• The most famous of all 'James Bond' Aston Martins
• Originally retained by Aston Martin's Sales Department
• ZF five-speed gearbox
• Resident in Germany from 1976 onwards
• Dismantled for restoration
• Potentially most rewarding project

Introduced in July 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 was a logical progression from the preceding DB4, the most significant upgrade being its 4.0-litre engine, this enlarged unit having been seen first in the Lagonda Rapide of 1961. Equipped with three SU carburettors, the '400' engine produced 282bhp at 5,500rpm and was mated to a four-speed/overdrive gearbox, a 'proper' ZF five-speed unit being standardised later.

The DB5's distinctive cowled headlamps had first appeared on the DB4GT and the newcomer was the same size as the lengthened, 'Series V' DB4. Outwardly there was little to distinguish the DB5 from the last of the DB4s apart from twin fuel filler caps, though these had already appeared on some cars. Beneath the skin, however, there were numerous improvements including alternator electrics; Girling disc brakes instead of Dunlops; Sundym glass; electric windows; and an oil pressure gauge as standard equipment.

From September 1964 the 314bhp, triple-Weber Vantage engine became available and was fitted to a total of 95 cars. The DB5 was also offered in convertible form (the 'Volante' name would not be applied to the soft-top Aston until the DB6's arrival), while independent coachbuilder Harold Radford offered a shooting brake conversion. 1,021 DB5s were manufactured between July 1963 and September 1965, a total that included 123 convertibles and 12 shooting brakes.

The DB5 was the first and remains the most famous of all the 'James Bond' Aston Martins, having appeared in no fewer than five movies of the series beginning with Goldfinger in 1964 (although that car was in fact a Series V DB4). Equipped with rocket launchers and sundry other gadgets, 007's DB5 was finished in Silver Birch with red interior, in which specification it was later issued by Corgi Toys.

This DB5 was retained by Aston Martin's Sales Department before being sold to its first private owner, a Mr Clarke of the Forth Quarry Co Ltd of Stirling, Scotland. Only one other owner is recorded on the copy guarantee form: a Mr Wilson, also of Stirling. The car's original registration was 'GHX 6B'.

In 1976 the DB5 was brought from the UK to Germany by a Mr Michael Ebinger on behalf of Mr Jürgen Füßl. Mr Füßl did not drive the car very often in Germany, and when he did it was only with a red (temporary) licence plate. It was never registered in Germany. He had the car repainted, but was so disappointed with the result that he decided to have it completely restored. After researching, he commissioned a company in Erding, which unfortunately filed for insolvency during the restoration and was unable to complete the work. Mr Füßl's dream was turning into a nightmare, costing him a lot of money, so he decided to store the DB5 as it was.

This is how the vendor found the Aston decades later. Since Mr Füßl had passed away in the meantime, his wife had decided to disperse his vehicle collection and the vendor was able to acquire this wonderful Aston Martin DB5 from her. The car is offered in a dismantled state for restoration. Most of the components seem to be present; nevertheless, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to the vehicle's completeness or otherwise prior to bidding. It should also be noted that the engine ('400/1304') is not original to this chassis. Sold strictly as viewed.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.