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Thanks to a certain fictional secret agent, the Aston Martin DB5 is arguably the most iconic British sports car ever made. One of the 1965 cars famously associated with Goldfinger and previously owned by John Taylor of Duran Duran, is heading to auction with Car & Classic in November. Launched in 1963, the DB5 was essentially an updated DB4 Series V. Changes were relatively few in number, yet significant all the same. Tadek Marek's DOHC straight-six was enlarged from 3.7 to 4.0 litres and was now made entirely from aluminium alloy. A new ZF five-speed gearbox was introduced to replace the fragile David Brown unit, while other DB5 improvements included standard electric windows, reclining seats, a full leather interior, and twin fuel tanks.This DB5 has benefited from a comprehensive restoration in the 1980s by marque specialists GTC Engineering and Shapecraft, followed by further significant work, including an engine rebuild to 4.2-litre specification, when acquired by the current owner in 2000. A further 'bare metal' respray, again in Silver Birch, was also performed at this time, along with reconditioning the rear axle, re-trimming of the carpets and a suspension rebuild.
