Arguably Aston Martin’s most recognisable model to date––and one of the most desirable classic cars in existence––the DB5 perfectly encapsulates a wave of confidence swelling at Newport Pagnell in the mid-1960s. The all-new and eternally popular DB4 of 1958 sold well and underwent gradual mechanical and styling evolution over its near five years in production, with the later Vantage forming the basis of the DB5. Its triple-SU-fed engine was enlarged to 3,995 cc––for the DB5––by increasing the motor’s bore to 96 mm. Exploiting the new engine’s potent 282 brake horsepower became easier due to a ZF five-speed manual transmission (or optional three-speed Borg-Warner automatic).

Production of the DB5 amounted to just 1,022 made from September 1963 to the end of 1965––123 convertibles, 12 “shooting brakes” and 887 examples to wear the conventional saloon bodywork. The model was a popular choice among celebrities with former keepers including Sir Paul McCartney, Peter Sellers, and rockers Mick Jagger and Robert Plant.

This elegant California Sage example was delivered new to Aston Martin dealer Brooklands of Bond Street on 26 October 1964––confirmed via correspondence in the history with Aston Martin Lagonda. The firm’s dealer sticker is still attached to the rear window and, according to the accompanying documentation, this DB5 visited the dealer’s then-newly opened service/parts department on 28 Wellington Road, St John’s Wood, London for a ‘timing chain mod’ on 13 May 1965. The documentation––a copy of the original build sheet and guarantee—also records a 10,000-mile service at the same time, plus the fitment of a new gearbox, clutch, and drive shaft.

A more up-to-date email chain in the car’s history file records correspondence between Graham Searle––founder and former General Manager of the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club––and dealer Auto-Kinetic, in which Graham outlines what’s known of the car’s history. The car was apparently sold to its second owner in South Africa, where it remained until 1991, before returning to the UK. Graham also confirms that he was entrusted to oversee the car’s recommissioning for the road at Bristol-based specialist Auto Classico in 2002.

More recently still, invoices are present for various body panels from Aston Martin specialist Puddleduck in Warwickshire in 2009, plus an invoice for three refurbished SU carburettors from Pit Lane Engineering, Winchester in 2011. Owned by the vendor since 2007, the car’s condition today seems to reflect an excellent level of care and typifies a true 1960s dream machine.