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UK V5
See UK Registration/Import Status Guide in catalogue.

One of the most recognizable classic sports cars of all time is the DB5 – 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 to the world in 1963, the DB5 combined the sporting qualities of previous David Brown Aston Martins in a more mature and refined manner. This sophisticated feeling from behind the wheel was echoed in the beautiful Italian-styled aluminum coachwork handcrafted in the old-world Superleggera 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-liter, Tadek Marek-designed, straight-six engine, and all but the earliest examples were fitted with an excellent ZF five-speed gearbox. Other noteworthy improvements to the DB5 included Girling rather than Dunlop 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 Road & Track tested the DB5 in October 1964, they 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 represented “the essence of GT driving.”

Of the 1,021 examples of the DB5 built by Aston Martin between 1963 and 1965, just 123 were the top-of-the-line convertible model, and a mere 84 of these were supplied in right-hand drive. As a result, this small group of sporty, open-top grand tourers have always been greatly desired by top collectors.

According to factory records on file, DB5C/1295/R was originally finished in Storm Red over a black Conolly leather interior. The DB5 Convertible was sold new through Aston Martin agent C. Williams to J.A.L. Mould Esq., of Warwickshire, UK in April 1964. The elegant convertible featured a long list of interesting factory options, including Marchal fog lamps, a Motorola radio with power antenna, Britax lap belts, three-ear knock-off hubs, chrome-plated wire wheels, and a full Everflex tonneau cover in black. The DB5 was originally registered “236 GDA,” a number plate which accompanies the car today.

The Aston Martin’s next owner was Michael Beresford-West of Camden Town, UK. Mr. Beresford-West was a well-known barrister in the Queen’s Court as well as an accomplished jazz pianist. It is not known exactly when he acquired the DB5, but it is possible that he was the car’s second owner, as his name is the sole one listed on the “Additional Owners” section of the factory build sheet.

Under his care, the car was exhibited at the prestigious 1995 Louis Vuitton Classic Concours d’Elegance in London. Upon Mr. Beresford-West’s passing in 2006, the DB5 was sold to Thomas Simon Alexander, a British businessman, former executive at T-Mobile, and an avid Aston Martin collector. The DB5 Convertible shared Mr. Alexander’s stable with other ultra-rare Aston Martin models, including two DB4GTs and a DB4 Convertible.

This DB5 Convertible was acquired by the current owner in 2016, who entrusted marque expert Rex Woodgate to restore the car between 2016 and 2019. This restorative work entailed stripping the aluminum body and steel chassis to bare metal, retrimming the interior, and rebuilding the engine and rear end.

Presenting today in a sophisticated shade of metallic gray over an oxblood leather interior, this gorgeous DB5 Convertible comes from a significant collection of postwar sports and GT cars. It is also important to note that this car retains its matching-numbers engine as documented by the factory build records. For the discerning Aston Martin collector, the opportunity to acquire a rare DB5 Convertible, particularly one which has been restored by a leading marque expert, should not be missed.