Description
The DB5 launched in 1963 as the company’s flagship grand tourer, the powerful, accomplished, and stylistically crisp modern revision of the DB4 instantly became an object of desire. A hugely appealing machine in its own right, interest in Newport Pagnell’s most expensive model went stratospheric with an unforgettable appearance in the 1964 box office smash Goldfinger. But the DB5 was so much more than a handsome film prop.
Based on the outgoing DB4’s 98-inch-wheelbase chassis, the DB5 boasted nearly 170 updates and modifications, including the attractive competition-style covered headlights borrowed from the DB4GT. Mechanical updates to the running gear included a redesign of the suspension, with the front now adjusted for camber, and Armstrong Selectaride shock absorbers added in the rear. All four corners were equipped with servo-assisted Girling disc brakes.
The most notable advancement was the new 4. 0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, an enlarged version of the DB4’s all-aluminium, dual overhead camshaft unit, breathing through three SU carburettors as on the previous DB4 Vantage. The inline six produced 282 horsepower. The larger engine also provided some 40 ft lb of additional torque, making the car more responsive in the lower rev range. When coupled to the fully synchromesh ZF five-speed manual overdrive transmission, the result was a true driver’s car that was swift, surefooted, and comfortable.
This RHD DB5 left the factory in July 1966 finished in Autumn Gold with Beige trim and was sold to its first owner a Mr. Glasser via H W M of Walton-on-Thames. In the early 1980s the car passed to a Mr. Steel of Surrey who soon after taking ownership commissioned a comprehensive restoration with specialists Medcalf & Co. of Chertsey. The car was refinished in its original Autumn Gold shade and the interior re-trimmed in Oxblood red leather. A letter in the history file from David Eales of Oselli Limited also states that the engine was fully stripped and rebuilt on behalf of Mr Steel, returning to the factory in Newport Pagnell for the works to be carried out.
In October, 1995 the DB5 was purchased by keen enthusiast and member of the Aston Martin Owners Club Ronald Bragman of Surrey whose family went on to own the car for 26 years until 2021. Mr Bragman used the car sparingly reserving its use for attending the occasional AMOC event and venues such as Goodwood and Silverstone. It sits today in very good condition and is showing fewer than 7, 000 miles since restoration. It maintains an extensive history file with a vast number of invoices dating back to 1966, MOT certificates from 1989 until 2021, an old-style continuation logbook (issued July 1973), past ownership correspondence, insurance documentation, AMOC literature, and an original watercolour of the car by Mike Harbar.
This DB5 represents a superb opportunity to acquire a beautiful, previously restored example of Aston Martin’s iconic grand tourer with excellent history and long-term previous ownership. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.
