One of the most recognizable classic sports cars of all time is Aston Martin’s DB5 – a car that represents the zenith of the marque, showcasing its vast experience producing exceptional machines for the road and for racing.

Introduced to the world in 1963, the DB5 combined the sporting qualities of previous David Brown Aston Martins in a more mature and refined manner. The sophisticated feeling from behind the wheel was echoed in the beautiful Italian-styled aluminum coachwork, handcrafted in the old-world Superleggera (Superlight) method patented by Touring of Milan.

Mechanically, the DB5 was an evolution of the already superb DB4. Every DB5 was equipped with the updated four-litre, Tadek Marek-designed, straight-six engine, and all but the earliest examples were fitted with the excellent ZF five-speed gearbox. Other noteworthy improvements to the DB5 included Girling rather than Dunlop disc brakes, standard electric window lifts, and an alternator, the more modern charging system. The result was a well-appointed grand touring car of unapproachable prestige, effortless style, and ample performance.

According to the accompanying factory build record copy, this DB5 Vantage, chassis 2021/L, was allocated to be the 1965 Geneva Motor Show car, believed to showcase the introduction of the Vantage engine. One of just 20 left-hand-drive examples built of a total 60 DB5 Vantages, it was delivered by Swiss Aston Martin dealer and Le Mans racer Hubert Patthey to Dr. Victor Gross in Bern, Switzerland. The car has remained in Switzerland ever since; changing ownership just twice in this time. A purchase invoice on file documents that it was purchased for 7,000 Swiss francs on July 26, 1973 by Virgile Habegger, a noted collector who acted as a caring and respectful custodian of this rare, original car for 49 years, until the consignor, a well-known Aston Martin collector, acquired it from his estate in 2022.

The factory’s guarantee was issued on March 30, 1965, and the car’s build records show that it was ordered in Silver Birch, the same color it wears today. Additionally, the records show the rare specification and options, including the stunning White Gold interior upholstery, Vantage engine, chrome wheels, Bray immersion heater, spark plug holder, detachable headrest in Fawn VM 846 on the front passenger seat, power-operated aerial, and Ace Silver Peak exhibition plates lettered “DB5.”

According to the consignor’s correspondence on file, David Nash of Aston Martin Works confirmed the DB5’s specification, and Tim Cottingham, the registrar and trustee of the Aston Martin Heritage Trust, has confirmed 2021/L is one of only two with this color combination. The paintwork appears to be exceptionally well preserved, with very minor minimal surface corrosion limited to a few small areas; and the chrome presents beautifully, consistent with the cars exceedingly original condition. Stepping inside this DB5, one is greeted by the nostalgic scent of the original Connolly leather interior, aged beautifully over 59 years. The gauges, steering wheel, gear knob, and the balance of the interior appointments have also been exquisitely preserved. Additionally, the car wears its specified Avon Turbospeed GT tires as listed on the build sheet – further evidence of this DB5’s excellent state of preservation.

Showing approximately 18,400 km when catalogued, it is rare to find a DB5 as original as this, especially one as uniquely specified and well documented as 2021/L.

This svelte Aston Martin is offered with its original owner’s manual, jack, spare wheel, and a significant amount of documentation and correspondence including copies of the original build records, Aston Martin Trust Certificate, BMIHT Certificate, FIVA Certificate, and maintenance invoices supporting the crystalline provenance of this incredibly original and special Aston Martin DB5 Vantage.

A factory left-hand-drive DB5 Vantage, with a period show car pedigree and rare options, 2021/L is a must-have for any enthusiast Aston Martin collector and would be an excellent and competitive candidate for a trophy as a concours entrant in a postwar preservation class.