Previously owned by music legend John Taylor, bass player and founder member of Duran Duran
In current ownership for over twenty years
Comprehensive restoration by GTC Engineering and Shapecraft in the 1980s and again in 2000.
Marek straight-six uprated to 4.2 specification by marque specialists
Comprehensive history file
Iconic Bond colour scheme of Silver Birch over Elephant Grey interior
The Appeal
Thanks to a certain fictional secret agent, the Aston Martin DB5 is arguably the most iconic British sports car ever made.
Forever immortalised by its appearance in the film "Goldfinger", and making cameo appearances in several Bond motion pictures since, a Silver Birch DB5 is quite possibly the most universally recognisable movie car of all time.
Launched in 1963, the DB5 was essentially an updated DB4 Series V. Changes were relatively few in number, yet significant all the same. Tadek Marek's DOHC straight-six was enlarged from 3.7 to 4.0 litres and was now made entirely from aluminium alloy. A new ZF five-speed gearbox was introduced to replace the fragile David Brown unit, while other DB5 improvements included standard electric windows, reclining seats, a full leather interior, and twin fuel tanks.
This 1965 example carries not only the prestige of the model but also celebrity provenance, having been owned by John Taylor, the bass player and founding member of Duran Duran. Originally delivered in Autumn Gold over Red Connolly leather, this DB5 now presents in the classic 'Bond specification' Silver Birch over Elephant Grey interior - a deliberate choice by its rock star former owner. Don't forget that Duran Duran has a strong Bond connection, having produced the theme song for the 1985 Roger Moore film "A View To A Kill."
This DB5 has benefited from a comprehensive restoration in the 1980s by marque specialists GTC Engineering and Shapecraft, followed by further significant work, including an engine rebuild to 4.2-litre specification, when acquired by the current owner in 2000. A further 'bare metal' respray, again in Silver Birch, was also performed at this time, along with reconditioning the rear axle, re-trimming of the carpets and a suspension rebuild.
Judiciously maintained by marque specialists and beautifully presented throughout, this DB5 is the ultimate accessory for any Bond fan. These superlative grand tourers are supremely usable, so we hope to see this car embark upon cross-continental road trips in the near future.
Finished in Silver Birch (changed from original Autumn Gold during 1980s restoration)
Elephant Grey Connolly leather interior with matching grey carpets (changed from original Red Connolly)
Carpets re-trimmed under current ownership
Chrome road wheels (original factory option)
Heated rear screen (original factory option)
Period Motorola stereo
A mere glimpse of this DB5 evokes images of a natty young Sean Connery leaning against the wing of his Silver Birch Aston at the side of Switzerland's Furka Pass. We've said it before, and we'll say it again: It's iconic.
As the photographs show, this car is offered in superb order, belying its considerable age thanks to the superlative standard of maintenance and restoration it has undergone over the years. The last 'bare metal' respray is holding up very nicely, and the Touring Superleggera coachwork appears arrow-straight with tight shut lines. The chrome trim gleams, including the wire wheels, which are shod with Avon radial tyres. The interior was retrimmed in black leather, again like the Bond car. The cabin continues to present beautifully with a gentle patina of use.
Engine uprated to a 4.2-litre specification unit under current ownership
Maintained by marque specialists throughout current ownership
*Ejector seat not included
All cars in the legendary DB lineage were purpose-built for charging across Europe. The DB5 was particularly adept at this, combining the raw character of the early models with the more long-legged feel synonymous with later DB cars.
Having undergone the well-regarded upgrade to 4.2-litre specification, this example is said to drive particularly well. The owner advises that a shakedown is recommended after periods of storage before extended road use.KDP-143.webp125.14 KB
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