Introduced in 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 epitomized the zenith of British automotive design. Sporting a timeless yet contemporary silhouette that cleverly concealed its robust stance, this handsomely attired grand tourer seamlessly blended spirited performance with the refined superleggera coachwork that came to define the era under David Brown’s leadership.
Initially capturing the admiration of affluent buyers, the DB5 skyrocketed to legendary status among the general public when James Bond’s iconic Silver Birch-clad machine graced the silver screen in the spy thriller, Goldfinger. The grand tourer from Newport Pagnell left an indelible mark on the minds of subsequent generations of both cinema enthusiasts and car connoisseurs.
While Agent 007 opted for the hardtop version, mass-produced from 1963 to 1965, the more exclusive variant remained the DB5 Convertible, a limited edition with only 123 units crafted. Among these, a mere 39 departed the United Kingdom, configured with left-hand drive for the international market.
As sophisticated as it was scarce, the convertible iteration of the DB5 shared its drivetrain, running gear, and impressive 225 km/h-plus performance with its sedan counterpart, maintaining the classic design language that defined the model.
Nestled beneath the hood was the closed car’s sublime 4-liter, 283-horsepower straight-six engine, seamlessly paired, as standard, with a five-speed ZF gearbox—an option exclusive to the saloon. This high-end specification was complemented by features such as an alternator, electric windows, and exhaust silencers.
Standard offerings included chrome wire wheels, an oil cooler, a fire extinguisher, full leather trim, reclining seats, twin fuel tanks, and wool pile carpets. Considering the DB5 Convertible’s retail price of £4,490, which exceeded the average cost of a house at the time, this level of luxury was entirely justified.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
