An auction of classic and collector cars - IWM 19th & 20th October from 1pm
To include:
1965 Aston Martin DB5
Estimate £450,000 - £550,000
Registration No: DJW 100C
Chassis No: DB5/1889/R
MOT: T.B.A
In single family ownership since 1982
Just 1 of a mere 898 DB5 fixed-heads ever made
The most famous of all the 'James Bond' Aston Martins
Matching chassis and engine numbers plus factory fitted S5/325 ZF 5-Speed manual gearbox
Engine overhauled to 4.2 Litre unleaded specification by well respected marque specialist
1 of just 41 originally finished in Autumn Gold and trimmed in Beige leather
Arguably the greatest piece of product placement in cinematic history, the DB5’s starring role in Goldfinger did more for Aston Martin’s profile than winning the 1959 Le Mans 24-hours or securing that year’s World Sportscar Championship! Unfortunately, the marque’s products were too expensive for its newfound James Bond kudos to translate into a significant sales jump. The DB5’s DNA grew out of the DB4, and though more evolution than revolution was still a significant step forward when it took to the stage in 1963. For a start it was faster than its predecessor. Courtesy of a new 3995cc 282bhp triple carburettor version of Tadek Marek’s masterpiece, it was now capable of almost 150mph and could reach 60mph in a whisker over seven seconds. Initially, there was the option of a five-speed ZF gearbox, but this soon became the standard fit. The car’s general specification had also improved and now included: an alternator in place of the dynamo, reclining seats, pile carpets, electric windows, tinted glass and four silencer exhaust. A total of just 898 DB5s are understood to have been produced at Newport Pagnell before the model was replaced by the altogether larger, Kamm-tailed DB6 in late 1965.
One of just forty-one examples to be finished in Autumn Gold, chassis DB5/1889/R was despatched to Cyril Williams Motors Ltd of Staffordshire on 31st December 1964. Interestingly, Corgi’s first – and most iconic - James Bond 007 DB5 diecast model was also painted Gold (designated C261 it went on to sell 2.7 million copies worldwide). Road registered as ‘DJW 100C’ by Wolverhampton Council on 16th February 1965, the distinctively-hued Aston Martin was specified with ZF five-speed manual transmission, Beige leather upholstery, Selectaride shock absorbers and triple SU carburettors. Entering the current (third) ownership in August 1982 on the day of its second keeper’s wedding (the vendor buying the car to help fund his friend’s nuptials), the four-seater has been affectionately known as ‘Herbie’ ever since. A structural and professional engineer by profession with a wealth of classic car experience gleaned from various Sunbeam, MG, Jaguar, Lancia and Alfa Romeo road cars not to mention racing a Mini Cooper S and Jaguar MKI, the seller has used ‘DJW 100C’ regularly but sparingly over the past four decades with memorable journeys encompassing trips to various UK race meetings, some European travel and two sorties to the Le Mans 24-heures. Kept in the same dehumidified and heated garage alongside various stablemates for the last thirty-five years, the Aston Martin was in good working order by the mid-2000s but looking a little tired cosmetically.
Entrusted to marque specialist Rikki Cann (FIMI) of Shoeburyness, the DB5 was treated to new sills, suspension points, door skins, and all other work required to restore its structural integrity. Evidence of some minor, localised electrolytic corrosion saw the bodywork stripped to bare metal. The interior trim was removed in its entirety and the underside de-rusted, painted and undersealed using POR15 products where applicable. Suitably prepared, the car was repainted Gold by Sandy Coachworks of Hertfordshire during 2010. A return to Rikki Cann’s workshops three years later saw the original factory-fitted engine thoroughly overhauled, converted to unleaded and enlarged to 4.2 litres. It was then dynamometer tested prior to reinstallation. Post paint, the complete dashboard was removed, and all instruments and wiring checked, and replaced as necessary, converting the car to negative earth. The final mechanical build was carried out by the vendor up to 2016, with final testing and checks made by Rikki Cann. Genuine Aston Martin (mechanical or otherwise) parts were used wherever possible, and included all new suspension and brake components, brake lines, brake and clutch cylinders etc, servos, wheels and tyres, engine ancillaries, electric radiator fan, clutch and stainless steel exhaust etc. In short, the vendor replaced anything he felt was below par with a view to having the four-seater ready in time for his youngest daughter’s prom. The interior has been completely denuded and painted (POR15), and lined with Dynamat soundproofing, along with a refurbished original steering wheel, dashboard, and new carpeting and headlining. The existing seats were kept because of their excellent condition, and to maintain the overall patina of the lovely original beige interior, which has been completely and professionally refurbished using the latest processes for leather ‘Connollising’.
Thought to have covered only 1,000 miles or so since its engine was rejuvenated, ‘DJW 100C’ is being freshly serviced and MOT tested ahead of the auction and currently displays a credible 91,524 miles. A stunning looking machine (and dare we say it a welcome change from ‘me too’ Silver Birch), this fabulous Aston Martin is coming to market for the first time in forty years. ‘DJW 100C’ thus represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a special DB5 during the 60th Anniversary Year of the James Bond franchise. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, Heritage Certificate, flash drive containing photosets of much of the work, two green folders of receipts and other paperwork, workshop and parts manuals, plus a quantity of AMOC magazines
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