1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible

Aston Martin built 1,059 examples of the DB5 between 1963 and 1965 including 123 convertibles with bodies courtesy of Touring. They would not use the 'Volante' name until 1965, and 12 of the convertibles were fitted with a factory Vantage engine. Just 39 examples of the open-top vehicles were produced for the export market.

The DB5 Convertible was powered by Aston Martin's 4.0-liter engine which delivered 283 brake horsepower and helped the DB5 achieve a top speed of 143 mph. A five-speed ZF gearbox was an optional extra in the Coupes, but came standard on the convertibles, as were an alternator, exhaust silencers, and power windows. Also on the standard equipment list were wool pile carpets, chrome wire wheels, an oil cooler, full leather trim, a fire extinguisher, reclining seats, and twin fuel tanks.

This Aston Martin DB5 Convertible is an export example with a left-hand drive configuration. It was originally delivered to Dr. Morris A Sonderegger of Reno, Nevada who optioned it with Normalair air conditioning, a Bosch Koln TR radio with a power-operated aerial, two Marchal fog lamps, and two detachable headrests. It left the factory finished in Dubonnet red and upholstered in Black Connolly leather.

By 2011, the DB5 resided in Brussels and was in need of restoration. It was sent to R.S. Williams, for a full body-off restoration which included having the engine stripped, cleaned, and inspired. The carburetors were rebuilt to the higher specification, and areas of the block were fixed with carbide before it was brought up to 4.2-liter specification. The cooling system was upgraded to R.S. William's specification, the exterior finished in Silver Birch over red Connolly leather with matching Wilton carpeting, and Avon tires installed on all four corners, including the spare.

In 2018, the car was acquired by the Andrews Collection.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2021