DB5

Often billed as the “most famous car in the world”, James Bond’s gadget laden Silver Birch DB5 in Goldfinger became many a schoolboy’s dream. Regarded by many as the most beautiful Aston Martin produced, DB5 shares many similar traits to DB4. However, DB5’s most substantial change occurred under the bonnet.

JPG Medium-DB5 05

Enhancements

The engine capacity was enlarged to 4 litres by increasing the bore to 96mm. The car had three SU carburettors, as fitted to the outgoing DB4 Vantage, and also shared the latter’s fared in headlamps. Significant too was the introduction of a full synchromesh ZF 5 speed gearbox. 

Compared to DB4, chassis changes included the adoption of the Girling disc brakes that had only been used on DB4GT, along with 15” wheels. Many other improvements were incorporated including electric windows and twin hydraulic brake servos.

Convertible

A DB5 Vantage was offered with 3 Weber carburettors and different camshafts to offer a higher level of performance. A Convertible was also offered which was available with an optional steel hard top. A small number of DB5s were built as ‘shooting brakes’, a sportsman’s interpretation of a modern ‘estate’ car, by coachbuilder Harold Radford.

db5_interior_1

Specifications

Price New:

£ 4,175 (Saloon), £ 4,490 (Convertible)

Transmission:

5-speed ZF box or optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic

Brakes:

Girling Twin servo assisted brakes with front and rear solid discs

Weight:

1468kg

0 – 60 mph:

7.1 sec

Engine:

DOHC Straight six, 3995 cc, 282 bhp @ 5500 rpm 280 lbs-ft @ 4500 rpm

Suspension:

Front: Telescopic shock absorbers Rear: Double acting lever arm shock absorbers

Dimensions (LxWxH):

4570 x 1676 x 1320 mm (Saloon), 4480 x 1676 x 1322 mm (Convertible)

Top Speed:

142 mph

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