Vehicle Description
Chassis No. DB5/1497/R
Engine No. 400/1492
Aston Martin achieved early success in the realm of elegant
post-war grand tourers with the introduction of the handsome DB2-4
in 1953, but it was the arrival of the DB4 at the end of the decade
that truly catapulted the marque into the same revered space as
Ferrari and Jaguar. The collaboration between Italy's Carrozzeria
Touring and Aston Martin's own Tadek Marek resulted in an achingly
beautiful aluminum body of Superleggera construction propelled by a
3.7-liter straight-six engine. The DB5 was the ultimate development
of the constant improvements made to the DB4, and remains the most
sought-after of all the DB Aston Martins for its increased power
and refinement. Equipped with an enlarged 4.0-liter engine
breathing through triple SU carburetors, it delivered
282-horsepower to the rear wheels through a full-synchromesh ZF
five-speed transmission. Its suspension, which employed coil
springs on all four corners, along with power disc brakes and rack
and pinion steering, all drew inspiration from Aston Martin's
competition sports racers of the era. Additional refinements
included an alternator, tinted glass, reclining seats, and electric
windows.
Chassis number DB5/1497/R is one of approximately 879 DB5s
specified in right-hand drive and was delivered to its original
owner on 9 April 1964 via Brooklands of Bond Street in London,
England. The accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust
Certificate records that the car left the factory finished in
California Sage with a Green interior and generously equipped with
chrome road wheels, two Britax safety belts, triple SU HD8
carburetors, and Dunlop RS5 tires. According to research compiled
under previous ownership, the Aston is believed to have been
disassembled in the early 1970s with the intention of conducting a
full restoration. The original engine, recognized to be
numbers-matching per the Heritage Trust, and a correct ZF
transmission were refitted at some point during the beginnings of a
restoration. In 2014, chassis 1497 was purchased in partially
disassembled but largely complete condition including its
suspension and braking mechanisms, chromed wire wheels, front and
rear coachwork assemblies, both doors, a hood, all glass except the
windscreen, and interior trim including the original front
seats.
Since then, chassis 1497 has undergone a comprehensive, multi-year
restoration completed circa 2020 to an exacting standard. The
marque specialists at Trinity Engineering in Ripley, England, are
responsible for the Aston's remarkable transformation, which
included a full rebuild of the original engine. The aluminum
Touring coachwork was renewed in classic Silver Birch while the
cabin received new Black Vaumol leather hides, charcoal Wilton wool
carpets, and an off-white vinyl headliner. Additional improvements
specified during the restoration included air conditioning, power
steering, a period radio, an alarm system, and uprated suspension.
Email correspondence and an album of restoration images on file
document the monumental undertaking.
Today, the car presents in wonderful overall condition having
undergone recent servicing courtesy of Trinity Engineering,
including a complete inspection, new fluids and filters, and an
engine tune. Inside, the freshly trimmed leather upholstery,
carpets, and dashboard are in excellent order, and the Smiths
instrumentation is correct and functional. A tidy engine
compartment completes the look of this exciting DB5, which is sure
to be to be enjoyed on any number of tours or to be shown on the
concours field. Showing just 1,198 miles on the odometer since its
restoration, this is a well-sorted example of Aston Martin's most
iconic model.
