DB5 the holy grail of Aston Martins

  The Aston Martin DB5 shot to fame as the car of secret service agent James Bond in the 1964 film Goldfinger . It is an icon, an enduring...

 

The Aston Martin DB5 shot to fame as the car of secret service agent James Bond in the 1964 film Goldfinger. It is an icon, an enduring symbol of British prestige, whose importance to automotive history cannot be overstated. Of the 123 DB5 Convertibles built, just one was ordered and owned by Aston Martin Lagonda chairman Sir David Brown, who gave his initials to the car. Delivered to Sir David in January of 1964, the car was built to the highest spec, with a then-new five-speed ZF gearbox, a Power Lock rear axle, chromed wire wheels and a Motorola radio. The factory build sheet, supplied with the car, confirms it was specified in a vibrant Caribbean Pearl, with a Dark Blue interior. It was cherished by Sir David for three years before being acquired by former Aston Martin DB4 GT owner and garage proprietor, John Wilkinson. During Wilkinson’s ownership, maintenance was carried out at Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell, where records confirm a replacement engine block was installed and a newly stamped manufacturer’s identity plate applied in 1969. This is the first time in 28 years anyone has had the opportunity to purchase this landmark of automotive history. It was last sold by Nicholas Mee & Co in 1994, the year after the passing of Sir David Brown. Since then it has starred at various Concours events across Europe.

Actor Sean Connery pictured with the Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5.

In 2014, the car was the subject of a major restoration faithful to its original specifications, which included a rebuild of the 4.0-litre engine, as well as rebuilds of the suspension, gearbox, brakes and rear axle. A bare metal re-paint and complete re-trim of the interior in Connolly hide, along with a new hood covering, completed work and means it drives as beautifully today as it did when in the hands of Sir David.. Today the DB5 is one of the most sought-after collector’s cars in the world, with just over 1000 examples made in total of any variant, which included the Convertible and the performance-enhanced Vantage versions. Sir David acquired Aston Martin in 1947 for £20,500 after seeing an advert in The Times newspaper offering the sale of a “High Class Motor Business.” He saved the ailing brand, which had ceased to produce cars to focus on making aircraft parts during World War II, and is key to the reason Aston Martin makes some of the world’s finest cars today, including a model that still bears his initials. Founder of Nicholas Mee & Co, Nicholas Mee, said the very fact that Sir David Brown owned this DB5 Convertible makes it one of the most special and unique DB cars of all time. "The DB5 itself is the most iconic Aston Martin model ever produced, but this car’s provenance sets it apart," he said. “It is restored to precisely the same specifications Sir David ordered it in back in 1964, it’s a car he cherished and loved. This is a one-of-a-kind example of British automotive history.” Fancy a new car? The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible is offered for £1,150,000.

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