A One-of-a-Kind DB5 Convertible with Legendary Provenance

Among the 123 Aston Martin DB5 Convertibles ever built, only one was commissioned for the man who reshaped the brand: Sir David Brown, former Aston Martin Lagonda chairman. Now, this exact car is being offered for sale by renowned specialists Nicholas Mee & Co, priced at £1,150,000.

A Car Built for the Man Behind the Name

Delivered in January 1964, this Aston Martin DB5 Convertible was hand-built to Sir David’s personal specification:

• ZF five-speed manual gearbox
• Power Lock rear axle
• Chromed wire wheels
• Motorola radio
• Painted in striking Caribbean Pearl
• Upholstered in Dark Blue Connolly leather

This combination of bespoke features and distinguished ownership makes it one of the most historically significant Aston Martins in existence.

Restored to Perfection, Preserving Original Character

Documented History and Restoration

Following its time with Sir David, the DB5 was acquired in 1967 by John Wilkinson, a garage proprietor and former DB4 GT owner. Under his stewardship, it was serviced at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell facility, where:

• A replacement engine block was fitted in 1969
• A new manufacturer’s identity plate was issued

In 2014, the car underwent a concours-quality restoration:

• Full 4.0-litre engine rebuild
• Restoration of suspension, gearbox, brakes, and rear axle
• Bare-metal repaint in original Caribbean Pearl
• Full interior re-trim in Connolly hide
• New convertible hood installedToday, it drives as beautifully as it did under Sir David Brown’s ownership.

The Legacy of the DB5 and Sir David Brown

A Symbol of British Prestige

The Aston Martin DB5 debuted in 1963 and skyrocketed to fame thanks to James Bond’s iconic silver DB5 coupe in Goldfinger (1964). Although the film featured a coupe, the DB5 Convertible has since become one of the most desirable open-top classics ever produced.

Sir David Brown’s Vision

Sir David Brown purchased Aston Martin in 1947 for £20,500 after seeing a newspaper advert offering a “High Class Motor Business.” His acquisition revived the brand post-WWII and led to the development of the legendary DB series:

• DB1 to DB11 (modern era)
• DB5 became the international icon

Without his leadership, Aston Martin might never have reached its current prestige, and certainly wouldn’t bear the iconic “DB” moniker.

Collector Status and Global Rarity

Why This Car Stands Apart

This Aston Martin DB5 Convertible isn’t just rare it’s irreplaceable. As the only example ordered and owned by Sir David Brown, it carries unmatched historical weight. Add in the low production numbers (only 123 convertibles) and faithful restoration, and you have a car that sits at the very peak of automotive collectibility.

A Collector’s Dream

• Price: £1,150,000
• Offered by: Nicholas Mee & Co
• Availability: First time for sale in 28 years
• Concours history: Featured in multiple prestigious shows across Europe

Final Thoughts

The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible ordered by Sir David Brown is more than a car it’s a living piece of British automotive history. For collectors, it represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a vehicle that played a defining role in the legacy of one of the world’s most celebrated marques.

Have any questions about how to change engine oil or need assistance? Drop a comment below or contact us at Roaring Wheels. We’re here to help!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – A One-of-a-Kind DB5 Convertible with Legendary Provenance

1. What makes this 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible special?

This DB5 Convertible is unique because it was personally commissioned by Sir David Brown, the man who transformed Aston Martin into the prestigious brand it is today. It is the only DB5 Convertible ever built for Sir David and comes with a combination of bespoke features tailored to his personal specifications.

2. How many Aston Martin DB5 Convertibles were produced?

Only 123 Aston Martin DB5 Convertibles were ever built, making this car an extremely rare collector’s item.

3. What features were customized on this DB5 Convertible?

This particular DB5 Convertible was delivered in January 1964 with several custom features, including:

• ZF five-speed manual gearbox

• Power Lock rear axle

• Chromed wire wheels

• Motorola radio

• Striking Caribbean Pearl paint

• Dark Blue Connolly leather upholstery

4. Has the car undergone any restoration?

Yes, the car has been meticulously restored to concours-quality standards. Notable restoration work includes:

• A full 4.0-litre engine rebuild

• Restoration of the suspension, gearbox, brakes, and rear axle

• Bare-metal repaint in the original Caribbean Pearl color

• Full re-trim of the interior with Connolly leather

• Installation of a new convertible hood

5. Who owned the car after Sir David Brown?

After Sir David Brown’s ownership, the DB5 was acquired in 1967 by John Wilkinson, a garage proprietor and former DB4 GT owner. He maintained the car at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell facility, where key maintenance and restoration work were carried out.

6. Is this car a good investment?

Given its unique history, bespoke features, low production numbers, and faithful restoration, this car is one of the most highly coveted classics in the automotive world. It is being offered at £1,150,000, reflecting its rarity and significance as a piece of British automotive history.

7. Has this car been showcased at any events?

Yes, the DB5 Convertible has featured in multiple prestigious shows across Europe, highlighting its concours-quality restoration and historical importance.

8. Where is the car currently for sale?

This rare DB5 Convertible is being offered for sale by renowned specialists Nicholas Mee & Co.

9. When was the last time this car was for sale?

The car is being offered for sale for the first time in 28 years, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors.

10. What role did Sir David Brown play in Aston Martin’s history?

Sir David Brown purchased Aston Martin in 1947, reviving the brand after WWII. Under his leadership, the iconic “DB” series was created, and the DB5 became an international symbol of luxury and performance, particularly through its connection to James Bond.

11. Why is the DB5 Convertible associated with James Bond?

Although James Bond drove a silver DB5 coupe in the 1964 film Goldfinger, the DB5 Convertible has since become one of the most desirable open-top classic cars, largely due to the car’s legendary association with the Bond franchise.

12. What is the asking price for the car?

The price for this rare DB5 Convertible is £1,150,000.