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1963→1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible

1963→1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible

Perhaps the most famous Aston Martin because of the specially equipped silver birch DB5 that starred in the James Bond films “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball”. The DB5 made a comeback to the big screen in the 1995 film “GoldenEye”.

Regarded by many as the most beautiful Aston Martin produced, DB5 shares many similar traits to DB4. However, DB5’s most substantial change occurred under the bonnet. The 6 cylinder engine increased its capacity to 4 litres by increasing the bore to 96mm. Significant too was the introduction of a true full synchromesh ZF 5 speed gearbox. Other chassis changes included the adoption of the Girling disc brakes that had only been used on the DB4GT, and 15” wheels.

A convertible was also offered and was available with a steel hard top with an exceptionally large rear window.

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
type Series Production Car
production years 1963 – 1965
built at England
production 123
price £/td> £4,490
engine Inline-6
valvetrain DOHC
displacement 3995 cc / 243.8 in³
bore 96.01 mm / 3.78 in
stroke 91.9 mm / 3.62 in
compression 8.9:1
power 210.3 kw / 282.0 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output 70.59 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 192.36 bhp per tonne
torque 379.6 nm / 280.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
driven wheels RWD
front brakes Discs
rear brakes Discs
steering Rack & Pinion
f suspension A-Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Live Axle w/Watts Link, Trailing Links, Coil Springs
curb weight 1466 kg / 3233 lbs
wheelbase 2489 mm / 98.0 in
front track 1377 mm / 54.2 in
rear track 1359 mm / 53.5 in
length 4572 mm / 180.0 in
width 1676 mm / 66.0 in
height 1321 mm / 52.0 in
transmission 5-Speed Manual
gear ratios 2.73:1, 1.76:1, 1.23:1, 1.00:1, 0.83:1
top speed ~228.48 kph / 142 mph
0 – 60 mph ~7.5 seconds
0 – 100 mph ~20.2 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile ~16.2 seconds

Chassis & Sales

1963→1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible

DB5/C/1911/R-Delivered new to a Dr. Fraser in 1965, finished in Silver Birch with a black convertible hood and burgundy hides. Largely original, re-painted to its original colour and installed a new black mohair convertible hood. Offered at RM Auctions’ Automobiles of London sale and did not sell with a high bid of £355,000.

Story by Aston Martin Lagonda Limited

Auction Sales History

1963→1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible

 

1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible DB5C/2112/R – sold for $1,540,000 . Delivered New to Hollywood Screenwriter Bill Manhoff. Originally ordered with detachable headrests, a Blaupunkt-Köln radio, Fiamm horns with changeover switch, and Britax safety belts. 29,000-Mile Example with Matching-Numbers Engine. Offered with Instruction Book, Tool Roll, and Rare Continental Parts Kit.
Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company
1963→1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible

1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible DB5/C/1920/L

One of the 39 examples produced in left hand drive. Delivered new to the USA, ‘DB5/C/1920/L’ was purchased new by Charline Breeden, heiress to the Boettcher fortune. Originally finished in Goodwood Green with beige Connolly hide interior. Normalair air conditioning, a Bosch Koln radio, tan Everflex tonneau cover, chromed wire wheels and 3-ear hubcaps as factory fitted non-standard equipment. Today, the car is in generally excellent order, having covered only some 23,000 miles from new.

Auction Source: 2015 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais

1963→1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible

1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible DB5C/1285/R

The stunning right-hand drive DB5 Convertible pictured here was purchased new by Cavendish Shop & Business Properties Ltd. and delivered new on 16th April, 1964. It was the 27th DB5 Convertible built, originally finished in Platinum with dark blue Connolly leather and a navy blue Duracol hood. The only non-standard feature was chrome wire wheels. Registered on number AUC 565B, the car was fitted with triple SU carburettors and a manual gearbox.
Auction Source: 2010 Automobiles of London by RM Auctions