1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible

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One of 123 DB5 Convertible m0dels constructed by Aston Martin, this example was delivered on April 24, 1964 through agent C. Williams to its first owner, J.A.L. Mould, Esq., of Warwickshire, UK, as recorded on its factory build sheet.

This DB5 Convertible is a desirable 5 speed ZF manual transmission equipped car, specified as new for its home market as a right hand drive modelFitted with an optional 3.77:1 final drive Power Lok rear axle, the DB5 Convertible would be registered on plate number ‘236 GDA’ and remained in the UK with this registration until 2013, when it would be sold to a US collection

As it left the Aston Martin Works in 1964, this particular DB5 made a striking sight in red over black Connolly trim, with a black top and cover, the same color combination it wears a half century later. Its build sheet notes that it was fitted with ‘non-standard equipment’ including two Marchal fog lamps, a Motorola radio with power-operated aerial, chrome wheels, twin Britax safety belts, and a full tonneau cover in black 5442 DH Everflex. Many of these features, including the desirable Motorola radio, are still present

Subsequent notes in the build sheet indicate service work on four occasions through March 1965. At just under 6,000 miles, in October 1964, Selectaride shock absorbers were fitted by the works, while the passenger seat received a headrest. An engine overhaul early in 1965 is also recorded, at which time the DB5 displayed a mere 8,407 miles on its odometer

Subequently, the red DB5 Convertible is known to have been owned by Mr. Michael Beresford-West. In his ownership, the car participated in the 1995 Louis Vuitton Concours d’Élegance at the Hurlingham Club, West London. ‘236 GDA’ was then acquired from him in 2008 by its next owner via Nicholas Mee & Co., the London-based specialist Aston Martin Heritage dealer. In this ownership, the DB5 formed part of a large collection of motorcars, with a principal leaning towards the Aston Martin marque. It shared a garage with a DB4GT as well as pre-war, Feltham, and Newport Pagnell DB and V8 models, with ongoing maintenance undertaken by the resident engineer

The body is generally very straight with good panel fit, while a re-spray undertaken in 1995 is holding up very well. The gently patinated interior is in good order and the under-hood area all present and tidy. Having formed part of an extensive collection, mileage has naturally been limited. At the time of writing, the odometer reading stood at just over 90,265 miles, which is believed to be original. An old UK MoT certificate from 1982 indicated mileage at that date of 59,506, supporting the gradual accumulation of mileage this DB5 has enjoyed over the decades

The DB5 Convertible represents one of the most rare and sought after models of the marque; with a production run of only 123 cars, it exists in a rarefied air of the finest pedigreed sporting drop-tops of the 1960s