1964→1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible

Only 7 DB5 Vantage Convertibles were produced which makes it one of the rarest Aston Martins. These were produced in a tun of 123 convertibles on the DB5 platfrom.

In September of 1964 the DB5 Vantage prototype, DP217, was revealed with triple Weber twin-choke, sidedraft carburetors and a 5-speed transmission. Aston Martin quoted peak power at 325 bhp at 5,750 rpm which was 40 more than the standard-specification DB5.

Other minor upgrades specific to Vantage included new intake manifolds, larger intake ports in the cylinder head and different ignition timing. A cuum reservoir was also added to the brake booster.

Our feature Peony Red DB5 is DB5C/1924/R and was originally ordered by Aston Martin Owners Club member Mr. J.V.R. Bullough. Following three different ownerships it was transported to the US and restored for $200,000 by Kent Bain’s Automotive Restorations in 2005.

Story by Aston Martin Lagonda Limited

1964→1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1964 – 1965
built at	England
production	7
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
0 – 60 mph	~6.5 seconds

Auction Sales History

1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible DB5C/1924/R –

One of the seven original Vantage-powered DB5 Convertibles produced. Matching numbers. Restored to award-winning standards during mid-2000s by marque experts. Accompanied by BMIHT certificate, build sheet copy and restoration invoices.