Description
Constructed at the Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell and completed on 9th September 1964, this superb DB5 is a factory left hand drive example that was destined for export to the USA via distributor ‘R and J. Dick Inc’
Delivered new in Sierra Blue coachwork and Fawn hides, original options included Normalair air conditioning, Selectaride, chrome wheels and Dunlop whitewall tires. The DB5 resided in the United States until the early 1990s and a copy of its cancelled Oklahoma title remains on file
By the late 1990s the DB5 had been exported to Paris and was now painted in Fiesta red coachwork and re-trimmed with Black hides. Whilst it had clearly been well maintained over the years, the DB5 was in need of restoration and was repatriated to the UK whereupon a total ‘body-off’ restoration was commissioned with marque experts Desmond. J. Smail
Within the historical file are detailed photos showing the car being taken back to its Superleggera frame work and these images detail the journey of the fastidious body and chassis restoration by renowned Aston Martin coachbuilders Bodylines
Once the bodywork was completed, the car was refinished in Silver Birch coachwork and re-trimmed in dark Grey hides. The engine was rebuilt to 4. 2L specification with the restoration reaching completion in late 2001, at which time it made the front cover of Classic And Sportscar Magazine in the December 2001 issue; ‘Aston DB5 vs Lancia Flaminia – Can a bargain Italian outshine Britain’s most desirable GT?’
Acquired by the current owner in May 2002, a respected European collector, who has used and enjoyed the Aston for the past nineteen years, travelling extensively over Europe in it and participating in many UK events over the years
Maintained over the past twenty years by Desmond Smail, Thorney Kelham and more recently R. S. Williams, who completed the most recent work in 2020 which included a gearbox rebuild, new clutch, new tires, suspension rebuild, distributor rebuild, new steering rack, new exhaust, new air conditioning compressor and more
With approximately only 20% of the total production of 886 DB5 Coupe’s delivered with left hand drive steering, this extremely rare and desirable LHD example has the added benefit of factory air conditioning, which operates very well and is a helpful addition during the summer months, plus excellent overall structural and mechanical condition. Supplied with UK registration and comprehensive history file documenting its restoration and recent service work, an opportunity not to be missed!
