The Aston Martin DB5 epitomized the success of the company’s mission to produce a world-class GT sports coupe with the English gentleman in mind. The car was hand built and improved upon the advanced engineering that began with its groundbreaking predecessor, the DB4. Superior materials were used in manufacture, such as aluminum-alloy body panels mounted over a skeleton of small-diameter tubing, which was patented by Touring of Milan as Superleggera construction. Its race-proven engine was also made of aluminum, including both the block and its twin-cam hemispherical cylinder head. Then, of course, the interior was upholstered in the finest Connolly leather, which was complemented by deep-pile Wilton carpets. The net result was a car of unmatched power, elegance, and luxury.

BUILT FOR A PRINCE

Prince Abdul Ilah Bin Abdulaziz was the son of King Abdulaziz, of Saudi Arabia, and he was known for being a car enthusiast, serving as the chairman of The National Motor Company. In 1965, H.R.H. Prince Abdul, already an accomplished entrepreneur at the age of 28, ordered his fully outfitted Aston Martin DB5, DB5/2270/L, direct from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. The delivery address for the car was listed as “behind the Royal Palace, Jeddah.” DB5/2270/L is a very late production example that displays the sixth from last DB5 chassis number, and there are indications that it may have actually been the last example to be completed, such as it being delivered in 1966 and being supplied with separate signal indicators and running lights in the front, which were to become standard with the imminent launch of the DB6.

More interestingly, 2270/L was unusually specified with a full complement of factory accessories, many of which are rarely seen, and virtually all of which exist with the car today. According to its factory build sheet, these consist of the following:

• Normalair air conditioning

• A Motorola radio with a power-operated aerial

• Two Marchal fog lamps

• Two wing mirrors

• Two Britax lap and diagonal safety belts for the front seats

• Two Britax belts for the rear seat

• A DB5 Continental parts kit

• A heated rear screen

• Three-ear hub caps

• Detachable head rests

It is believed that fewer than 35 DB5s were delivered with air conditioning. The specified system remains intact on the 2270/L and features a modern compressor for reliability. The Motorola radio was replaced, very evidently in period, by a Blaupunkt twin-band unit with a matching shortwave module mounted under the dash. One can imagine the young prince’s desire to listen perhaps to the BBC while domiciled in the Middle East. The Marchal fog lamps are correct NOS items that have been mounted per factory specification underneath the front bumper. Both sets of original Britax seat belts are included with the car. It is especially unusual to see rear seat belts in a DB5, but again, one can imagine the prince’s concern for the safety of his young children while in the car.

Of particular note is the inclusion of the Continental parts kit, which is often referred to as the Continental touring kit. It is also unusual to find one listed as a delivered accessory, as the common practice was for the factory to “lend” the kit, whose box fits neatly in the boot, to long-distance travelers and to charge them only for any parts used when returned. Again, the remote domicile of 2270/L demanded full ownership, and clearly cost was not a deterrent to the lavish specification of the car when ordered.

The heated rear screen, which is a feature that is also rarely seen today, is intact, indicating that it is its original glass. The attractive three-ear hub caps (aka knock-offs or spinners), which can easily be seen in accompanying photographs, secure a brand-new set of chrome wire wheels, fresh Avon Turbosteel radials, and a properly profiled and modern version of the original Avon Turbospeed bias-ply tires.

Ownership history is quite well documented. The first known owner after H.R.H. Prince Abdul was William C. Mullins, Esq., of Dallas, Texas. (A copy of the original Texas title is supplied in the history file, as well as factory correspondence with Mr. Mullins, which dates back to 1978). Mr. Mullins sold the car to Joel Stein, of Ft. Lauderdale, in the early 1990s. (Again, a copy of the Florida title is supplied.) Circa 2005, Dr. Stein sold 2270/L to noted collector George Bunting, of Hunt Valley, Maryland, where it resided with other significant Aston Martins in his museum.

The history file also includes an impressive collection of service records that spans the past 20 years. Dr. Stein had the DB5 mechanically refurbished and serviced by Performance Tuning and Restoration, of Pompano Beach, Florida, with documentation from this process, starting in 1993, available in the accompanying file. This outfit, run by former Aston Martin Vintage Race Services chief Robert Clerk and his son, Jon, were commissioned by Dr. Stein to rebuild the engine to the elevated and venerated Vantage specification (including triple side-draft Weber carburetors, which are a not-uncommon, desirable, and ultimately reversible upgrade). Today, Jon, now a principal at Steel Wings in Ivyland, Pennsylvania, is highly regarded as one of the country’s top Aston Martin specialist engine builders, and he recalls doing the work on the Aston Martin. Invoices for regular “whatever it needs” service by Mr. Bunting from Treasured Motorcar Services Ltd., of Reisterstown, Maryland, are also scrupulously catalogued.

The current owner acquired 2270/L from Mr. Bunting in 2013 and embarked on an extensive cosmetic restoration at award-winning marque specialist shop Kevin Kay Restorations. The work performed during the restoration included stripping the paint and performing expert metal work, as necessary, and blocking and sanding in preparation for the return to the car’s original color of Caribbean Pearl. The bumpers were perfected, rechromed, and refitted, and much of the other brightwork and the scuff plates were either replaced or renewed. The lightly scratched windscreen was replaced with fresh glass, and great attention was given to the engine bay in order to restore it to show standard. Finally, a concours-quality retrimming was also completed. During this process, fresh, correct Connolly-type leather in the original Navy Blue hue was installed, even on the door panels and the headrests, as was the complementary and luxurious grey Wilton carpet piped in Navy. Receipts for this work, which additionally addressed numerous small details where necessary, are also included, indicating a recent expenditure of approximately $140,000.

In addition to the arresting fresh appearance of its delightful, striking original colors, the well-maintained mechanical systems were tested and are in fine order. An RM specialist test-drove the car and reported that it starts easily and runs strong. The gearbox is reported to be lovely, and the car stops as well as it goes. Plus, the A/C blows cold!

The full complement of factory accessories, which significantly includes the Continental touring kit, is augmented by a correct-type jack (beautifully restored) and hammer, an original owner’s handbook, a technical sheet for the Blaupunkt shortwave unit, a period factory sales brochure, the now-unobtainable original and virtually complete factory leather tool roll, and a set of spare keys. This Aston’s indicated mileage is under 63,000 and believed correct, as it ties with the long string of service invoices.

Any DB5 is a blue-chip Aston Martin, and they are just as joyful to drive as they are to admire in a serious collection of sports and GT cars. Chassis 2270/L was built to the unique specifications of a connoisseur prince, and amazingly, it is offered nearly 50 years later with its special features still available. Without a doubt, 2270/L is one of the finest DB5s extant, and it represents a singular opportunity to acquire a rare example that is in the ultimate specification, has numerous desirable factory options and a solid history of mostly known owners, and has had a fresh restoration by expert craftsmen. As such, this stunning DB5 invites close inspection.