It was no accident that the Aston Martin DB5 was an instant classic upon its debut in 1963. Many of its basic elements, including its wonderfully proportioned body designed by Touring Superleggera of Milan, were introduced on previous Aston Martins to great acclaim and popularity—but all were refined to perfection for the DB5.

While based on essentially the same 98-inch-wheelbase steel platform chassis, the DB5 boasted nearly 170 updates and modifications over the outgoing DB4, most noticeably the handsome competition-style covered, faired-in headlights used on most DB4GTs. Mechanical updates to the undercarriage included suspension that was significantly redeveloped, with the front now adjusted for camber, and Armstrong Selectaride dampers added in the rear. Girling disc brakes were fitted at all four corners with dual hydraulic servos.

Most notable was the new 4.0-liter engine, an inline-six of all-aluminum construction with dual overhead camshafts, fed by triple carburetors as on the previous DB4 Vantage. It was capable of 282 horsepower, providing swift acceleration to 60 mph from a standstill in 8.1 seconds, and, if the driver continued to accelerate, a top speed of 141 mph. The larger engine also provided some 40 pound-feet of torque over the DB4’s 3.7-liter unit, making the car slightly more responsive at lower rpms. When combined with a fully synchromesh ZF five-speed manual transmission with overdrive, it resulted in a true driver’s automobile that was swift, surefooted, and comfortable—a gentleman’s express par excellence.

It was, many wealthy enthusiasts agreed, well worth its price, which was roughly double that of a Jaguar E-Type. Yet production of the costly DB5 was nonetheless limited, with 1,059 units, in all body styles, built between 1963 and 1965. Such is the model’s fame and renown, spun by decades of re-showings of a certain spy film, that it is easy to forget just how scarce it was and is. That rarity has made the DB5 even more sought-after by today’s enthusiasts.

CHASSIS DB5/1466/L: BLACK ON BLACK

The DB5 offered here was built with left-hand-drive on 13 March 1964 and dispatched to the famed Parisian dealer Garage Mirabeau only six days after its completion. It was finished then as it sits today, in Black over matching Connolly leather upholstery, with the ZF manual transmission, 3.77:1 Power-Lock limited-slip rear differential, Britax seatbelts, and chrome wheels, all as noted in the copy of the build sheet included within the file. While the original, presumably French buyer was not recorded, the car eventually made its way to the United States.

In 1990 the DB5 was sold by Art Nisson of British Motor Service in Orange, California, to Bob Pond, the noted Palm Springs-based enthusiast and collector of both warbirds and fine automobiles. Mr. Pond maintained the Aston Martin in his collection until his passing. The collection was subsequently sold en masse to another enthusiast.

In 2014, the car underwent considerable servicing, including the replacement of the rear suspension radius arms and water pump; rebuilding of the three carburetors; a tune-up and fitment of new plugs, wires, and filters to the engine; and rebuilding of the clutch and brake master cylinders. Soon thereafter, it was sold to a longtime admirer of the marque in Connecticut, who, happily, shortly had the car—long liveried in Dubonnet Maroon—returned to its original, much more menacing and subtle color scheme. In October 2017, the DB5 joined The Andrews Collection of Texas, where it enjoyed superb maintenance with the goal of being a turn-key automobile that could be easily driven and enjoyed at any time.

The DB5 was acquired by the present caretaker in 2021, and he spared no expense in improving the already attractive package. Invoices on file spanning 2023–2024 detail over $90,000 invested, with work carried out by Vintage MotorSports of Malvern, Pennsylvania. In addition to a refresh of the car’s engine, service to the brake system was performed (replacing worn or out-of-date components as needed), along with alignment, tuning, and many tweaks and improvements to the car’s cosmetics.

To further enhance a model already celebrated for its driving dynamics, an EZ electric power steering kit was installed; this visually unobtrusive system is integrated into a replacement steering column and provides greater power assistance at lower speeds. The upgrade is designed to be fully reversible, and the original steering components accompany the car should its next owner wish to return it to its factory configuration.

Presently fitted in its factory-correct and seldom-seen colors, and equipped with its numbers-matching engine, gearbox, and Touring-designed bodywork, this is a DB5 that has—for good reason—been cherished by a series of notable and discriminating collectors. Chassis number DB5/1466/L now represents a tremendous opportunity for a new caretaker to acquaint themselves with one of Aston Martin’s all-time classics.