• Delivered new in the UK
• Long-term private ownership in South Africa
• Present ownership since 2007
• Restored while in the vendor's care

Arguably the best known of all Aston Martins, thanks to starring roles in the James Bond films Goldfinger and Thunderball, the DB5 was an evolutionary development of the DB4 that had represented such a giant step forward for the company on its arrival in 1958. Classically proportioned, the DB4's 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 The engine was still an all-alloy twin-overhead-camshaft six, but the old W O Bentley-era 3.0-litre unit had been superseded by a new design by Tadek Marek. Proven in racing before it entered production in the DB4, the new 3,670cc engine featured 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 92mm and developed its maximum output 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. Independent front suspension was retained, the DB2/4's trailing links giving 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 5 DB4. The major change was the adoption of a 4.0-litre version of the 3.7-litre six, 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, with automatic transmission an option. 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.

From September 1964 the 314bhp, triple-Weber Vantage engine became available and was fitted to 95 cars out of the total of 1,021 DB5s manufactured up to September 1965. Capable of reaching the 'ton' in under 17 seconds on its way to a top speed of 148mph, the DB5 was one of the fastest production cars of its day and a match for Europe's best.

Chassis number '1756/R' was delivered on 26th October 1964 through Brooklands of New Bond Street, London and first owned by the Hon. H C C Tinsey. The original colour scheme was California Sage with black interior and is now California Sage with matching trim. The original registration was 'CT 2'. The accompanying copy guarantee form confirms that the DB5 returned to Aston Martin in 1965 for timing chain modifications and other service works. Later in 1965 the car was sold to a Mr and Mrs Levy, who took it with them to their property in South Africa. Mrs Levy kept the Aston well into her 90s.

'1756/R' returned to the UK in the 1980s and was placed in storage. At that time the owner was the South African car collector Craig Anderson, who used the DB5 twice in the UK, in 1995 and 1996. In 2002 the DB5 was purchased by Graham Searle, General Manager of the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club. Our vendor purchased the car in 2007, since when it has formed part of their small private collection. Restored and retrimmed in green while in the current owner's custody, this most desirable of Aston Martins is presented in generally very good condition.