Aston Martin DB5
British grand tourer famed for its James Bond association.
The Aston Martin DB5 is a British grand tourer (GT) produced by Aston Martin and designed by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera.
- Designer
- Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera
- 0–60 mph acceleration
- 8 seconds
- Body style
- Two-door, 2+2 seating grand tourer
Lore & Background
The DB5 was an evolution of the DB4, with principal differences including an all-aluminium engine enlarged from 3.7 to 4.0 litres, a new ZF five-speed transmission, and three SU carburettors. Standard equipment included reclining seats, wool pile carpets, electric windows, twin fuel tanks, chrome wire wheels, and full leather trim. The DB5 had a live rear axle and was available with a three-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission. 65 DB5 Vantage coupés were built. A prototype DB5 shooting-brake was custom-built for David Brown, and 11 or 12 coupés were modified by Harold Radford.
Reader's Guide
Four Goldfinger DB5s were produced: two for filming and two for promotion. The car's association with Bond continued through multiple films, including Thunderball, GoldenEye, Casino Royale, Skyfall, and Spectre. The DB5 is considered the quintessential vehicle associated with the Bond character. Sales increased after it was described as 'the most famous car in the world'. The DB5's legacy is tied to its iconic film role and its status as a classic British grand tourer.
Design & Engineering Evolution
Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera shaped the magnesium-alloy body using their patented Superleggera technique, giving the car a featherweight yet rigid structure. A new ZF five-speed manual gearbox replaced the earlier David Brown unit, offering greater robustness, while a three-speed Borg-Warner DG automatic remained as an option. Standard luxuries included full leather trim, wool pile carpets, electric windows, twin fuel tanks, chrome wire wheels, and a fire extinguisher, all arranged in a 2+2 two-door layout.
The Bond Connection & Cultural Impact
Author Ian Fleming had originally written Bond into a DB Mark III, but Stears convinced the company to use the newer model instead. In total four DB5s were prepared for the production: two for actual filming and two for promotional duties.
Variants & Special Bodies
Beyond the standard coupé, the DB5 spawned several distinctive variants that expanded its appeal. A rare factory option was a steel removable hard top. The most unusual variant was the shooting brake: a prototype was custom-built for David Brown himself, an avid hunter and dog owner, and another 11 or 12 coupés were converted by independent coachbuilder Harold Radford, again using Triumph tail lights that would later carry over to the DB6.
Auction Records & Restoration
The DB5 has become one of the most coveted collector cars in the world, with auction results reflecting its rarity and cultural significance. The car, finished in silver birch with a higher-output engine, was one of only 39 built.
Common Misconceptions (Editorial)
Some people may assume the DB5 was an entirely new model, but it was actually an evolution of the DB4, with key upgrades including a larger 4.0-litre aluminium engine and a new ZF five-speed transmission. Another common error is thinking the DB5 was only available as a coupé—while most were, a prototype shooting-brake was custom-built for David Brown, and a small number of coupés were modified into shooting-brakes by Harold Radford.
Why It Matters (Editorial)
The Aston Martin DB5 endures as a cultural icon not just for its engineering, but for its indelible association with James Bond, which cemented it as the ultimate symbol of British sophistication and espionage. Its blend of handcrafted luxury—from wool pile carpets to electric windows—and genuine performance capabilities ensured it remained a benchmark for grand tourers long after production ended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who shaped the Aston Martin DB5's bodywork?
Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera was responsible for the exterior design, applying their trademark lightweight tubular-frame technique. The outcome is a long, flowing two-door silhouette that many enthusiasts still consider one of the most elegant GT profiles ever made.
How does the DB5 relate to the earlier DB4?
Rather than being a ground-up redesign, the DB5 was a direct evolution of the last DB4 series, inheriting its core mechanical layout while receiving updated trim, minor mechanical revisions, and the Touring-designed body. It effectively closed out a generation of Aston Martin grand tourers.
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