Lot #1403 - By the late 1950s, Aston Martin had established itself as a small, highly exclusive car manufacturer, annually producing less than 250 hand-built cars. Aston’s exclusive client base included some of the most discerning connoisseurs of grand touring motor cars, many of whom were attracted to the marque by its successes in sports car racing. With a price roughly twice that of the Jaguar E-Type, the exclusivity of the Aston Martin was akin to that of Bentley and hardly within reach of the average motorist. For 1963 Aston Martin introduced the now legendary DB5 model at the Earl’s Court Motor Show in London. While the design was quite similar to the DB4, the displacement of the 6-cylinder engine increased to 4 liters. The new car also boasted some refinements such as twin fuel fillers, electric windows and a more highly tuned exhaust system. This example is believed to be the 52nd DB5 produced and is one of the first cars to be fitted with the ZF 5-speed gearbox. Of course, Aston Martin’s fame, and that of the DB5 in particular, was due in no small part to the popularity of Ian Fleming’s Agent 007, James Bond. This example, finished in Silver Mink with a gray leather interior, originally found its home with a variety of English collectors until 2008, at which time it was imported to North America. Early ownership is documented back to 1963, when Plough Motors of Stroud sold the stunning DB5 to its first owner, E.P. Fearnley. This DB5, chassis #DB51348R, is fitted with its original 400/1307 engine and its original ZF 5-speed gearbox. In its past owner’s care, restoration work was completed, including a high-quality respray in its current color of Silver Mink. In 2016/17, the interior was completely redone, using authentic Connelly hides to match the original factory interior. At the same time, various other mechanical and cosmetic work was completed, totaling over $75,000. In 2019 this DB5 was shown at the Concours d’Elegance of America and was awarded a well-deserved Best in Class. In 2018 it received the Rolling Sculpture award at the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance. With only 886 total DB5s made and an estimated 320 still surviving, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy vintage touring, James Bond-style, or to be welcomed on the lawn of a concours event. **TITLE IN TRANSIT**