1965 Aston Martin DB5

Think about some of the best television shows to have gotten their start as plays on Broadway and quickly one name comes to mind—David 'Bill' Manhoff. Fitting then that one of the most iconic of the prestigious Aston Martin line would get its fame from a movie.

David 'Bill' Manhoff would be the creator, originator, of some of the most famous, and funny, plays to ever hit Hollywood and television. Of course, the one that stands out in memory would have to be The Odd Couple, but to remember just that gem would be to short-change Manhoff's legacy.

The Partridge Family, Sanford and Son, Leave it to Beaver, All in the Family, The real McCoys, Petticoat Junction and The Owl and the Pussycat, all would be heavily influenced by, or written by Manhoff's imaginative, and creative, mind.

The Aston Martin DB5 would be introduced in 1963 and would be immediately well-received with its beautiful body styled by Touring and impressive performance. It was a grand tourer Aston Martin could certainly be proud of. However, the car would not be iconic from the moment it was released. Leave that to United Artists and James Bond.

Considered the quintessential James Bond film, Goldfinger would begin filming in late-January of 1964 and Bond needed a car fitting of his reputation as the ultimate secret agent. Thankfully for Bond, Aston Martin had released just such a car the year before.

As a result of its appearance in the film, the DB5 would become the biggest selling toy of the year and forever establish the look and film of what James Bond was all about. In fact, as a result of the car's appearance in that film subsequent installments would feature the DB5 as a near permanent fixture. James Bond and the DB5 were inseparable.

The fact Aston Martin made a convertible version of the DB5 is nearly forgotten to history. In all reality, the convertible version would not be made in the numbers as the coupe. And, in 1965, just a total of 123 convertibles would be produced. Chassis 2112/R is one of those that had been produced in '65.

The DB5 Convertible would be ordered by Manhoff and would serve as the perfect car for the famous screenwriter. James Bond had leaped into life from the pages of Ian Flemings books. The DB5 helped to make Bond iconic. Manhoff had created such incredible, and unforgettable television programs that he too was iconic within Hollywood and television circles. How better to tell the tale than drive the car that made Bond, James Bond the icon he is.


Largely original, the 1965 DB5 Convertible has accumulated just about 29,000 miles in its 60 years since rolling out of the factory. Enjoyed by Manhoff and just three others for six decades, the car comes with its original and well-preserved interior.

Made available through Gooding & Company's 2015 Pebble Beach auction, the car will be made available for public sale for the first time in its 60 year history. Complete with documentation, a number of accessories, tool roll, Continental parts kit and a provenance any collector looks for, the car was certain to attract attention.

Original estimates had the car garnering anywhere between $1,400,000 and $1,800,000 at auction. In the end, the 1965 DB5 Convertible would achieve a sale price of $1,540,000.

By Jeremy McMullen