Registration No: GBO 500D
Chassis No: DB5/2035/R
MOT: Exempt

• Original UK-delivered DB5 with the preferred ZF 5-speed manual gearbox
• Matching numbers as per factory build sheet
• Continuously registered in the UK as 'GBO 500D' 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
• Much recent expenditure
• One of the best driving DB5's on the road today

Arguably the greatest piece of product placement in cinematic history, the DB5’s starring role in Goldfinger did more for Aston Martin’s profile than winning the 1959 Le Mans 24-hours or securing that year’s World Sportscar Championship! Unfortunately, the marque’s products were too expensive for its newfound James Bond kudos to translate into a significant sales jump. 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 silencer 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.

Offered for sale is chassis DB5/2035/R, a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Saloon. Originally finished in Dubonnet Dark Red with a Black leather interior and equipped with a five-speed ZF manual transmission, the car was delivered through Nortons of Cardiff on 2^nd April 1965 to Engineering Consultants C.L.W. Rees & Co of 6 Park Grove in the same city. A copy of the build record on file shows that the Aston was equipped from new with engine 400/2024, which is pleasingly still fitted and going strong as ever. Remarkably, this DB5 was registered ‘GBO 500D’ from new and has never worn any other number plate while always remaining in the UK. DB5/2035/R was later sold to J.F. Cox, Ltd. of Willow Road, Lenton, Nottingham. Subsequent owners include 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, Mr R.M. Fairburn from 1989 to 1992, before the car was bought in January 1992 by Andrew English, the well-regarded Motoring Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph. Mr English kept ‘GBO 500D’ for nearly 30 years and during that time, as is evidenced from the extensive History File accompanying the car, the DB5 was thoroughly enjoyed by him and properly looked after by respected Marque Specialists. Unlike most DB5’s, ‘GBO 500D’ was not kept as a Garage Queen but instead she was FIA and MSA registered and entered for several motorsport events such as sprints, hill climbs and rallies. Repainted in a Dark Navy Blue in the 1990’s, over the last few decades DB5/2035/R has been well-maintained by Nigel Barker at Davron Engineering, including a full gearbox refurbishment, with Aston Engineering Ltd. supplying most replacement parts while body improvements were entrusted to Mitchells Coachworks. The factory-fitted powerplant is understood to have had its capacity increased to 4.2 litres as part of a thorough overhaul. The ride and handling were dramatically improved by fitting a Harvey Bailey handling kit and a degree of negative camber, making this a very enjoyable and responsive car to drive.

In recent times ‘GBO 500D’ was treated to an interior refreshment costing over £20,000, which included a full retrim in high-quality Black leather, a repainted dashboard, new headlining, door trims, carpets, glove box and floor trims. This impressive DB5 is offered with a 2-inch thick folder detailing the lavish care and attention the car has received in the last couple of decades. It includes a current V5C, copies of previous registration documents, a big collection of MOT’s, the old FIA and MSA registration documents, detailed invoices for parts and services and sundry paperwork. Rated as one of the best driving DB5’s on the road today by several Marque Specialists as well as H&H’s Motorcar Specialists, DB5/2035/R should be at the very top of the list of any Aston enthusiast looking to add a DB5 to his or her collection.

For more information, please contact:
Julian Pinkster
julian.pinkster@handh.co.uk
07889 223 904