The Aston Martin DB5 turns 60

This September marks one of the most significant milestones for the Gaydon-based marque, as it celebrates no less than the 60th anniversary of the legendary Aston Martin DB5. A model that has become a symbol and one of the most desired and recognisable cars in the world.

Presented as the successor to the DB4, the DB5 made its worldwide debut at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show, featuring significant updates in design, engineering and equipment. Its most notable advance was a newly developed engine that delivered more power.

Just over 1,000 units built

Although only 887 units of the DB5 saloon, 123 convertibles and 12 shooting brakes were built at the factory in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, the DB5 has left a deep impression on the public thanks to its iconic design, which endures to this day, cementing Aston Martin as one of the most coveted luxury brands in Britain.

To mark the occasion, the British marque gave its DB5 a starring role at the Goodwood Revival festival in Sussex, where, alongside the recently unveiled DB12, it showcased the great heritage and the exciting future of Aston Martin, separated by 60 years.

Lawrence Stroll, CEO of Aston Martin and proud owner of a DB5, said at the event: “The David Brown era gave us great Aston Martin sports cars, but none is as recognised, revered and desired as the DB5, which laid the foundations of our identity as a British luxury brand, synonymous with style, performance and exclusivity.”

Turning to its cinematic role, the DB5’s appearances in several instalments of the James Bond film series will inevitably spring to mind, earning it a very special place in Hollywood’s car hall of fame.

The car of the moment

As might be expected, the DB5’s great fame led it to become the vehicle of choice for major stars of the day, such as Sir Paul McCartney and George Harrison, Mick Jagger, Jay Kay and Ralph Lauren.

With its newly developed 4.0-litre, six-cylinder engine producing 282 CV as standard, the DB5 was capable of a top speed of 240 km/h, which led Aston Martin to claim at the time that “The DB5 is the fastest 4-seater GT in the world.”