Chassis No. DB5/1661/R

Engine No. 400/1645

Sir David Brown's latest grand tourer, bearing his initials, debuted in the autumn of 1963 as the Aston Martin DB5. Its elegant silhouette evolved from the Series V DB4, preserving the Touring-designed Superleggera coachwork on a 98-inch wheelbase chassis. While visually similar to its predecessor, the DB5 introduced a few notable changes: faired-in headlights, reminiscent of the short-wheelbase DB4GT by Zagato, and twin fuel filler caps mounted on each rear wing. It retained the Series V's wider track and 15-inch wheels but upgraded to more powerful Girling disc brakes, replacing the earlier Dunlop units. Suspension saw significant refinement as well, with adjustable front camber and Armstrong Selectaride dampers.

Beneath its sophisticated exterior, the DB5's most significant upgrade came in the form of a new Tadek Marek-designed 4.0-liter alloy inline-six engine, enlarged from the DB4's 3.7-liter unit. Fitted with triple SU carburetors as standard, the engine produced 282-horsepower, allowing the DB5 to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed exceeding 150 mph. After the first 50 or so units, Aston Martin replaced the David Brown four-speed gearbox with a robust German-built ZF five-speed manual transmission.

Inside, the DB5 delivered exceptional luxury for its time, featuring electric windows, reclining seats, wool pile carpeting, and a leather-trimmed cabin-making it one of the most refined grand tourers of the 1960s. Although its production run lasted only two years, the DB5 achieved legendary status as James Bond's car of choice in the 1964 blockbuster Goldfinger, securing its place as arguably the most iconic Aston Martin ever built.

Delivered in Leeds, England, on 20 August 1964, this right-hand-drive Aston Martin DB5 was specified with elegant California Sage over a Fawn Connolly leather interior. By July 2000 the car was delivered to the Aston Martin experts at Post Vintage Engineers Limited of West Yorkshire, England, for a meticulous and complete restoration. The bodywork was removed from the frame to properly restore the car back to its original specification, with the owner electing to have the car finished in the rare shade of Caribbean Pearl. While the bodywork was being refinished, the suspension, axles, brakes, and transmission were all completely overhauled. During the engine rebuild, the matching-numbers 4.0-liter was upgraded to 4.2-liter specification with new pistons from Cosworth. At the same time, the cylinder head was overhauled to allow the engine to be used with unleaded fuel while breathing through a new stainless-steel exhaust. Inside, the car was restored with fresh Fawn leather, just as it left Aston Martin in 1964. For added passenger comfort, extra heat and soundproofing were added while a discreet under-dash air conditioning system was installed.

Upon its completion in 2002, the car was enjoyed by its owner, with regular servicing noted. This work included fitting a newly recored radiator in July 2013 along with a high-capacity water pump. In 2011 this highly desirable DB5 was acquired by the current owner and has remained a true highlight of their collection since. Today, the car remains in exceptional overall condition-a true testament to the meticulous care of its previous owners-and is certain to provide enjoyment on tours or stand out on the concours field.