LONDON.- This beautiful 1964 Aston Martin DB5 like the one James Bond used in Goldfinger could be yours for an estimate of £400,000 to £500,000 when it comes to auction with H&H Classics on March 16th at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.

In single family ownership since 1985 and subject to a seven-year restoration from 1989 to 1996 this car has matching chassis and engine numbers plus s factory fitted S5/325 ZF 5-Speed manual gearbox.

It is one of a mere 898 DB5 fixed-heads ever made and within the first 200 to roll out of Newport Pagnell. Over £60,000 recently invested and ready to be enjoyed and admired.

Finished in Dubonnet Rosso complemented by its original Fawn leather interior it was originally supplied by Cyril Williams Aston Martin of Wolverhampton and registered on 5th February 1964 with its current number plate '393 EUK'.

It underwent a fresh engine overhaul to 4.2 Litre unleaded specification by well respected marque specialist and was recently fitted with a handling kit as part of the suspension and brake overhaul. It is offered with a large collection of invoices, V5c and copy of the original Green Logbook.

Arguably the greatest piece of product placement in cinematic history, the DB5’s starring role in Goldfinger did more for Aston Martin’s profile than winning the 1959 Le Mans 24-hours or securing that year’s World Sportscar Championship! Unfortunately, the marque’s products were too expensive for its newfound James Bond-kudos to translate into a significant sales jump. The DB5’s DNA grew out of the DB4, and though more evolution than revolution was still a significant step forward when it took to the stage in 1963. For a start it was faster than its predecessor. Courtesy of a new 3995cc 282bhp triple carburettor version of Tadek Marek’s masterpiece, it was now capable of almost 150mph and could reach 60mph in a whisker over seven seconds. Initially, there was the option of a five-speed ZF gearbox, but this soon became the standard fit. The car’s general specification had also improved and now included: an alternator in place of the dynamo, reclining seats, pile carpets, electric windows, tinted glass and four silencers for the exhaust. A total of just 898 DB5s are understood to have been produced at Newport Pagnell before the model was replaced by the altogether larger, Kamm-tailed DB6 in late 1965.

Originally finished in Sierra Blue with Fawn leather upholstery, chassis DB5/1432/R was supplied new to G. Wolsey & Co Ltd of Central Markets, Smithfields, London EC1. Equipped with a ZF five-speed manual gearbox, 3.77:1 rear axle ratio and chrome wire wheels, the Aston Martin was bought by P.T.D. Marcus Esq during November 1967 and registered to Howletts, Edenbridge, Kent; the same address at which the gambling impresario John Aspinall Esq established his private zoo. Sold to William Thomas Vivian Esq. of Bulphan in 1970, the four-seater has been an Essex resident ever since passing through the hands of Roger Howard Davenport Esq. and Andrew Wood Esq. (of the renowned Rolls-Royce specialist P&A Wood) amongst others before entering the current family ownership in 1985.

Extensively refurbished by the vendor’s late husband from 1989-1996, he tackled the brakes, suspension, engine ancillaries, fuel system, clutch, electric windows and headlining himself but entrusted the bodywork to the highly respected Fullbridge Restoration Company. The exterior panels were stripped back to bare metal and the underside treated to new sills (galvanised steel inners / aluminium outers) and jacking points etc. The engine bay was similarly renovated and the car repainted in Dubonnet Rosso (a colour it had worn since the 1970s). Dry stored for a period, more recent has seen the DB5 benefit from a full overhaul of its factory-fitted engine by marque specialist Rikki Cann (FIMI) Ltd at a cost of £37,571.40 (including enlargement to 4.2 litres) with the same firm also fitting a handling kit (uprated coil springs, anti-roll bar) and stainless steel exhaust system not to mention repairing the original Fawn leather upholstery, improving the brakes, re-coring the radiator, renewing various rear axle oil seals and rejuvenating the king pins etc to the tune of a further £25,628.57.

Due to have its chrome windscreen trim reinstated by Rikki Cann (FIMI) Ltd ahead of the sale, ‘393 EUK’ remains highly presentable. The Fullbridge Restoration Company repaint has held up predictably well, while the predominantly original interior has a lovely patina. Showing an unwarranted 40,800 miles to its odometer (so perhaps 140,000 miles from new?) and thanks to recent improvements able to go, stop and handle better than a standard car, this glorious DB5 is offered for sale with original logbook, copy factory build / service records, various restoration photos and numerous invoices / bills.