Aston Martin DB5

Aston Martin DB5

  • Summary

    The Aston Martin DB5 is the most famous Aston Martin as seen in the James Bond films: Goldfinger and Thunderball. It was available as a DB5 standard and DB5 convertible. The Aston Martin DB5 was produced only from July 1963 to September 1965, but for many is remembered as the best Aston Martin ever. There is something about the Aston Martin DB5s strong curves and choice of colours which makes it unforgettable once you have seen one let alone experienced the pleasure of driving one. Only 886 Standard Aston Martin DB5 models were produced along with 123 Aston Martin DB5 Convertibles and 12 Shooting Brakes.

  • Aston Martin DB5 Features

    Although probably the most beautiful Aston Martin ever produced, the Aston Martin DB5 shares many similar features with the Aston Martin DB4. However, the Aston Martin DB5s most substantial change was its 6 cylinder engine capacity, enlarged 4 litres by increasing the bore to 96mm. The introduction of a full synchromesh ZF 5 speed gearbox was also a major development. Other chassis changes for the Aston Martin DB5 included the new Girling disc brakes, previously seen in the DB4GT, along with stunning DB5 15inch wheels. The Aston Martin DB5 Convertible was available with a steel hard top and a massive rear window.

    Aston Martin DB5 Specification

    • Engine - DOHC Straight 6.
    • Capacity - 3995 cc.
    • Power - 282 @ 5500 rpm; plus Vantage option: 314bhp @ 5750 rpm.
    • Transmission - 4-speed manual with optional overdrive, ZF 5-speed manual as standard from mid-1964, plus optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic.
    • Top Speed - 142 mph.
    • 0-60 mph - 7.1 sec.

    James Bond Aston Martin DB5

    The Silver Birch Aston Martin DB5 is the most famous Aston Martin car due to its use by James Bond in the 1964 film Goldfinger. Although Bond author Ian Fleming had placed Bond in a DBMK3 in his Goldfinger novel, the DB5 was Aston Martins latest car when the film was being produced. Much of the interest in the film was due to the specially equipped Aston Martin DB5 which gave the car a starring role alongside Sean Connery as Bond. As well as the gadget packed version in Goldfinger the Aston Martin DB5 also appeared in standard form in the film, Thunderball. The DB5 also made a comeback in the 1995 film GoldenEye, and has had cameo appearances in other Bond movies. Such is the interest in the car that in 2006 an Aston Martin DB5 car driven by James Bond in Goldfinger and Thunderball was sold in auction for more than 1m. The 1965 DB5 model included high-tech gadgets such as built-in Browning machine guns, tyre slashers and a retractable rear bullet-proof screen. The Aston Martin was one of only four cars originally constructed and used for Goldfinger and Thunderball, as well as on promotional tours. The same car was originally bought in 1970 for 5,000 from the owner, Sir Anthony Bamford, by a Tennessee museum owner. .

    James Bond DB5 Gadgets

    The Aston Martin DB5 featured a number of special gadgets for the film Goldfinger. These included three revolving number plates including the registrations 007JB and JB007, front firing Browning machine guns behind the front indicators. Also retractable blades in the tire spinners, bullet-proof windscreens, radio telephone, radar scanner and tracking screen, passenger ejector seat, oil slick spray from rear light cluster, caltrops from rear light cluster, smoke screen via exhaust pipes and gun cabinet under driver seat.