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.
  Aston Martin's post-war evolution took a giant step forward with the launch of the DB4 in 1958. Classically proportioned, the Touring-designed body established an instantly recognisable look that would stand the marque in good stead until 1970. The engine was still an all-alloy, twin-overhead-camshaft, six but the old W O Bentley supervised 3.0-litre unit had been superseded by a new design by Tadek Marek. The new 3,670cc engine featured 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 92mm, and developed its maximum power of 240bhp at 5,500rpm. The David Brown gearbox was a new four-speed all-synchromesh unit.
  Touring's Superleggera body construction, which employed a lightweight tubular structure to support the aluminium-alloy body panels, was deemed incompatible with the DB2/4-type multi-tubular spaceframe, so engineer Harold Beach drew up an immensely strong platform type chassis. The DB2/4's trailing-link independent front suspension gave way to unequal-length wishbones while at the rear the DB4 sported a live axle located by a Watts linkage instead of its predecessor's Panhard rod.
  Five series were built as the model gradually metamorphosed into the DB5 of 1963. The latter's distinctive cowled headlamps had first appeared on the DB4GT and the newcomer was the same size as the lengthened Series V DB4. The 3,995cc engine - first seen in the Lagonda Rapide - was mated to a four-speed overdrive-equipped gearbox; a proper ZF five-speed unit being an option at first and standardised later.
  The DB5 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. Equipped with rocket launchers and sundry other gadgets, 007's DB5 was finished in Silver Birch with red interior, in which specification it was later issued by Corgi Toys.
  Manufactured on 4th May 1964, chassis number 'DB5/1535R' was found in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by marque specialist Desmond J Smail as a car requiring full restoration. Registered 'AJ 9999' at that time, it was re-imported to the UK several years ago and sold to singer Shane Filan of the Irish pop group 'Westlife' as a project car to be restored by DJS to the client's specification. Westlife was formed in July 1998 with a five-member line-up and is the only act in the history of British and Irish popular music to have their first seven singles go straight to No.1 in the charts. Shane is 'car mad' and bought the DB5 because it was something he always wanted; it was also a 30th birthday present to himself. However, as he is away touring for the next year or so, it will not be used and that is the reason for selling.
  The restoration has taken almost three years to complete and was viewed by Shane several times during the process. Works undertaken include a full body-off rebuild: powder coating the chassis; new doorframes and outer skins; and re-bodying in places with new steel where required, the roof and boot being retained. Recognised specialist Bodylines carried out the bodywork restoration, while repainting in Silver Birch was entrusted to specialist Lone Pine Garage. The Aston was returned to DJS for completion, which included a full engine rebuild to 4.2 litres capacity using Cosworth pistons; overhaul of the gearbox and rear axle; reconditioned brake servos and callipers; all gauges overhauled; dashboard repainted; and a full interior re-trim in black leather with matching Wilton carpets. Parts renewed include the wheels, tyres, brakes discs, Cooper nickel pipes, suspension, wiring loom, roof lining, brightwork and exhaust system (now stainless steel). In addition, the car was fitted with air conditioning and a modern Sony stereo system. Only 400-or-so miles have been covered since the full restoration. The car is offered with current road fund licence and MoT to March 2012, and is expected to posses a Swansea V5C document by time of sale.
  

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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