Perhaps the most famous Aston Martin because of the specially equipped silver birch DB5 that starred in the James Bond films “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball”. The DB5 made a comeback to the big screen in the 1995 film “GoldenEye”.

Regarded by many as the most beautiful Aston Martin produced, DB5 shares many similar traits to DB4. However, DB5’s most substantial change occurred under the bonnet. The 6 cylinder engine increased its capacity to 4 litres by increasing the bore to 96mm. Significant too was the introduction of a true full synchromesh ZF 5 speed gearbox. Other chassis changes included the adoption of the Girling disc brakes that had only been used on the DB4GT, and 15” wheels.

A convertible was also offered and was available with a steel hard top with an exceptionally large rear window.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1963 – 1965
built at	England
production	123
price £/td>	£4,490
engine	Inline-6
valvetrain	DOHC
displacement	3995 cc / 243.8 in³
bore	96.01 mm / 3.78 in
stroke	91.9 mm / 3.62 in
compression	8.9:1
power	210.3 kw / 282.0 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output	70.59 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	192.36 bhp per tonne
torque	379.6 nm / 280.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
driven wheels	RWD
front brakes	Discs
rear brakes	Discs
steering	Rack & Pinion
f suspension	A-Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Live Axle w/Watts Link, Trailing Links, Coil Springs
curb weight	1466 kg / 3233 lbs
wheelbase	2489 mm / 98.0 in
front track	1377 mm / 54.2 in
rear track	1359 mm / 53.5 in
length	4572 mm / 180.0 in
width	1676 mm / 66.0 in
height	1321 mm / 52.0 in
transmission	5-Speed Manual
gear ratios	2.73:1, 1.76:1, 1.23:1, 1.00:1, 0.83:1
top speed	~228.48 kph / 142 mph
0 – 60 mph	~7.5 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~20.2 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile	~16.2 seconds

Chassis & Sales

DB5/C/1911/R-Delivered new to a Dr. Fraser in 1965, finished in Silver Birch with a black convertible hood and burgundy hides. Largely original, re-painted to its original colour and installed a new black mohair convertible hood. Offered at RM Auctions’ Automobiles of London sale and did not sell with a high bid of £355,000.

Story by Aston Martin Lagonda Limited

Auction Sales History

 

1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible DB5C/2112/R – sold for $1,540,000 . Delivered New to Hollywood Screenwriter Bill Manhoff. Originally ordered with detachable headrests, a Blaupunkt-Köln radio, Fiamm horns with changeover switch, and Britax safety belts. 29,000-Mile Example with Matching-Numbers Engine. Offered with Instruction Book, Tool Roll, and Rare Continental Parts Kit.
Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company

1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible DB5/C/1920/L –

One of the 39 examples produced in left hand drive. Delivered new to the USA, ‘DB5/C/1920/L’ was purchased new by Charline Breeden, heiress to the Boettcher fortune. Originally finished in Goodwood Green with beige Connolly hide interior. Normalair air conditioning, a Bosch Koln radio, tan Everflex tonneau cover, chromed wire wheels and 3-ear hubcaps as factory fitted non-standard equipment. Today, the car is in generally excellent order, having covered only some 23,000 miles from new.

Auction Source: 2015 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais