1965 Aston Martin DB5 Saloon

There was a certain innocence to product placement in the early sixties. Incorporating a brand or product into a movie probably just seemed like a good idea at the time. Eon Productions - having been spurned by Jaguar - turned their attentions to Aston Martin to provide the 'daily driver' for MI6 agent, James Bond.. the rest is more than just history.

The 1964 Bond film, "Goldfinger', made the DB5 one of the most famous cars of all time. Schoolboys voted with their hard earned 'bob a job' money to make the Corgi Toys DB5 the "best-selling toy' of 1964!

Not since the introduction of the E-type had the industry seen the clamour for such a car by royalty, rock stars, celebrities and the like.

Today the DB5 remains the most coveted car of our generation and the example on offer at the 2013 Silverstone Classic Sale takes some beating.

•Superbly restored, matching numbers example.•Certified by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust.•Recorded within the Aston Martin Heritage Trust Register.•Documented history.•Converted to run on unleaded fuel.

DB5/2090/R was ordered new by A&B Motors Ltd of Newton-Le-Willow, Lancashire in Platinum with Black leather and delivered in April 1965 with the matching engine 400/2092, which it still retains today. Factory options included chrome wire wheels, heated rear window, Motorola radio and powered aerial. By 1968, two factory services had been documented and a cool 46,000 miles travelled.

Acquired by our vendor in March 2012 from long-term Irish ownership, chassis DB5/2090/R had formed part of an important Dublin based collection. Here it was used regularly and looked after with consistent maintenance, as supported by a host of invoices for parts and sundries, mostly supplied by Aston Service Dorset, with the majority dating between 1993 and 1999. The subject of a sympathetic restoration in 1994, that included a bare-metal repaint with photo documentation, this DB5 was then repatriated to the UK sporting deep blue coachwork and black interior before being once again restored to the impressive standard it now bestows.

The beneficiary of a near 18 month extensive, yet sympathetic restoration by professional specialists using parts supplied from Aston Service Dorset, Aston Workshop & HWM Aston Martin, this beautiful matching numbers Aston Martin DB5 is now offered for sale. It is presented in many ways, in a "better than new' appearance thus making it one of the finest examples of its type.

It was fully prepared and repainted in March 2013 in Royal Blue metallic, the work undertaken included the bonnet and boot shut apertures, the underside of the bonnet and boot, both door shut apertures including "A' post mounting plates, door shuts and inner frames. Pictures of the preparation and painting can be requested from Silverstone Auctions which show the exceptionally high standard achieved by Specialised Paintwork of Reading, Berkshire.

Mechanical work undertaken to 2090/R by Britwell Autos of Oxon include removing the cylinder head for specialist upgrading to run on unleaded fuel, which involved new vales and new seats. The water pump was overhauled and the block inspected before flushing the engine oil and water through the engine. The starter motor was reconditioned, a new oil filter fitted, and fresh Duckhams Classic oil introduced. The fan belt and all rubber hoses were replaced, as were the flexible fuel lines. A new air filter and new spark plugs were also fitted. New heat shields and period glass bottle Lucas windscreen screen wash bottle was sourced and connected. Finally, the carburettors were calibrated, checked and retuned before the road test.

The gearbox, clutch, prop and diff all behaved in the manner expected. The operation of the suspension, steering joints, steering rack, brakes, cylinders, pads, pipes, hand brakes, rev counter and heater were similarly serviced and repaired where necessary.

The interior has been completely and professionally re-trimmed to the highest standard in Mink Bridge of Weir leather to include replacement headlining.

Cosmetically, professional re-chroming of many components including the gear stick, front bumper, bonnet stays, carburettor parts and domed cylinder head bolts were all undertaken. The radiator fan and radiator was spray painted. The exhaust manifolds were sand and bead blasted before spraying and fitting. The grille was dismantled and professionally polished, as was the chrome grille surround, chrome accelerator pedal, door shut trims and the door furniture. Most of the rubber seals fitted to the bodywork were replaced with correct parts from RS Williams, Aston Martin specialists. Finally, the engine bay was fully detailed, as was underside and all wheel arches.

This car is sold with an original DB5 brochure and a period DB5 Instruction Book, as well as a lovely piece of period leather luggage in the boot space.

Silverstone Auctions are proud to offer this best-of-breed example of the world's most sought-after motor car in the centenary year of the marque. Significant monies have been spent to achieve the standard of this DB5. The result is stunningly beautiful and a car everyone would be proud to own. Sold on a UK registration with UK V5C and current MoT, the car is ready to enjoy. The auctioneers will be happy to help with shipping to any location in the world.