The DB5 is one of the most recognizable classic sports cars of all time – a car that represents the zenith of Aston Martin and benefits from the marque’s vast experience producing exceptional machines for road and track.

Introduced in 1963, the DB5 featured aluminum coachwork handcrafted in Carrozzeria Touring’s old-world Superleggera method, a powerful four-liter, straight-six engine, and all but the earliest examples were fitted with an excellent ZF five-speed gearbox. Other noteworthy improvements over the prior DB4 included Girling disc brakes, standard electric window lifts, and a more modern charging system. The result was a well-appointed grand touring car of unapproachable prestige, effortless style, and ample performance.

The latest Aston Martin drew universal praise from buyers, journalists, and motoring enthusiasts alike. When testing the DB5 in October 1964, Road & Track suggested that, “if one were planning a trip from Paris to Rome, a car such as the Aston would be hard to beat,” and concluded that the Aston Martin represented “the essence of GT driving.”

Between 1963 and 1965, Aston Martin built just 1,021 examples of the DB5, a total that includes 123 examples of the ultra-desirable Convertible, which commanded more than £4,500 when new. From the already exclusive supply of Convertibles, just 39 were built in left-hand-drive configuration for export markets. Due to its extreme scarcity and prestigious status as Aston Martin’s top-of-the-line offering, the DB5 Convertible has always been prized by collectors.

According to copies of Aston Martin build records on file, this DB5 Convertible, chassis DB5C/1278/L, was originally finished in the striking color scheme of Black over Terracotta Connolly leather upholstery and equipped with chrome wheels, Dunlop RS5 whitewall tires, and Ace number plates reading “DB5 1964.” The rare left-hand-drive Convertible was further outfitted with desirable extra-cost options including a 3.77:1 Powr-Lok differential, Normalair air-conditioning, a Blaupunkt-Köln radio, Britax safety belts, and an owner’s spares kit.

Completed on February 19, 1964, chassis 1278/L was dispatched to legendary British car distributor J.S. Inskip Inc. According to a copy of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate on file, this DB5 Convertible is noted as a “New York Show Car” in Aston Martin’s build ledger, confirming its debut at the 8th annual International Auto Show, held between April 4 and 12 at the New York Coliseum in Manhattan.

While little is known of the DB5 Convertible’s early history following the New York International Auto Show, it was discovered in 1976 languishing in a Massachusetts barn, where it had been parked for several years, its odometer showing a mere 7,000 miles. The gentleman who found and purchased it was none other than Peter J. Sprague, the American businessman who had recently saved the legendary British marque, when he and George Minden arranged to purchase Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. out of receivership.

Mr. Sprague’s passion for Aston Martin began in 1962, when he acquired a used DB4 that served as his daily driver for many years. It was only fitting then that he would own a left-hand-drive DB5 Convertible during his time as company chairman, a position he held for five years.

During his ownership, Mr. Sprague had 1278/L upgraded with a special Vantage engine that had been retained by the factory as a spare. This “C-Stage” Vantage unit, the most powerful Vantage engine ever offered, featured three Weber 45 DCOE carburetors, a reprofiled inlet camshaft, and produced 325 hp. This engine, no. 400/4711/VC, remains in the DB5 today.

The car remained in the Sprague family for decades and was eventually passed down to Peter’s son Steven upon his 21st birthday. Regularly driven and always lovingly cared for, the DB5 was preserved in good, largely original condition, showing just one repaint in the factory black and approximately 65,000 miles when it was finally sold in 2020.

The current owner, a respected American collector, commissioned Team CJ Works of Austin, Texas, to perform an extensive service, detail, and interior restoration on the well-maintained DB5. This process, carried out between 2021 and 2023, included removing the driveline, detailing the undercarriage and engine bay, servicing the mechanical systems, and fitting new period-correct tires. As this work was carried out, the black paintwork was polished, brightwork was replated, and the interior was re-trimmed in correct Terracotta hides using the original leather upholstery as a pattern to ensure accuracy. As 1278/L was in such fine condition prior to restoration, many original details were simply preserved, including the factory data tags and period oil change sticker in the doorjamb.

A cherished, well-maintained car that has never warranted a complete restoration, 1278/L is sure to appeal to the true Aston Martin enthusiast. An ideal entry into any AMOC meet and other distinguished motoring events, this rare DB5 Convertible is accompanied by its original tool roll, jack, and copies of the factory delivery record and BMIHT Certificate. Boasting an ideal factory specification, New York show car pedigree, period upgraded “C-Stage” Vantage engine, and superb provenance that counts Aston Martin Chairman Peter Sprague among its former owners, this rare left-hand-drive Convertible is surely among the most desirable DB5s imaginable.