1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon
Registration no. BDF 725B
Chassis no. DB5/1674/R
Engine no. 400/1655

"Like all classic GT cars, it combines enormous speed with comfort and the more you put into your driving, the more the car returns for your entertainment. And the DB5 really is entertaining to anyone who can exploit its outstanding performance, handling and brakes. It will also carry four people (just) and a fair amount of luggage so the merits of family transport (if need be) have not been entirely sacrificed to speed and elegant looks." – Motor.

Introduced in July 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 represented a further evolution of the preceding DB4 series rather than the beginning of an entirely new model line. The major change was the adoption of a 4.0-litre version of the (previously) 3.7-litre six-cylinder 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, a 'proper' ZF five-speed unit being standardised later. Outwardly there was little to distinguish the DB5 from the final Series 5 DB4 apart from twin fuel filler caps, though these had already appeared on some cars. 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.

This DB5's accompanying copy guarantee form records that '1674/R' was supplied new via Plough Motors to Mr Frank J Huck of Gloucestershire. The original finish is recorded as Sierra Blue with fawn interior trim, while chrome road wheels are the only items of non-standard equipment listed. The car's first registration was 'BDF 725B', which it retains.

The vendor's late father, a well known and respected Kent area AMOC member, purchased this matching-numbers DB5 in 1973 and is the last owner listed on the original old-style logbook (on file). In regular use, the car is very original internally in terms of the carpets/headlining and trim/door-cards, while the body has benefited from the expert attention of Mr Alan Smith of New Romney, who has attended to the outriggers and jacking points. Re-painted Red circa 25 years ago its now described as fair/good and the chrome is fair. An electric cooling fan, stainless steel exhaust and electronic ignition are the only notified deviations from factory specification. This DB5 is a good runner and will probably be driven from Canterbury to Goodwood for the sale.