Aston Martin DB5
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 5
Introduction
The DB5 was introduced to Britain in
1963 and, at the time, was considered to be an aristocrat amongst sportscars of its time. It was extremely pricey, with the
E-Type Jaguar being about half of its cost, but its use on the James Bond movie "Goldfinger" (1964) released the Aston Martin name to the entire world.
The DB 5 was David Brown's 5th model. It sprung as a development of the DB 4 that had existed in one form or another since the late 1950's. It was fitted with a bigger four-litre version of the twin-camshaft six cylinder engine, and with a five-speed ZF gear box it boasted more power and punch that its predecessor.
Top speed was 225 km/h with meaty acceleration and an optional Vantage tuned motor. Like its predecessors, the DB 5 did not break any new technical ground, but it did keep up with developments. Discs
brakes that were normally fitted to fast cars like the DB 5 were seen as suspicious from Aston who preferred to rely on its solid axle. This probably resulted in the DB 5 performing better on the open road, rather than bouncing around on country lanes.
Rich leather was abundant and extras such as electric windows (rare in
1963) and push button radio that glowed the words "Aston Martin" put this car above the rest. As well as the fastback model, Aston built the swish Volante convertible which some say were amongst the most beautiful cars ever built.
Selling just over 1,000 in the space of 2 years puts the DB 5 as the most successful of all the Astons. It is certainly the most memorable, being a slender and beautiful highlight of its era.
