Soon to be hitting the alpine ski resort of St. Moritz in early September, RM Sotheby’s is holding its second ever Swiss-based auction, held in association with the Internationale St. Moritzer Automobilwochen. The setting of two Winter Olympics and the subject of a famous song by Peter Sarstedt, St. Moritz is the spiritual centre of the Jet Set. Held in the exquisite alpine hotel of the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz, motor cars on offer include these two examples of one of the finest models to ever leave the doors of David Brown’s Aston Martin: The DB5.
A model which became highly respected thanks to its repeated guest appearances in the James Bond franchise, whether that be Goldfinger, Skyfall, or the five other Bond films it has featured in. The increase in sales inspired by the star turn of this quintessentially British sports car in Goldfinger helped model-car maker Corgi Toys achieve the title of Best Boys Toy by Playcraft Magazine for its diecast DB5 in 1965. For many, a model version of Aston Martin’s most enduring design continues to be the best toy for enthusiasts of all ages, unless, of course, you have the real thing:
1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage
Estimate: CHF1,000,000 - CHF1,200,000
Now, unless you want a Bond DB5 complete with gadgets in your collection (RM Sotheby’s has sold such an example, for a princely sum of $6,385,000 USD in 2019), a DB5 Vantage clad in Silver Birch is as close as one will get. Once the worlds of Pinewood Studios and Newport Pagnell were combined in the Hollywood blockbuster of Goldfinger in 1964, there would be no looking back. However, it is easy to gloss over the actual DB5 as a car when considering the Bond connection. In reality, the DB5 was one of the best choices of its era for cross country and intercontinental touring thanks to its large fuel tank and supreme interior comfort. Especially presented here in highly desirable Vantage specification, with three Webers taking the power to a solid 314 horsepower, it remains a highly expressive and enjoyable drive.
One of a mere 17 that were manufactured with a 4.0-litre Vantage engine in left-hand-drive, this numbers-matching example comes accompanied by certificates of authenticity from the Aston Martin Heritage Trust and British Motor Heritage Trust. This example has had only five careful caretakers from new, clocking a total of 76,575 km at the time of cataloguing. With plenty of pace for a 1960s cruiser, you’ll easily be able to emulate your inner Bond and race like Pierce Brosnan did in Goldeneye against Famke Janssen in a Ferrari F355. Wonderfully original within, the DB5 is an essential addition to any collection. What else can stir the sensation of feeling like a secret agent so vividly? For many, there is only one model that evokes memories of a passion for cars from one’s childhood—make it reality in St. Moritz on 9 September.
1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible
Estimate: CHF1,900,000 - CHF2,600,000
The second of two fine sports cars we are spotlighting today is this 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible. One of a mere 39, factory-built open-air examples, this is truly one of the best DB5 Convertibles on offer. To further its rarity, this example has been superbly looked after throughout its storied life, passing through a handful of custodians, including the current consignor who spent £425,000 on a full, concours-standard restoration at the hands of official marque experts Aston Martin Works Ltd in 2017 in Newport Pagnell. This involved a complete overhaul of all aspects of the car, including an engine rebuild and cabin re-trimming. These were all documented in extensive files that no doubt the next owner will enjoy devouring.
Following on from the DB4 Series 5, the new 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder produced 282 horsepower, helping this cleanly-sculpted drop-top Aston reach 145 mph. Thanks to the work during chassis number 2111’s restoration by Aston Martin Works, this DB5 is in as good condition as it was when it left the factory in 1965. Perhaps most appropriately suited for a climate a bit more temperate than that of the British Isles, this open-top Aston Martin was designated for export to Spain, and especially earmarked to serve as the show car for the Salón Internacional del Automóvil de Barcelona. Purchased first by José-Luis Sanz-Magallón, an influential architect and artist, this Aston Martin no doubt provided an unparalleled view of the Spanish capital as it prowled through the city streets.
Whilst a Convertible DB5 is by no means a common occurrence, this particular example being presented in its tasteful shades of California Sage over Red Connolly leather makes it a very special example indeed. This is perfectly completed by the uncommon occurrence of a factory hardtop in matching colours—perfect for keeping precipitation out in style. Further enhanced by its even rarer-still factory left-hand-drive specification, and this is about as uncommon as they come for DB5 sports cars. Undoubtedly ready for concours lawns the world over, this is a gem that would be worshipped and admired by many.
Both of these fine examples warrant a parking spot in the most prestigious of collections; together they encompass arguably one of the most famous models ever produced in the pantheon of British motoring in both roof-up and down variations. This makes these two Aston Martin examples an unmatchable pair of British icons.
With both coming up for auction in St. Moritz on 9 September, which would you want to take home?
