1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible

Aston Martin produced 1,021 DB5s, including just 123 convertibles, plus a few special-order 'shooting brakes' produced by outside coachbuilders. The high-performance, Vantage-specification DB5 made its first appearance in September 1964.

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 a 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, an owner's 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 the buyer's premium. More recently, while under the care of new ownership, the DB5 was stripped to its bare metal and returned to its original, factory-correct color of Deep Carriage Green. The Connolly leather interior installed during the 2005 restoration was retained.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012