Some have called the Aston Martin DB5 “the most famous car in the world”. Thanks to its appearance in the James Bond films, it’s certainly one of the most recognisable vehicles on the planet.
Now, exactly 60 years on from its original launch – at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1963 – this beautiful car is still a strong symbol of British culture, design and innovation. And it still turns just as many heads as it did in its Swinging Sixties heyday.
To celebrate its diamond anniversary, Aston Martin placed the DB5 centre stage at the British heritage motor festival, Goodwood Revival, in early September – alongside the latest addition to the marque’s revered DB bloodline, the world’s first super tourer, the DB12. Aston Martin invited a group of esteemed guests on a 1960s-themed weekend that culminated in driving Aston Martin heritage models, including a DB5, to the festival.
Visitors to Goodwood Revival are always encouraged to dress in period clothing and Aston Martin’s guests readily joined in, choosing 1960s outfits that perfectly matched the svelte styling of the car itself – a product of Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera.
It’s remarkable just how few DB5s were manufactured. In all, there were only 887 saloons, 123 convertibles and 12 bespoke coach-built shooting brakes. It’s this limited number which adds to the model’s universal cachet.
All the DB models are of course named after the former owner of the company, David Brown. Reflecting on the enduring appeal of the car, the company’s current executive chairman, Lawrence Stroll – himself a DB5 owner – said: “The David Brown era gave us so many great Aston Martin sports cars but none more recognisable, revered, and desired as the DB5, which laid the foundations of our identity as a British luxury brand synonymous with style, performance and exclusivity.”
