Description
The Aston Martin DB5 took the world by storm when launched in 1964, the rakish Italianate ‘Superleggera’ aluminium bodywork by Carrozzeria Touring combined with Tadek Marek’s powerful 4. 0L six cylinder engine created one of the greatest sports cars of all time
The sensational new Aston Martin was swiftly cast for a leading role alongside Sean Connery within Eon Productions latest James Bond 007 blockbuster ‘Goldfinger’, launched to the world on 18th September 1964. The gadget laden silver birch Aston captured the hearts and minds of the world over, duly earning the status of ‘the most famous car in the world’
Over the two years of production between 1963-65, a total of 886 DB5 Coupe’s were produced but the rarest and most desirable iteration of the model was the DB5 Convertible of which just 123 examples were constructed
This exceptional DB5 Convertible was constructed in early 1964 at the beginning of DB5C production and was highly specified from new in RHD; Finished in Lavender Grey coachwork with Red hides, 5 speed ZF manual gearbox, chrome wheels, 3. 77 P-Lok rear axle, detachable headrests, twin Marchal foglamps, Motorola radio with power antenna, Britax safety belts and two-way mirrors
Based upon our extensive research of the model, the original specification of this car is higher than most RHD models we have witnessed, and upon our review of the original factory build sheet held on file, this car appears to have initially been specified for construction with left hand drive steering, indeed ‘LHD’ is crossed out, denoting a change on the production line, which explains its extensive original options that are normally associated with left hand drive export models
The factory guarantee was issued on 28th February 1964 via supplying agents ‘J. Blake and Co Ltd’ of Liverpool to original owner, C. Collins of Cheshire, and assigned the registration ‘RCM 800’
The factory notes show that by November 1965 the DB5C had covered 13, 074 miles and was subsequently acquired by R. Broster Esq of Surrey, who proudly displayed his new Aston Martin at the 1966 Fort Belvedere Beauty Contest, scoring third in class ahead of Essex Racing stable DB4GT Zagato ‘1 VEV’!
The DB5C would remain with Mr Broster for the following two decades, later acquired by noted British music producer, Mr Rupert Neville Hine of 45 Connaught Street, London W1, on May 5th 1985.
An instrumental member of the music world, Hine produced albums with Tina Turner, Howard Jones, Thompson Twins and rather fittingly wrote the closing title track for Eon Productions seventeenth James Bond film ‘Goldeneye’ released in 1995, featuring yet another starring role from a silver Aston Martin DB5!
In addition to his passion for music, Hine was a keen motorist and owned a number of interesting cars including the first Lynx Eventer ‘001’ and a Bristol 401 in addition to the DB5C, the Aston was clearly a car he enjoyed and would stay with him the next seventeen years until February 2002, whereupon he consigned it for sale with respected Aston Martin broker Phillip Jones, who promptly supplied the car to the fourth owner, where it would remain until 2025
The subject of an exacting body off restoration between 2002-2004 by leading AM specialists Bodylines, Spraytec and Desmond. J. Smail, the DB5C has covered less than 2000 miles since and has most recently benefitted from complete mechanical restoration by marque exponents R. S. Williams between 2025-26
Without doubt one of the finest DB5 Convertibles on the planet, exquisitely presented in Silver Birch coachwork and fresh RSW 4. 2L engine, this car is truly superb in every respect and absolutely on the button and ready for its next adventure with a very, very lucky future custodian!
