Hilton & Moss is thrilled to present this cherished Aston Martin DB5 to the market after a 31-year ownership.
The DB5 boasts a timeless aesthetic and remains one of the most iconic cars globally. Despite there being only 899 DB5 Coupes ever manufactured, it's widely believed that half of the world's population would recognise a DB5 if they were to see one. Quite how that was worked out remains a mystery, however, it’s difficult to argue with the plausibility of the statement. Arguably the most renowned of its original owners was the world-famous secret agent James Bond, who first drove the car that has since become inseparably linked with him in the 1964 film, Goldfinger.
Following the DB4, the DB5 benefited from an upgraded 4-litre engine, producing 282 bhp, capable of propelling the car to 145 mph. The inclusion of the ZF five-speed manual gearbox was also a welcomed enhancement. Chassis improvements included the adoption of Girling disc brakes and 15” wheels. Numerous other upgrades were incorporated, such as electric windows and twin hydraulic brake servos.
This particular example was originally finished in Dubonnet Rosso with a Black leather interior and equipped with a five-speed ZF manual transmission, the car was delivered through Nortons of Cardiff on April 2nd, 1965, to Engineering Consultants C. L. W. Rees & Co. of 6 Park Grove in the same city.
Subsequent owners included Mr A. T. Roadknight in 1978, Commander D. J. Arrold in 1979, Mr B. E. Ellams from 1979 to 1983, Mr R. J. Horsfall from 1983 to 1989, and Mr R. M. Fairburn from 1989 to 1992, before being purchased in January 1992 by Andrew English, the esteemed Motoring Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph. Mr English retained ownership of the car for nearly 30 years. It was thoroughly enjoyed and meticulously maintained by him, as evidenced by the extensive history file accompanying the car.
Unlike most DB5s, this particular model was not kept as a garage queen; instead, it was FIA and MSA registered and entered in various motorsport events, such as sprints, hill climbs, and rallies. Repainted in Pacific Blue in the 1990s, the car has been well-maintained over the last few decades by Nigel Barker at Davron Engineering, including a full gearbox refurbishment with new bearings throughout and regular servicing, with Aston Engineering Ltd supplying most replacement parts while body improvements were entrusted to Mitchells Coachworks.
In 2021, this DB5 underwent an interior overhaul by Mitchells Coachworks, costing over £20, 000. This included a full retrim in high-quality Black leather, a repainted dashboard, new headlining, door trims, carpets, and glove box and floor trims installed throughout, alongside various other works. In 2023, the car underwent an interim service at Davron and benefited from additional enhancements completed by Richards of England before being offered to the market with Hilton & Moss.
The car comes with a comprehensive history file containing a full list of completed work, including a current V5C, copies of previous registration documents, a substantial collection of MOT certificates, old FIA and MSA registration documents, detailed invoices for parts and services, and miscellaneous paperwork.
The factory-fitted powerplant is believed to have had its capacity increased to 4. 2 litres as part of a thorough overhaul. The ride and handling were significantly improved by fitting a Harvey Bailey handling kit and a degree of negative camber, making this a highly enjoyable and responsive car to drive. A copy of the build record on file confirms that the Aston Martin DB5 is still equipped with the same engine from the factory. Reported as one of the best-driving DB5s on the road today by several Marque Specialists as well as members of the Hilton & Moss team, this DB5 should be at the very top of the list for any Aston Martin enthusiast looking to add a great driving and usable DB5 to their collection.
In summary:
- Delivered: 02/ 04/ 1965.
- Mileage: 55, 251.
- Known Owners: 5, with the most recent ownership dating back to 1992.
- Transmission: ZF Manual.
- Matching Numbers: Yes.
- Current Colour Combination: Dark Blue with Black.
- Continuously registered in the UK on the same registration from new.
- Fitted with a Harvey Bailey handling kit.
- Long-term ownership by Daily Telegraph Motoring Correspondent Andrew English.
- Previous FIA and MSA registrations with competition history.
- Significant recent expenditure.
- One of the best-driving DB5s on the road today!