1964 Aston Martin DB5 - Vantage

Finished in original, as built, colour specifications of Silver Birch with Red (Connolly VM3171) hides and optioned with a heated rear screen and chromed wire wheels from new, this exceptional example of the iconic DB5 was delivered new in September 1964 via agents Cyril Williams Motors Ltd to its first Coventry based owner who, according to factory records had servicing and maintenance carried out by Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell, whilst covering over 75,000 mile during its first 5 years on the road.

Ownership remained with the first owner through to 1986 when the car was purchased by a London based dealer directly from Aston Martin, in a dilapidated condition and requiring restoration. Stored thereafter for several years, before being acquired by the last and only 3rd owner in 2008, for subsequent restoration. The complete restoration, expertly overseen for the owner by Aston Martin specialist Peter Stratford, proprietor of Aston London Ltd, was carried out under Stratford’s management, employing the combined services of Heritage specialists Aston Engineering of Derby and body, paint and fabrication specialists Marksdanes Ltd of Somerset, with a recorded mileage of 25,600 miles.

The 2 year+ restoration, included a total dismantling the car to the bare chassis, to facilitate shot blasting of the chassis and reveal of all areas of the chassis requiring attention, replacement of all corroded steel chassis sections took place with a restoration of the original aluminium body and a complete re-paint, carried out in original colour Silver Birch. All mechanical aspects of the car were inspected and rebuilt or restored as necessary. With the engine removed, noted on factory records to have been replaced in 1970, the opportunity was taken during the rebuild to increase the capacity from 4.0 litres to 4.7 litres, employing a new billeted steel crankshaft, larger bore pistons, improved valve gear and strengthened con rods being fitted, along with upgraded Vantage specification camshafts and the fitment of a set of triple Weber 45DCOE9 carburettors, of the type fitted Vantage specification engines.

Whilst in restoration all instruments, interior fittings and exterior brightwork and bumpers, were either replated, rebuilt or replaced where necessary and the whole interior retrimmed, including all seats, door cards, quarter panels, dashboard, under panels, carpets and headlining, to the original build specifications of Burgundy VM 3171 hides with tailored Burgundy Wilton cut pile carpets.

Since completion of the restoration this exceptional DB5 has been driven over 20,000 miles, on tours and to concours events, by its last highly satisfied owner, whilst being regularly maintained Marksdanes Ltd, Aston Engineering and the last owners trusted and local classic car specialists, for annual maintenance and MoT tests.

An icon of the Aston Martin brand, the DB5 model was produced for just 2 years with 898 examples completed before production ended. This DB5, stored in ideal garaging when not in use, shows very little evidence of use or wear since it’s restoration and is supplied fully serviced and prepared by our senior heritage technicians, inclusive of 12 months warranty.

Included with the car is a detailed history folder containing the original 1964 ‘Buff’ vehicle Log Book, the manufacturers build record and early service history, restoration invoices and detailed works descriptions, an engine test dyno sheet recording a maximum power of 340 bhp, MoT certificates from restoration onward, a 1986 Trade Sales invoice from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, vehicle owners handbook, tool roll, vehicle jack and Copper Mallet.

On show and available for inspection now, at our Hertfordshire showrooms.