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| Aston Martin DB5 (1963 - 1965) |  |
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| As much as I would like to say that the DB5 burst onto the automotive scene in 1963, it is not true. For this quintessential Aston Martin was an evolution of the DB4 Series 5 Vantage, and looked virtually identical. The main change with the car was the adoption of a 4.0 litre engine and option of a five speed gearbox. But the DB5 did make a quantum leap in marketing (see the next page) which made it the most famous car in the world. | |
| Cars fitted with the standard 282bhp engine (triple SU carbs) could be expected to record a maximum speed of 148mph. Only 65 cars of a total production run of 898 coupes were fitted with the optional Vantage engine equipped with triple Weber carbs which produced 314bhp. | |
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There were many detailed improvements with the DB5 which included the fitting of an alternator, tinted glass, four exhaust silencers and electric windows. Unfortunately all this and more added an extra 113 kg to the weight.
Initially the DB5 had the same 4 speed David Brown gearbox from the DB4 with an option for the 5 speed ZF box. A little way into production and the 5 speed ZF box was made standard fitting. |
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| One problem with the DB5 is the market is paying a great deal of money for the nice cars, well out or reach of the average enthusiast. So people ask me about buying a wreck and 'doing it up' themselves. I usually discourage this and this particular car is a classic example as to why. This DB5 came to auction at the AML/Bonham's auction in 2004 and is described as incomplete and requiring extensive rebuilding. But even in this dilapidated state, the new owner has just paid £27,025 including commission. |
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Whilst the early and lighter DB4's are the mainstay of AMOC Club Racing, a couple of DB5's often venture onto the race track. Both of these cars are significantly modified from road specification.
The car in the three pictures on the left has a fascinating story to tell. An American owner fitted it with a Rolls Royce radiator (sorry - no pictures!). Then in 1975 the car was stolen. It was rediscovered by Police Divers at the bottom of the River Seven. After being rebuilt for the track, the car has been a regular at AMOC race meetings ever since and regularly at the front of the field. It is now know as 'The River Car'.
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| Page Updated Monday October 22, 2007 |
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