Aston Martin DB5 Shooting Brake

Highlights of this particular Motorcar:

1 of 12 made

Fantastic original condition and always maintained by the best specialists

Only covered just over 40k miles in 60 years and ready for a new custodian

Not seen in the public domain for many years and a sure-fire entry to any of the world's major classic car events.

Exact Description of this Specific Motorcar

First registered on the 4th of February 1964, this Aston Martin DB5 is one of only twelve made.

Much of the early history of this car is in the process of being researched although there is a photo of the car in the paddock at Silverstone on file from what appears to be the late 60's and early 70's.

The car is beleived to have stayed in the UK throughout it's life and at least 30 years ago belonged to a Dr Power in West Sussex. The Doctor had the car serviced at RS Williams during his ownership and in 2001 it appeared to now belong to N.Power (his son?) who had the RSW maintenance bills transferred to his City address.

In 2008, now under new ownership, there are bills on file for Tony Buckingham - an Aston Martin collector extraordinaire who had the car maintained untill it's sale on the 20th of April 2023 to it's last owner - another major car collector. At this time some detailing and mechanical work was undertaken to ensure the car drives as good as it looks.

This historic car is  ready for a long overdue re-entry into the public domain at major events and/or as the crown of any major car collection.

General description of Make and/or Model of this Motorcar:

'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 took a giant step forward with the launch of the DB4 in 1958. Classically proportioned, the Touring-designed body established an instantly recognisable look that would stand the marque in good stead until 1970. The engine was still an all-alloy, twin-overhead-camshaft, six but the old W O Bentley supervised 3.0-litre unit had been superseded by a new design by Tadek Marek. The 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.

Touring's Superleggera body construction, which employed a lightweight tubular structure to support the aluminium-alloy body panels, was deemed incompatible with the DB2/4-type multi-tubular spaceframe, so engineer Harold Beach drew up an immensely strong platform type chassis.

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.

The DB5's distinctive cowled headlamps had first appeared on the DB4 GT and the newcomer was the same size as the lengthened, Series V DB4. 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.

Whilst David Brown had sought to create the ultimate GT car in the DB5, he was the same individual who found the car didn’t quite fit his needs. A keen sportsman, Brown was frequently out-of-office competing in polo matches and shooting. His exploits would often see him accompanied by his two dogs and as the story goes, he entered a board meeting and challenged the company to build him a car that would in fact suit his needs.

Intended as a one-off, his Shooting Brake immediately garnered demand from Aston Martin’s well heeled clientele. With the factory busy working on the DB5 coupe, Brown sought assistance from Harold Radford’s new coachbuilding company.

Described by Radford as ‘The world’s fastest dual-purpose vehicle’, the converted cars were capable of 160 mph with more than 40 cu ft of cargo space. The works carried out were extensive and added £2,000 to the already lofty £4,400 list price. About twice the price of a house in the UK. As such just 12 examples were completed, with 8 in right hand drive. This is one of these examples.