For sale by auction on Saturday 24thNovember 2012 with Historics at Brooklands, Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit, Weybridge, Surrey.

The DB5's DNA grew out of the DB4; a very different car from the DB Mk. III it replaced. Launched at the 1958 Paris Motor Show, it featured a new platform chassis conceived by Harold Beech. This was topped by a cage of small diameter tubes clothed in hand-made alloy body panels. The process, known as Superleggera (lightweight), was evolved by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan and was employed, under license, by Aston Martin at its Newport Pagnell plant - the DB4 was the first model to be built in full at the site.

The newcomer was powered by an all-aluminium double overhead cam, straight-six engine of 3670cc, conceived in house by the company's Polish designer Tadek Marek. When topped by the standard twin SU HD8 carburetors, it produced in the region of 240bhp - sufficient to power the Aston to 60mph in nine seconds and on to a top speed of some 140mph. Braking was by servo-assisted discs all round. The front suspension was independent by wishbones and coil springs, while the rear featured a coil sprung live axle further located by a Watts linkage. Steering was by rack and pinion. Over its six year reign, the DB4 was progressively developed through five 'Series' with almost all Series 5 models built to 'Vantage' specification - ie they featured the 'special series' 266bhp engine with its triple SU carburettors, bigger valves and higher compression, plus the faired-in headlights from the DB4GT, with the addition of a chrome surround.

This final version of the DB4 can be considered a prototype DB5 in all but name. So, more evolution than revolution, the DB5 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 Marek's masterpiece, it was now reputedly 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 silencers for the exhaust. A total of some 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.

Originally delivered to Elon Crowther & Son Ltd of Huddersfield in 1965 through the Eton Motor Group, this fine example was then acquired by Mr. F. Young of Market Rasen in Lincolnshire at 35,000 miles. It was at this point that the next owner, Mr. P. Smart, shipped the car to sunnier climes where it began the rest of its life in Australia until quite recently. Records suggest that it passed through the hands of approximately six owners before it was discovered and repatriated to the UK by the vendor. An MoT test certificate, valid until December, 2012, did not throw up any advisory information and was described as presenting in generally good order throughout.

The vendor then embarked upon a full, bare-metal, restoration including an engine rebuild and the replacement of liners, crankshaft and a full carburettor re-build. All engine and gearbox mounts were also replaced including both clutch and brake master cylinders and brake servo units. New chrome wire wheels and the correct Avon Turbospeed tyres were supplied and a new clutch flywheel assembly can also be found combining to make for a crisp driving experience.

With the exterior now in classic Aston Martin Silver Birch, the interior has also been re-trimmed with good quality black leather. Some original elements were retained however including the carpets (new soundproofing) and the dash. New heater motors have been installed as well as replacement electric window motors.

The car comes complete with the original factory fitted Webasto sunroof and appropriate import documents C&E 389/C384, a V5C registration document and history file containing photographs and invoices from the restoration.

http://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2012-11-24/car/1965-aston-martin-db5.aspx