Put simply, there is no other Aston Martin as iconic as the DB5. Launched in 1963 as the company’s flagship grand tourer, the more powerful, accomplished, and modern revision of the DB4 instantly became an object of desire. Interest in Newport Pagnell’s most expensive model went stratospheric after an unforgettable appearance in the 1964 box office smash Goldfinger. But the DB5 was so much more than a handsome film prop. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023, the DB5’s allure, fame, and desirability have only increased over the interceding decades since its release.

Based on the outgoing DB4’s chassis, the DB5 boasted nearly 170 updates and modifications. Mechanical updates to the running gear included a redesigned suspension, with the front adjusted for camber, and Armstrong Selectaride shock absorbers added in the rear. All four corners were equipped with servo-assisted Girling disc brakes.

The most notable advancement was the new 4.0-litre, inline six-cylinder engine—an enlarged version of the DB4’s all-aluminium, dual-overhead-camshaft unit, breathing through three SU carburettors as on the previous DB4 Vantage. The enlarged engine provided spirited acceleration, with some 40 pound-feet of additional torque making it more responsive in the lower rev range. Coupled with a fully synchromesh ZF five-speed manual transmission, the result was a true driver’s car—swift, surefooted, and comfortable.

Rolling off the production line in autumn 1965, chassis 2197/R would be one of the final DB5s built. Coated in the brilliant colour of Fiesta over a Black Connolly leather interior, this Aston Martin was despatched to the distributor Eton Motors before being sold new to wholesale tobacconist C. Baker & Co. of Portslade, Sussex, once one of the largest privately owned businesses in Britain. It is thought the vehicle was likely purchased by Alec Baker, the then Chairman and Managing director. According to the build sheet, Baker took his DB5 in for its 10,000 mile service in June 1969, having a new head gasket and fuel pump fitted.

By the early 1970s an Aston Martin enthusiast named P. Russel notified the Owner’s Register that he now owned 2197/R. In February 1972, he had the brake pads replaced, with the odometer noted as reading 43,582 miles on the service record. Clearly well maintained, Russel exhibited his DB5 on multiple occasions at the Knebworth Concours in 1976 and 1978, winning 2nd and 3rd place awards. He also displayed at the Greenwich and Goodwood Concours in 1980 and 1981.

On 5 November 1983, Russel sold the Aston Martin to Mr J. R. Bleach, who remained a custodian until 1999, entering the DB5 in multiple concours events during his ownership. At the Stanway Concours in 1987 the car was awarded 2nd in the “Newcomer” category. For 1988, the Aston Martin came 5th in the Elite Class at Silverstone Concours, and 2nd at the British Classic Sports Car Show Concours, where the following year the car received a 3rd place award.

Chassis 2197/R changed hands once more at the turn of the Millenium and was placed in the new owner’s name on 8 December 1999. Having been retained for eight years, the DB5 changed hands for a final time in 2007, when it was acquired by the fifth and current owner. Shortly thereafter the DB5 was exported to Kuwait, where it has remained in dry storage since.

Today, chassis 2197/R wears its factory-correct colour scheme of Fiesta over a black leather interior and retains its matching-numbers straight-six engine. Please note, that having remained in dry storage since 2007, this vehicle will require recommissioning. The car is accompanied by a copy of the build sheet, and a previous V5 registration document.

With continuous ownership history, matching-numbers engine, and a fantastic factory colour scheme, chassis 2197/R is an attractive example of Aston Martin’s DB5 that is ready to be brought back to its former glory.