December 20, 2017
Posted By : Barrett-Jackson
Written By : independent automotive journalist Jonathan Sierakowski

ALLURING ASTON: A 1966 DB5 emerges from long-term ownership

ALLURING ASTON: A 1966 DB5 emerges from long-term ownership

December 20, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Jonathan Sierakowski

1966 Aston Martin DB5

A dream car for many, this pristine 1966 Aston Martin DB5 (Lot #1389) will be in the spotlight at the 2018 Scottsdale Auction.

1966 Aston Martin DB5_Front_3-4A quick look at the Aston Martin DB5 reveals why it is the quintessential model of the 1960s. The exceptionally handsome coachwork design was by the Italian firm Carrozzeria Touring. Stylish and charismatic, its lightweight magnesium-alloy body built to the superleggera patent technique also enhanced performance. The interior cabin was smartly appointed with modern amenities like full Connolly leather trim, reclining seats, Wilton wool pile carpets and electric windows. The DB5 incorporated many of the mechanical updates that had been first introduced into production of the DB4GT, namely the Girling disc brakes with hydraulic servos and 15-inch wheels, with additional technical improvements that included an oil cooler and twin fuel tanks, which were only incorporated on air-conditioned examples like the one offered here.

1966 Aston Martin DB5_engineOne of the most significant improvements found on the DB5 was under the bonnet. The all-aluminum twin-cam engine was bored to four liters, which was then mated to a fully synchromesh ZF 5-speed gearbox. Its performance remains impressive to this day, with the twin-cam six producing 282 brake horsepower at 5500 rpm, and boasting a top speed of 142 miles per hour in British grand touring elegance. Performance wasn’t the only allure. It was expensive, costing £4,175 in saloon form. By comparison, a Morris Minor 1000 was roughly an eighth of the price! As such, production was limited, with only 923 of the DB5 coupes like this one produced.

1966 Aston Martin DB5_detail2It is no wonder that this model was chosen to star alongside Sean Connery in the 1964 James Bond film “Goldfinger.” Legions of freshly-minted car enthusiasts now lusted for this tangible aspect of the Bond persona, and the model would be permanently vaulted to fame. The DB5 has retained such a magnetism since its “Goldfinger” debut that it has appeared in six additional Bond films, the most recent being a cameo in “Spectre” with Daniel Craig in 2015. Over 50 years on and several enthusiast generations later, the DB5 has remained the quintessential grand tourer for a British spy, and thus the essence of cool and ultimately the most famous Aston Martin in the world.

1966 Aston Martin DB5_wheelAccording to its original Build Sheet, a copy of which is on file, chassis DB5/2268/L (Lot #1389)was delivered on December 7, 1965, to Mr. Edwin V. Perdue of Louisberg, Kansas. For the astute collector focused on criteria of authenticity and purity, the following information is very important. As indicated by its build sheet and confirmed by the “L” in the chassis number, this example was originally delivered as a left-hand-drive example.

Not only does it retain its original matching-numbers engine #400/2305, it also remains equipped from the factory with highly desirable air conditioning and authentic Borrani wire wheels, an upgrade from the standard-equipment wires. Its late chassis number identifies it as the sixth to the last example produced, visually identifiable by its separate parking and signal lights, a feature which is only seen on the last 10 or so cars.

1966 Aston Martin DB5_sideBy 1970, the Aston was in the ownership of James S. Hillhouse of Denver, Colorado. The current owner, one of those individuals who counts himself among those legions of enthusiasts who always admired the DB5, has had the remarkable privilege of 30 years of continuous ownership. After purchasing DB5/2268/L from Eric Jeffries of Dallas in 1988, he joined the Aston Martin Owner’s Club and proceeded to drive it across the country – multiple times.

Over the course of nearly three decades, this DB5 has been shown at many AMOC, classic car and Concours d’Elegance events coast to coast. First shown in 1989 at the AMOC Monterey Festival, other concours appearances include Cincinnati’s Ault Park, Dallas, Memphis, Lime Rock and Santa Fe. Other notable events include the AMS Dixie Challenge in Atlanta, Georgia, Chicago Historic Races, Pittsburg Grand Prix and the 1997 Great Northwest Tour, which ended in Monterey. One driving tour linked events around the country and resulted in a month on the road!

1966 Aston Martin DB5_detail2Regardless of cost, over the last 30 years the car has been maintained, serviced, and received both mechanical and cosmetic restoration work by well-known Aston specialists. Within the last several years, the owner commissioned Kevin Kay to properly reupholster the gorgeous beige interior and trunk using authentic Connolly leather and Wilton wool carpeting. Well-known mechanic Chris Campbell from Vintage Connection in Oklahoma City, who has maintained this car throughout the years, was entrusted to rebuild the original motor and suspension, as well as install a stainless-steel exhaust system.

1966 Aston Martin DB5_trunkIn 2017, the owner opted to treat his Aston to a cosmetic restoration at the hands of Autosport Designs, who exacted a bare-metal color change, returning it back to its correct original shade of California Sage, a correct sample of which was painstakingly sourced from England. At this time the bumpers were replated and all stainless steel was professionally polished. The refurbishment included a new grille, new windshield and door glass, new rubber gaskets and new glass headlight covers. Receipts for all of the work performed in the last year, copies of which are included in the sale, total over $125,000.

The interior is equipped with three-point seatbelts, radio, clock, and heater, and the owner proudly states that all function flawlessly. In addition to outstanding presentation, this Aston is accompanied by a tool roll, original DB5 instruction book, original jack and all receipts from the seller’s continuous ownership spanning across four decades. A dream car for many, it would understandably be difficult for the new owner to sit behind the wheel and not hear spymaster Q chiding, “Now, 007, do try to return this equipment in pristine condition.”

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE.

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