The
Aston Martin DB5 was a phenomenally expensive sports car when
it was introduced in 1963 - costing considerably more than a
nice house. In 1964 when the DB5 was featured in the Bond movie
'Goldfinger' the Aston Martin name was catapulted into the limelight
around the world, and the 007 association has been strong ever
since.
The DB5 was the fifth Aston Martin model to be built while the
company was owned by David Brown - hence the DB element to the
car's name. David Brown was an English entrepreneur and founder
of a successful tractor company.
The DB5 was a development of the 3.7 litre DB4. However the
DB5 featured a 240 horsepower, 4.0 litre engine coupled to a
5 speed ZF transmission when it was first introduced. The DB5
was capable of reaching a 140 mph top speed, although the more
powerful DB5 Vantage version could nearly hit 150 mph.
In total 1,018 Aston Martin DB5's were manufactured from 1963
- 1965. They came in coupe, convertible and estate versions
- although only 12 estates were built, and these were reserved
for special clients and friends of David Brown.
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