RM Sotheby’s will host an impressive auction of collector cars on June 12. Among the exquisite lineup of British, German, French, and Italian vehicles is a rare 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible. This particular DB5 is believed to be the second-to-last model built in a production run that saw only 123 examples crafted between 1963 and 1965.
The Aston Martin DB5, which made its debut as a coupe in 1958, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the DB series, named after the company’s then-owner David Brown. Succeeding the DB4, the DB5 combined Italian design elegance with British engineering excellence, a combination that has made it one of the most coveted collector cars. The DB5 was eventually succeeded by the DB6 in 1966, which continued production until the modern DBS took over in 1971.
The design of the DB5, like its predecessor the DB4, was the brainchild of Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. Utilizing Touring’s patented Superleggera construction method, the DB5 featured lightweight aluminum panels over a steel-tube skeleton, welded to a platform chassis. This design ethos, paired with its aesthetic appeal, has secured the DB5’s place as a classic icon, famously driven by James Bond in the film Goldfinger.
The 1965 DB5 Convertible up for auction, chassis No. DB5C/2122/R, is one of just 85 right-hand-drive versions produced. Originally specified with Goodwood Green paint, the factory changed it to Platinum at the request of its first owner, who also opted for a ZF five-speed manual transmission instead of the standard Borg Warner automatic. The vehicle’s red Everflex soft-top and matching red Connolly leather interior add to its distinctive charm.
This car has had only four owners since new. The first owner, Frederick Weldon of Sherwood, Nottinghamshire, kept the vehicle until 1983. It then passed to the co-founder of the German Aston Martin Owners’ Club, who maintained it for much of its life. In 2016, the DB5 underwent over €80,000 worth of restoration in German workshops, ensuring it remains in excellent condition. Despite an engine replacement at some point, the car retains its original interior, which boasts a beautiful patina.
The DB5 Convertible comes with a rich history, including the original logbook, a copy of the factory build sheet, period correspondence, and restoration invoices. It also includes the Aston Martin DB5 Instruction Book and a tool roll. With 84,701 kilometers (52,631 miles) on the odometer, this exceptional drop-top is expected to reach a high-end estimate of $1.3 million at auction.
This rare, meticulously restored 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible represents an extraordinary opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike, promising a blend of historical significance and timeless elegance.
Shawn Henry