1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon

Aston Martin's post-war evolution took a major step forward with the launch of the DB4 in 1958. Classically proportioned, the beautiful, Touring-designed, body established an instantly recognisable look that would stand the marque in good stead until 1970. The engine was still an all-alloy, twin overhead-camshaft six but the old W.O. Bentley-supervised 3-litre unit had been superseded by a new design from the pen of Tadek Marek. The new 3,670cc straight-six developed 240bhp at 5,500rpm and the David Brown gearbox was an all-new, 4-speed all-synchromesh design.

Five distinct Series were built as the DB4 gradually metamorphosed into the DB5 which was introduced in July 1963. The new '5' boasted an enlarged 4-litre engine which had seen service initially powering the four-door Lagonda Rapide of 1961 and, having proven itself reliable, was subtly modified to suit the sporting aspirations of Aston's new flagship. Equipped with three SU carburettors, the 4,000cc engine produced 282bhp at 5,500rpm and was mated to a 4-speed/overdrive gearbox, a proper ZF 5-speed unit becoming standard later.

The DB5's distinctive cowled headlamps had first appeared on the DB4GT and the newcomer was the same size as the lengthened Series V DB4. Outwardly there was little to distinguish the DB5 from the last of the DB4s apart from twin fuel filler caps, although these had already appeared on some of the earlier cars. Beneath the skin however, there were numerous improvements including alternator electrics, Girling disc brakes instead of Dunlops, Sundym glass, electric windows and an oil pressure gauge as standard equipment.

This delightful DB5 left the Newport Pagnell factory in September 1964, originally finished in Sierra Blue with a Fawn interior and, according to a copy of the original guarantee, was sold by Aston Martin dealers, Brooklands, to Woodward (Hampstead) Ltd., a firm of furniture manufacturers, presumably for the use of their Chairman. DVLA historical records show that #DB5169R belonged to a Mr George Martin White from Kensington in 1968 and was under the same ownership in Gerrards Cross in 1970. It was subsequently returned to the factory in 1971 for a service at 57,000 miles before becoming the property of Leigh Road Garage in Chumleigh in 1975, who sold it a couple of years later to Cheltenham-based Anthony Finney in 1977. No further ownership change is recorded until the DB5 came into the possession of Antea Cars of Wandsworth, who in turn exported it to a Japanese buyer some time later.

DB5 5169R remained in Japan until it was discovered by respected marque specialist, Desmond J Smail, in original condition and still dressed in its original factory paint and trim combination. Several months later, the car was repatriated to the UK and sold to its previous owner with a view to a full 'ground-up' restoration. Desmond Smail completed the work in 2014, with the costs totalling some £200,000. The process was incredibly thorough with 'no stone left unturned', including industry-leading body and chassis fabrication by Bodylines of Olney and the repaint superbly finished in gleaming Rothesay Red by fellow Olney specialists, the Lone Pine Garage. Additional works included a full engine rebuild to 4.2-litre specification with Cosworth pistons, gearbox and axle rebuilds and a full retrim in Connolly hides and Wilton carpeting by Desmond’s ex-factory trimmer, Joe Dorrill.

The Aston is as good as – or, to be accurate, probably slightly better than - the day it left the factory and now incorporates a few discreet modern upgrades including air-conditioning, a music system with iPod connectivity, electric cooling fans and further sound and heat proofing. The result is a sublime looking and driving DB5, perfect for long distance grand tours and for displaying on the global concours circuit.

Having covered just 3,400 miles since the restoration was completed ten years ago, it was purchased by our vendor in April 2019. The DB5 has formed part of his private Collection, where it has continued to be lovingly maintained, serviced and MOT’d annually by Desmond J Smail and used only on high days and holidays.

#DB5169R is a matching numbers car with its original engine and gearbox and presents superbly in the seldom seen hue of Rothesay Red. It’s accompanied by its original build sheets, the Heritage Certificate and the fully documented restoration history.

We invite and encourage your viewing of this fabulous DB5 to fully appreciate its quality. It is one of the very few and very best DB5s you will ever find.