1964→1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage
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.
Only 65 of the DB5 coupes were fitted with the 325 bhp Vantage package of 898 total coupes. Seven very rare Vantage Convertibles were also produced.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1964 – 1965 |
| built at | England |
| production | 65 |
| 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 DB5-2027-L –
One of only 65 Vantage DB5s built, chassis no. 2027/L, the stunning car presented here, is rarer yet in left-hand drive with factory air conditioning (known as the Normalair option) and is therefore perhaps one of only about ten cars with this desirable specification. A copy of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate confirms the car was delivered new with all these features.
Auction Source: 2010 RM Auctions Sporting Classics of Monaco
