| ASTON MARTIN DB5 VANTAGE |
| Chassis no. DB5/2027/L Engine no. 400/2078/V 1 of 65 Vantage DB5 cars built Rare Factory Air Conditioning Superb Restoration Numerous Concours Awards Steel Wings rebuilt engine Exhilirating Perfromance ASTON MARTIN launched the legendary DB5 model in 1963, with a larger, 4.0 litre engine and triple SU carburetors as standard equipment, resulting in a nearly 20% increase in horsepower, now rated at 282bhp. Not merely an evolution of the seminal DB4, it boasted many refinements such as twin fuel fillers, electric windows and a more highly tuned exhaust system. And after the first 50 cars, the ZF 5-speed gearbox became standard, providing the much needed longer legs for motorway driving. Visually too, the DB5 was upgraded to feature the sloping, cowled headlamps first offered only on the DB4GT and adopting the longer dimensions of the final, Series Five iteration of the DB4. The fundamental specification of its esteemed predecessor remained: Double overhead cam aluminum engine, 4-wheel disc brakes, rack & pinion steering, all covered with an aluminum-alloy skin, stretched around small-gauge steel tubing in the "Superleggera" style patented by Italian coachbuilders Touring Of Milan, who also created its elegant and curvaceous shape. What better car then for James Bond and the stunning, unforgettable debut of the DB5 in GOLDFINGER (1964). Tricked out with all its weapons and gadgets, the car came to epitomize the sophistication, coupled with raw performance, of the storied secret agent himself. No wonder it is the object of such fetish and fantasy, not to mention the subject of a dedicated monograph entitled THE MOST FAMOUS CAR IN THE WORLD. A high-performance DB5 variant was later introduced, designated as the Vantage. This specification featured a high compression head, altered cam timing and 3 dual-throat, sidedraft Weber carburetors, effectively creating a mixing chamber for each cylinder, now producing 314bhp. Known as the 'GT engine' when developed for the first prototype Vantage, it stepped confidently into the shoes of its spiritual predecessor, the venerated DB4GT, the previous Aston model to feature massive Weber carburetion. As one of sixty-five Vantage DB5s built, 2027/L is rarer yet in Left Hand Drive with Factory Air Conditioning (known as the Normalair option), and therefore is perhaps one of only ten or so with this desirable specification. Classically elegant in Goodwood Green with 'pale pumpkin' Tan Connolly hides and Black Wilton carpets, this superb example was subject to a ground-up specialist restoration in the mid-90s. The previous owner, a well-known vintage racer and Ferrari collector bought the car in a tattered state, but reputedly fresh from its original owner in 1988 in California, and drove it without incident to his midwestern home. During the course of the next ten years he spared no expense (ultimately over $150,000) to bring the DB5 to its current concours award-winning state. The engine was later 're-rebuilt' by noted Aston experts Steel Wings of Ivyland, PA in the quest for excellence. Suspension tuning was also undertaken at that time to impressive result. And finally, the installation of Carello headlamps completes the picture. Concours competition honors include the Lion Award at Meadowbrook, as well as Best of Show at many regional events. 2027/L is a rare and striking example of one of the automotive icons of our age. Presented in immaculate condition, with approximately 3000 miles since restoration, it is ready to drive or show with pride at any classic car event. A comprehensive photo documentation of the restoration is available with the car, as are the attendant bills and invoices. An original owners manual, jack, and tool roll are also included. HERITAGE CERTIFICATE PRICE: $270,000 ***SOLD*** CONTACT: DON ROSE email +1.617.513.0388 CLASSIC CARS HOME |
