Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Once-in-a-lifetime collection comes to market

Aston Martin DB5 Vantage

Aston Martin DB5. With just over 1,000 examples of the iconic Aston Martin DB5 built, to see one – let alone have the chance to buy one – is a moment to be cherished. But even among Aston Martin DB5s, connoisseurs look for those rarer still: the performance-enhanced Vantage versions, with less than 70 ever built.

Aston Martin DB5 collection 2Now, Aston Martin specialist Nicholas Mee & Co, is offering for sale a once-in-a-lifetime trio of these DB5 Vantage icons, uniquely in Coupé, Convertible and one-of-one Shooting Brake variations.

The Aston Martin DB5 itself is perhaps the most iconic British car of all time, best known as car of choice for James Bond himself, appearing first in the ‘60s but also making a reappearance in the very latest from the 007 franchise – its appeal is enduring.

Aston Martin DB5 Vantage engine

Developed from the DB4 Series V, the DB5 came fitted with a number of styling and driveability upgrades. The engine was enlarged from 3.7 litres to 4 litres, with power in standard models increased to 282hp, but Vantage-specification cars like those in this trio gained an extra 40hp. Even by today’s standards the 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds that the DB5 Vantage is capable of is mightily fast.

Aston Martin DB5 collection 3 Shooting brake

Although each example in this collection is rare, none can quite match the DB5 Shooting Brake Vantage; the only such example to have been produced.

Aston Martin DB5 collection 5 Shooting brake

Reputedly first built to accommodate former Aston Martin Chairman David Brown’s gundog and polo equipment, this more practical estate version DB5 proved so popular that 11 customers requested the new design.

This unique example was commissioned by dealers Cyril Williams of Wolverhampton and is the only Vantage example to have left the factory. With a hand-built aluminium body built by London based coachbuilders Harold Radford & Sons, this shooting brake was delivered to its first owner in 1966 and is finished in California Sage over Red hides.  

Aston Martin DB5 collection 8 Convertible Vantage

Alongside the Shooting Brake sits a DB5 Vantage Convertible, an icon of the swinging sixties which has found favour with Ralph Lauren, Peter Sellers and Elle Macpherson. In total, only 123 were built and only five such examples were completed to Vantage specification, including the car offered here. Finished in the period colour combination of Caribbean Pearl Blue with White Gold hide interior and matching hood, it’s a perfect reflection of the best of the Swinging Sixties.

Aston Martin DB5 collection 7 Coupe Vantage

Lastly and perhaps the most iconic, is the DB5 Vantage Coupe. Seen regularly on the Silver Screen whilst being driven to great effect, by action hero James Bond, it has become a verified cultural icon. The DB5 Coupe has for over 50 years been synonymous with the 007 character on screen and a universal symbol of the Aston Martin brand. The Silver Birch coloured dream car in the collection has a Black hide interior, the same colour combination as Bond’s beloved car.

Collected over a 12-year period, never before have these three most coveted examples been offered as a collection. Every one of them has been fully restored to the very highest standards by leading Aston Martin restoration specialists, allowing them to be enjoyed in as-new condition.

Aston Martin DB5 collection 6 Coupe Vantage

Each car has a detailed history file populated with original build details, BMIHT certificates, maintenance records, ownership documentation and restoration particulars, detailing the stories of each individual car from their build dates, to today.

Being offered by renowned dealers Nicholas Mee & Co, the trio of DB5 Vantages will be offered collectively, with a price tag of £4,000,000. The collection of three, will be shown for the first time in public, at the annual London Concours event being held in the hallowed grounds, of the Honourable Artillery Company’s HQ in the City of London, over three days starting on Tuesday 8th June 2021.

Aston Martin DB5 collection 4 Shooting brake

Founder of Nicholas Mee & Co, Nicholas Mee, said: “In the 40 or more years I have been dealing in Aston Martin cars, I have never been more excited than to offer this fabulous collection of Iconic DB5 Vantages. Each one of them extremely rare, they are all in a beautifully restored condition and we are delighted to bring to market, this once in a lifetime opportunity for a collector to invest in this unique DB5 Vantage collection”.

“The DB5 is the most Iconic Aston Martin model ever produced during Aston Martin’s 108-year history, of building cars. This collection of DB5 Vantage’s, covering every body style manufactured, I feel sure, will forever be recognised as the ultimate Vantage collection”

Aston Martin DB5 collection 1

About Aston Martin DB5

  • In production July 1963 – September 1965
  • Total production of DB5, all models including convertibles: 1021
  • Production of DB5 Vantage model.

               Model          Numbers Built

  •  Coupes               60
  • Convertibles         5
  • Shooting Brake     1
About Rob Fraser 2479 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.