Description
Launched in 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 represented the pinnacle of British automotive design. With a classic-yet-modern shape that hid a deceptively muscular stance, the sharply dressed grand tourer combined spirited performance with elegant Superleggera coachwork in a way that came to define the David Brown era. Already a hit with well-heeled buyers, the DB5 became the stuff of legend with the wider public when the Silver Birch-cloaked lines of James Bond’s iconic machine first appeared on screen in the spy thriller, Goldfinger. But while 007 made do with a detachable roof panel, the Aston Martin Newport Pagnell factory did construct 123 true DB5 Convertibles between 1963 and 1965 of which just 84 were built in RHD.
As elegant as it was rare, the convertible version of the DB5 shared its drivetrain, running gear, and impressive 140 mph-plus performance with the saloon, not to mention its classic design language. Beneath the bonnet lay the closed car’s sublime 4-litre, 283-horsepower straight-six engine mated as standard to a five-speed ZF gearbox that remained only an option in the saloon. This high specification was augmented by an alternator, electric windows, and exhaust silencers. Chrome wire wheels, an oil cooler, a fire extinguisher, full leather trim, reclining seats, twin fuel tanks, and wool pile carpets also came as standard. Priced at £4, 490, the convertible cost well above the average house price of the time, assuring that only a privileged few were able to afford one. The epitome of British elegance and class, celebrities snapped them up: Peter Sellers, Beryl Reid, and even HRH Princess Margaret could be spotted in a DB5 Convertible.
A copy of its original build record shows that this RHD convertible was sold new to W. Morris Esq. of Brasted, Kent, England, on June 3, 1964, and was finished in California Sage over a red Connolly leather interior. Its total purchase price was £4, 691 and included extras such as a non-standard hood finish, Selectaride-equipped suspension and a Motorola radio with power aerial.
The car had two more owners during the 70s before being purchased by its fourth owner in 1987 who traded his DB5 coupe in part exchange. It remained in his ownership for the following 37 years and has been meticulously cared for during this time. Documented work ranges from routine servicing to a complete rebuild of the engine, during which its cylinder head was upgraded with modern valves and valve seats for lead-free petrol. The DB5 also received a bare metal respray in classic Silver Birch in 2019, and the rear axle was rebuilt in 2021. The beautifully preserved original red leather interior is remarkable and matches the recently re-trimmed red Everflex hood, which stows neatly beneath its leather cover when lowered.
Despite being no longer a requirement for its age, the car has received an MOT almost every year, most recently in July 2024 when it passed with no advisories, a true testament to the owner’s long-standing commitment to keep the rare Aston Martin in top cosmetic and mechanical condition. In 2011 an original hardtop was acquired for the car, an exceedingly rare item believed to be one of just seven made. In addition to stiffening the chassis and improving body control, the hardtop gives the car a stylish look akin to the earlier Notchback Aston Martins of the 1950s.
In addition to its desirable hardtop roof, this wonderful DB5 is accompanied by an extensive history file documenting its ownership history and containing a large number of servicing invoices, MOT certificates and tax discs dating back to the early 1970s. Timelessly styled and instantly recognisable thanks to the model’s movie screen presence, this DB5 Convertible is a superb, immensely drivable and extremely rare example of the marque’s flagship in its most desirable, high performance, open-air form. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.
