theDB5 that featured power output of 325bhp that eventually became the standard Aston Martin power unit with the launch in September of 1963. Only 65 DB5 Vantage coupes were ever produced. The DB5 was a low-slung coupe that looked sleek and glamorous enough to appear in movies. Compared to the previous model, the DB5 featured numerous improved that included an alternator instead of dynamo, electric windows as standard, and an improved exhaust system. Air conditioning was also available as an option.
One year after the car debuted, Sean Connery in his role of James Bond used the DB5 in the film Goldfinger. Transforming it into possibly the best known of all Aston Martin models, the DB5 definitely found its fame in the James Bond flick, but went on to also appear in Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies and Casino Royale. Ian Fleming had originally placed Bond in a DB Mar III in the book, but the DV5 was the company's newest model when the film was being made. The vehicle in the film was the original DB5 prototype and another standard car used for stunts. After the film's release, two more modified vehicles were constructed for publicity tours. One of the vehicles was auctioned in Arizona in January of 2006 for $2,090,000.
Only 123 DB5 Vantage convertibles were produced though they never utilized the standard 'Volante' name. Only 19 out of the 123 DB5 convertible were left-hand drive and the convertible was only offered from 1963 through 1965.
Another very unique variant of the DB5 lineup was the shooting brake estate vehicle. Custom produced by the factory for David Brown, 12 more coupes were custom modified for Aston Martin by independent coachbuilder, Harold Radford. Unfortunately the station wagon featured no change to the rear suspension and drivers would find this out when the load in the rear shifted at high speed in a corner with ‘a resultant loss of control'.
Unfortunately the DB5 was replaced in 1965 by the DB6, the first four-seater produced by the Aston Martin family, after just over 1,000 cars were produced.By Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe Aston Martin DB5 weighted 3,310lb and could achieve 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds. Unfortunately the weight disadvantage was offset by the 4-liter version of the double overhead engine that produced 282 bhp. Early vehicles were fitted with a four speed gearbox, but came with the option of three-speed automatic, or even a five speed ZF manual unit. Eventually the five speed gearbox became standard equipment on all DB5 cars. Producing 282 bhp, the three SU carbs aided the car to reach to 145 mph.
A Vantage model was a higher performance variant of theDB5 that featured power output of 325bhp that eventually became the standard Aston Martin power unit with the launch in September of 1963. Only 65 DB5 Vantage coupes were ever produced. The DB5 was a low-slung coupe that looked sleek and glamorous enough to appear in movies. Compared to the previous model, the DB5 featured numerous improved that included an alternator instead of dynamo, electric windows as standard, and an improved exhaust system. Air conditioning was also available as an option.
One year after the car debuted, Sean Connery in his role of James Bond used the DB5 in the film Goldfinger. Transforming it into possibly the best known of all Aston Martin models, the DB5 definitely found its fame in the James Bond flick, but went on to also appear in Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies and Casino Royale. Ian Fleming had originally placed Bond in a DB Mar III in the book, but the DV5 was the company's newest model when the film was being made. The vehicle in the film was the original DB5 prototype and another standard car used for stunts. After the film's release, two more modified vehicles were constructed for publicity tours. One of the vehicles was auctioned in Arizona in January of 2006 for $2,090,000.
Only 123 DB5 Vantage convertibles were produced though they never utilized the standard 'Volante' name. Only 19 out of the 123 DB5 convertible were left-hand drive and the convertible was only offered from 1963 through 1965.
Another very unique variant of the DB5 lineup was the shooting brake estate vehicle. Custom produced by the factory for David Brown, 12 more coupes were custom modified for Aston Martin by independent coachbuilder, Harold Radford. Unfortunately the station wagon featured no change to the rear suspension and drivers would find this out when the load in the rear shifted at high speed in a corner with ‘a resultant loss of control'.
Unfortunately the DB5 was replaced in 1965 by the DB6, the first four-seater produced by the Aston Martin family, after just over 1,000 cars were produced.By Jessica Donaldson
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 1965
Aston Martin
models |
| Aston Martin DB6 |
| Aston Martin DB6 Volante |
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Average Auction Sale: $481,449 |
| Aston Martin: 1961-1970 |
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| 15/98 2 litre C-Type 2-Liter Type A Speed Model Aston V8 | Cygnet DB2 DB3 DB4 | DB5 DB6 DB7 DB9 | DBR1 DBR9 DBS Lagonda | Le Mans Mk II One-77 T-Type | Ulster V12 Vantage Roadster V12 Zagato V8 Vantage | Vanquish Virage |
| 1964 DB5 | 1964 007 DB5 |
