Aston Martin DB5

To many observers the Aston Martin DB5 is the epitome of the company’s models from the David Brown era, boasting both beauty and refined high performance. It is also the best-known Aston Martin in the world, having starred in the 1960s James Bond films “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball,” complete with machine guns and other gadgetry. Indeed, this quintessential British GT is also probably the most instantly recognizable car in the world, a recent survey having estimated that an incredible three-quarter of the planet’s population have seen at least one James Bond film.

Following its launch in July 1963, the 282 bhp DB5 attracted much praise, not least for its performance. A maximum of 148mph in standard trim, allied to 0-60 and 0-100 mph in 7.1 and 16.9 seconds respectively, made the DB5 one of the fastest cars available and more than a match for the best from continental Europe. As such it was the perfect partner for the world’s most famous secret agent who,...