The Aston Martin DB5 was truly an aristocrat among sport cars in the 1960’s, it was as exclusive as a Savile Row Suit, on its introduction and arrival in Britain it was priced accordingly. The price tag on this car was enough to buy yourself a nice little place in Surrey, while Jaguars faster E-Type was just under half the price.

The DB5’s appearance in the Classic Bond Film – Goldfinger in 1964 put its name on every ones lips around the world. Over the years and even today Ian Fleming’s hero - James Bond has been quite a fan of the Aston Martin.

The DB5 was the fifth Aston build under the tight regime of David Brown, This wasn’t a new car but through the development of the sometimes troublesome touring styled 3.7 litre DB4 which had had been around in some shape or form since 1958. By fitting a bigger 4 litre version of the Twin Cam Shaft, Six Cylinder Engine with 240bhp and a 5 speed ZF gear box – Aston claimed more punch with longer legs – Its top speed was 140mph, nearer 150mph with the optimal tuned Vantage engine with meaty acceleration to match.

These days it seems impossible to believe that Aston Martin used to test their cars on the still new unrestricted M1 in the 1960’s.

The DB5 is a classic car that did not break any technical ground but definitely kept pace with developments. Disc brakes fitted all round were becoming normal on fast cars like the DB5, but Aston were still suspicious of newfangled independent rear suspension and felt that they could make their solid axle work just as well, and they were right. The DB5 was always happier on the fast main roads, in 1963 the DB5’s rich leather, electric windows and push button radio gave the car a vintage feel, this led to further developments making the DB5 a truly remarkable classic car.