Footnotes

• 'Like all classic GT cars, it combines enormous speed with comfort and the more you put into your driving, the more the car returns for your entertainment. And the DB5 really is entertaining to anyone who can exploit its outstanding performance, handling and brakes. It will also carry four people (just) and a fair amount of luggage so the merits of family transport (if need be) have not been entirely sacrificed to speed and elegant looks.' – Motor.
  Introduced in July 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 represented a further evolution of the preceding DB4 series rather than the beginning of an entirely new model line. The major change was the adoption of a 4.0-litre version of the (previously) 3.7-litre six-cylinder engine, this enlarged unit having been seen first in the Lagonda Rapide of 1961. Equipped with three SU carburettors the '400' engine produced 282bhp at 5,500rpm and was mated to a four-speed/overdrive gearbox, a 'proper' ZF five-speed unit being standardised later. Outwardly there was little to distinguish the DB5 from the final Series 5 DB4 apart from twin fuel filler caps, though these had already appeared on some cars. Beneath the skin however, there were numerous improvements including alternator electrics, Girling disc brakes instead of Dunlops, Sundym glass, electric windows and an oil pressure gauge as standard equipment. The DB5's superb performance – 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 148mph – ranked it amongst the world's fastest cars, while even more urge was available from the Vantage version.
  The DB5 epitomises the company's models of the David Brown era for many observers. It was the first and remains the most famous of all the 'James Bond' Aston Martins, having appeared in no fewer than five movies of the series, beginning with Goldfinger in 1964. Its production life, however, was relatively short, ending in September 1965, by which time 1,021 had been completed.
  This particular example has showbusiness connections of its own, having appeared in Robbie Williams' award-winning James Bond-themed 'Millennium' music video. Chassis number '1821/R' was delivered new to the Eton Motor Group on 1st January 1965 and since then has been enjoyed by a relatively small number of careful owners, covering only some 54,000-or-so miles. In 1999, Beauxfield Ltd in Cheshire overhauled the car and converted the engine to run on unleaded fuel, while subsequently Trinity Engineering fitted a new clutch and engine mounts, and carried out various other mechanical works (see bills on file).
  The current owner acquired '1821/R' in the summer of 2009 and last October despatched the car to Oselli Engineering where the engine was rebuilt to 4.2 litres capacity and 'unleaded' specification, the clutch replaced and various oil leaks attended to. Finished in silver with original grey leather interior, this attractive example of one of the most collectible of all Aston Martins is offered with factory record sheet, old-style logbook, current MoT, Swansea V5, sundry service/maintenance invoices and a quantity of MoT certificates dating back to 1977.
  

Auction Notices

• There is no old-style logbook present with this vehicle.

---

Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

---

Auction terms and conditions