1965 Aston Martin DB5

Lot details
Registration No: HLG859C
Chassis No: DB5/1974/R
Mot Expiry: Feb 2013

Think Bond, James Bond and, despite his countless other modes of transport, you'll probably picture the silver DB5s of Goldfinger and Thunderball. The question is, does he who drives a DB5 automatically assume the charismatic ways of Ian Fleming's all-conquering hero - the American who paid almost £3 million for the begadgeted star of those blockbuster movies presumably hoped so? However, exciting as that dream may be, the fact is the standard DB5 is itself a bewitching beast and has much to offer us ordinary mortals. It is for good reason the model has become the major star of all the David Brown Aston Martins.

The DB5's DNA grew out of the DB4, and though more evolution than revolution was still a significant step forward when it took to the stage in 1963. For a start it was faster than its predecessor. Courtesy of a new 3995cc 282bhp triple carburettor version of Tadek Marek's masterpiece, it was now capable of almost 150mph and could reach 60mph in a whisker over seven seconds. Initially there was the option of a five-speed ZF gearbox, but this soon became the standard fit. The car's general specification had also improved and now included: an alternator in place of the dynamo, reclining seats, pile carpets, electric windows, tinted glass and four silencers for the exhaust. A total of just 898 DB5s are understood to have been produced at Newport Pagnell before the model was replaced by the altogether larger, Kamm-tailed DB6 in late 1965.

The DB5 offered is a February 1965 example finished in the graceful combination of Cumberland Grey bodywork and Claret leather interior trim. It was first registered during February 1965 and was in the care of Sir Noel Bellingham from February 1982 until purchased by a Jimmy Hochman in 1999. Though it was apparently already in "good running order" he immediately set about further improving his acquisition. The engine was removed and refurbished by Aston Engineering, Derby, who converted it to run on lead-free fuel and increased the capacity to 4.2 litres using Cosworth pistons etc. While the unit was away, the car was transported to Marksdanes, Shepton Mallet, where the body was stripped to bare metal. The sill sections and rear valance were replaced and other areas tended to as required before a full repaint ensued. Other mechanical work included: the suspension and brakes being removed and refurbished and new servos being fitted along with replacement wheels, tyres and front bumper. The Aston was also converted to negative earth and equipped with electronic ignition. The bills for this period of work alone totalled in excess of £45,000.

'HLG 859C' next changed hands in February 2001 when purchased by a Stuart Mitchell - correspondence from the period shows the indicated mileage to have been 55,564. The history file then records £3,222 being spent with Aston London Service in March 2007 - work that included a major service and the fitting of new brake discs. It was in June of the following year that the Aston became the property of the vendor, since when it has been treated to some electrical refurbishment (Aston London Service, 2008), a major service (Stewart Walker, 2011) and a degree of seat restoration (2012). He currently describes the car's bodywork, paintwork, engine and transmission as all being in "excellent" condition and is selling the car complete with a large file containing invoices, photos of the restoration work, a selection of tax discs dating back to 1969 and some MOTs to 1975. The car's records appear to support the currently indicated mileage of 65,901 and this splendid-looking and clearly well maintained Aston Martin is MOT'd until February 27th 2013.