This 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is a left-hand-drive example and was the fifth of approximately 900 coupes built during the model’s two-year production run. Chassis 1305/L was completed on October 10, 1963 and delivered through British Motor Car Distributors of San Francisco to its first owner, the manager of a fruit and produce company in Yakima, Washington. The car changed hands in the 1970s and was acquired in 1981 by a Bay Area owner who kept it for 38 years. Finished from the factory in Platinum (white) over blue leather, this Aston is powered by its numbers-matching 4.0-liter DOHC straight-six, which is mated to the original four-speed gearbox. The original 3.77:1 rear end has also been retained, and additional equipment includes triple SU carburetors, four-wheel disc brakes, chrome wire wheels, and Smiths instrumentation. A mechanical refresh was performed by Kevin Kay Restorations in 2011 and included rebuilding the cylinder head, gearbox, and carburetors. Acquired by the selling dealer three months ago, this DB5 is now offered in Houston with a copy of its build specification sheet, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, a driver’s instruction booklet, and a clean California title.
The DB5 was launched in September 1963 and inherited the Carrozzeria Touring-styled design of its predecessor, the Series V variant of the DB4. Superleggera construction was also carried over from the DB4, incorporating aluminum body panels over a steel framework. Styling elements include faired-in headlights, triple-stacked taillights, a low-profile hood scoop, and a seven-bar grille.
Chassis 1305/L left the factory finished in Platinum according to the build sheet and BMIHT certificate, and it received a lacquer repaint in 1994 in the original shade. The finish, trim, and lenses are shown close up in the photo gallery below, as are Triplex Sundym glass etchings and a vintage Stanford windshield decal. A composite image in the gallery shows two paint chips in addition to imperfections in the rear bumper and left headlight surround. A set of removed Lucas Range driving lights is included in the sale along with a pair of blue, seven-digit California license plates.
Chrome 15” wire wheels are secured by three-eared knock-offs and are listed as factory equipment on the build sheet, as are whitewall tires. Universal Sport tires were mounted in 2020 at each corner as well as on the trunk-mounted spare, and closeups of 2018 date codes are shown in the gallery below. The Girling brake system utilizes discs all around with assistance from twin servos.
Configured in left-hand drive from the factory, the cabin features seating for four trimmed in dark blue Connolly leather. The reclinable front seats were reupholstered in 1994 and feature period blue Rupert lap belts for each occupant, while black lap belts have been added for rear passengers. Blue wool pile carpeting is protected by a set of blue and white Coco mats. Power windows were standard on the DB5 model, and a concealed Bluetooth radio was added by a previous owner.
A wood-rimmed steering wheel frames Smiths instrumentation, including a 160-mph speedometer and 6k-rpm tachometer. Additional gauges monitor oil pressure, oil temperature, amperage, fuel level, and coolant temperature, while a clock is situated in the center dash. The five-digit odometer shows just under 1k miles, around 60 of which have been added by the selling dealer.
The DB5’s all-aluminum 4.0L inline-six was an evolution of the Tadek Marek-designed 3.7L engine used in the DB4. Features include three SU HD8 carburetors, an oil cooler, a Lucas alternator, and twin fuel tanks. The twin-cam cylinder head was rebuilt in 2011 with new valves, guides, and springs, and a new upper timing chain was installed. The carburetors and water pump were also rebuilt in 2011, while the starter was rebuilt in 2017. Work performed since the selling dealer’s acquisition included a tune-up as well as detailing and steam cleaning. The results of a compression test performed by the seller are pictured in the gallery below.
The David Brown four-speed manual transmission with overdrive was rebuilt with new synchros in 2011, and the clutch was also re-lined and a new pressure plate was installed. The clutch slave and master cylinders were rebuilt at that time as well.
The independent front suspension incorporates double wishbones with coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar. The solid rear axle also utilizes coil springs along with a Watts linkage, trailing links, and lever-arm shock absorbers. A new stainless steel exhaust system was installed in 2011, with repairs carried out in 2017.
Factory stampings in the photo above include engine number 400/1258, transmission number S432/4/1353, and rear axle number H63/163, each of which match the numbers listed on the factory build sheet and BMIHT certificate.
The build sheet lists the original colors, equipment, and component numbers, as well as delivery on June 13, 1964 to Washington Fruit & Produce Company in Yakima, Washington. The BMIHT certificate is shown in the gallery, as is correspondence from Aston Martin Lagonda in 1983 noting that the car was among the first half-dozen DB5s built. Invoices from Kevin Kay Restorations dating back to 2011 are also included in the gallery. The video attached below features a walk-around and a ride-along.
