1965 Aston Martin DB5 Coupe

The DB5 Series, introduced in 1963, continued the great sporting qualities found in the preceding DB-series cars. Engine displacement rose and tripe SU carburetors became standard, brining horsepower to 282 bhp. Dual-servo brakes and the DB5's covered headlights were retrained from the final series DB4s, as were dual fuel fillers. The body was formed from aluminum and crafted in the old-world superleggera method by Touring of Milan.

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