The DB4 was launched in 1958 but in its original version was not perfect, as a consequence of which the car evolved through several different ‘versions’, the fifth of which in 1963 was designated the DB5. The DB5 sported an enlarged 4.0 litre version of the original straight-six, twin cam engine that had been designed by Tadek Marek, combined with a five-speed ZF gearbox and triple SU carburettors. In its standard form the revised engine pushes out just over 280 bhp. The original strong steel chassis of the DB4 carried over, covered with Italian styling studio Touring’s lovely aluminium “superleggera” (‘super light’) body on top. The DB5 also sports the enclosed headlights that were first seen on the DB4 Vantage and stopping power is provided by all round disc brakes. A huge boost to the car’s fame and popularity was its appearance in the hands of the ultimate British gentleman and fictional spy James Bond in the movie Goldfinger. His car carried a series of extras not available to buyers of the car, such as hidden machine guns, bullet proof shielding, oil spray from the rear and sophisticated (for 1964) tracking equipment. DB5s and other Aston Martins have appeared in other Bond films and this probably contributed to it achieving sales of just over 1,000 units, though it is a great looking and iconic car in its own right. Many of the original cars survive, but they are still highly collectible and have increased considerably in value over the years, though are unlikely to achieve the auction price of around £2.5 million of one of the original Bond cars.
