1965 Aston Martin DB5 Coupe

Aston Martin introduced the DB5 in 1963, and 1,022 examples would be built by 1965, with most (899) being saloons with 123 in convertible configuration. The mature and refined automobile was endowed with Aston Martin's vast experience production machines for road and track, and its Italian-styled aluminum coachwork was handcrafted in the old-world Superleggera method patented by Touring of Milan. Its mechanical componentry was an evolution of its predecessor, the DB4, and was powered by an updated four-liter, Tadek Marek-designed, straight-six engine. All but the earliest examples received the ZF five-speed gearbox, and a three-speed Borg-Warner DG automatic (switched to a Borg-Warner Model 8 near the end of production) was optional.

The generous platform included a 98-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 179.9 inches, and a width of 66.1 inches. Standard amenities included electric windows, twin fuel tanks, reclining seats, wool pile carpets, full leather trim in the cabin, and chrome wire wheels.

Chassis number 1990/L
Of the 899 saloons produced, 193 were completed in left-hand drive (such as this example). Chassis number 1990/L left the factory wearing a Black Pearl exterior paint scheme with an interior trimmed in red Connolly leather. It was equipped with a heated rear windscreen, dual Britax three-point safety belts, a Motorola radio with power antenna, a Fiamm horn, a fender-mounted sideview mirror, and chrome wheels wrapped with Avon Turbospeed GT tires.

Provenance

The first owner of chassis number 1990/L was Oscar Strauss II of New York City. By the 1990s, the Aston Martin was acquired by Kurt DelBene, who would commission Sean Johnson to perform a cosmetic restoration. It was eventually sold to Rocky Santiago and then to a New York-based dealer who went on to intermittently tend the car over the next 20 years. By March 2003, the DB5 was purchased by Connecticut-based collector Stefano Bruni, and he presented the car at the 2003 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance and the 2003 AMOC North America Concours at Lime Rock, Connecticut, where it received a class award.

At least three more owners cared for the car, including a period in the care of a Dubai-based shipping magnate, before it was acquired in the early 2010s by a collector based in New England. Along with receiving excellent care, the car was given a Harvey Bailey suspension kit and a modern aluminum radiator.

The current owner purchased the Aston Martin in June 2018 and had every system and component refurbished as needed, bringing it to concours standards. The work included repainting the coachwork in vintage Aston Martin racing green and reupholstering the interior in dark green leather. The driveshaft assembly, brakes, suspension, carburetors, steering, and instruments were rebuilt, and the oil cooler, motor mounts, transmission mounts, water pump, and fuel pump were replaced. The restoration work totaled over $390,000.

Modern features and upgrades include an electronic ignition and an electronic steering assist system, ensuring a greater level of enjoyment on long-distance touring events.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024