• Matching numbers (chassis and engine)
• Original left-hand drive example
• Delivered new to the USA
• Present ownership since 2007
• Dry stored since acquisition
• Requires recommissioning

"Racing has played a major part in the development of all Aston Martin engines since Frank Halford designed the original 1.5-litre unit for Bamford & Martin. The 3,995cc 6-cylinder light alloy engine fitted to the DB5 is in all major respects the same as that which powered the 4-litre prototype which ran in the 1962 and 1963 Le Mans 24-Hour races." – Autocar, 21st May 1965.

Aston Martin's post-war evolution had taken a giant step forward in 1958 with the launch of the DB4. Classically proportioned, the Touring-designed body established an instantly recognisable look that would stand the marque in good stead until 1970 and is still being referenced in today's Aston Martins. At its launch in October 1958, the DB4 marked a major turning point for Aston Martin as it was the first car of the David Brown era which neither used a chassis derived from the experimental Atom of 1939 nor an engine co-designed by W O Bentley. Moreover, it was the first Aston Martin to carry Carrozzeria Touring's 'Superleggera' bodywork, in which light alloy panels were fixed to a supporting framework of light-gauge steel tubes.

Although styled by Touring, the DB4's gorgeous fastback coachwork was built under license at Newport Pagnell by Aston Martin, which employed some of the finest panel beaters in the industry. The result was a car whose sleek lines were described as "unmistakably Italian and yet... equally unmistakably Aston Martin". When the DB4 was introduced, it was Britain's most powerful and fastest production car, and its aerodynamically styled, all-aluminium, Superleggera coachwork looked sensational, establishing a look that would endure for the next dozen years.

Touring's Superleggera body construction had been deemed incompatible with the DB2/4-type multi-tubular spaceframe, so engineer Harold Beach drew up an immensely strong platform type chassis for the DB4. The DB2/4's trailing-link independent front suspension gave way to unequal-length wishbones while at the rear the DB4 sported a live axle located by a Watts linkage instead of its predecessor's Panhard rod.

The Aston Martin DB4 was also the first of the DB models to employ the entirely new engine designed by Tadek Marek, which had first been seen at Le Mans the previous year in the DBR2. A Polish engineer who had joined the company in 1954, Marek had previously enjoyed a racing career and posts with General Motors and FIAT in Poland. He had designed tanks during WW2 and had arrived at Newport Pagnell from Austin. An all-alloy, twin-overhead-camshaft six like its predecessor, Marek's new 3,670cc engine featured 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 92mm and developed its maximum power of 240bhp at 5,500rpm. The David Brown gearbox was a new four-speed all-synchromesh unit.

Five (unofficially designated) series were built as the model gradually metamorphosed into the DB5. Introduced in July 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 boasted a 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 eight movies of the series so far, beginning with Goldfinger in 1964 and most recently featuring in the latest, No Time to Die (2021). 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.

Built for the North American market, left-hand drive chassis number '1796/L' was retailed by Aston Martin Lagonda Inc and despatched to its first owner, a certain Mr Kupperman of New York City, via R & J Dick Company Inc. The DB5 left the factory finished in black with matching leather interior, and was equipped from new with Selectaride dampers; Normalair air conditioning; chrome road wheels; whitewall tyres; Bosch Koln TR radio; heated rear screen; and two detachable headrests. Importantly, the engine number recorded on the built sheet (copy on file) was 400/1842, the same as now, confirming this DB5 as a matching numbers example.

A further owner on the build sheet is noted as a Charles Klein, still in 1965. After that nothing is known about the Aston's early history in the USA prior to the issue of a State of Illinois Certificate of Title to Kevin and Susan Thompson of Lemont, IL on 13th June 1996 (photocopy on file). The current vendor purchased the DB5 from German motor dealer Michael Olu Brinkert on 20th September 2007. Since acquisition '1796/L' has been kept in dry storage as part of the vendor's extensive private collection in the Middle East; recommissioning will be required before the car returns to the road. A wonderful opportunity to own what for many enthusiasts is the ultimate Aston Martin.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within Belgium the reduced rate of Import VAT at 6% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered countries rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.

Please note that this vehicle is offered without any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.