The whole story and history behind the Aston Martin DB5 Convertible
The Aston Martin DB5 Convertible is one of the most glamorous and rare post-war British grand tourers. Most people know the DB5 coupe as “the James Bond car,” but the convertible has its own fascinating story and history.Let’s dive in.
Origins: The DB Line
The DB5 was part of Aston Martin’s legendary “DB” series, named after David Brown, who purchased Aston Martin in 1947 and revived the brand.
- Predecessor: Aston Martin DB4 (1958–1963), designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan with the “Superleggera” lightweight body construction method.
- Successor: Aston Martin DB6 (1965–1971).
The DB5 (1963–1965) was introduced as a refined evolution of the DB4, with more power, luxury, and modern amenities.
Technical Highlights
- Engine: 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder (designed by Tadek Marek), producing 282 hp in standard tune, up to 325 hp in Vantage spec.
- Transmission: Initially a 4-speed manual with overdrive; later a 5-speed ZF gearbox was standard.
- Performance: 0–60 mph in ~8 seconds, top speed around 145 mph — world-class for a luxury GT in 1963.
- Chassis: Steel platform chassis with all-independent suspension.
- Brakes: Disc brakes on all four wheels.
This made the DB5 not only beautiful, but also a true high-performance grand tourer.
The Convertible
While the coupe became famous as James Bond’s car in Goldfinger (1964), the convertible (sometimes referred to as "Volante") was even rarer and more exclusive.
- Production years: 1963–1965
- Production numbers:123 convertibles built (out of about 1,059 DB5s total).
- Of these, 19 were built with the high-performance Vantage engine.
- Body style: Two-door, four-seat luxury convertible.
- Design:Hand built by Aston Martin at Newport Pagnell, with coachwork by Touring Superleggera (like the coupe).
Because of its rarity, the convertible was significantly more expensive than the coupe, and only the wealthiest clientele could afford it.
Notable Owners
The DB5 Convertible attracted aristocrats, celebrities, and high society figures of the 1960s. Famous owners included:
- Peter Sellers (actor & comedian) – owned a DB5 convertible, later gifted to his wife Britt Ekland.
- Prince Charles (later King Charles III) – received a DB6 Volante as a 21st birthday present from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
Although less well-known than the Bond coupe, the convertible carried just as much prestige and exclusivity.
Bond Connection (Indirect)
The DB5 coupe gained immortal fame as James Bond’s gadget-filled car in Goldfinger (1964) and Thunderball (1965).
- Aston Martin never provided a DB5 Convertible for the films, but the association with Bond boosted the entire DB5 line, including the drop-top versions.
- Today, collectors prize the convertible even more, since only 123 exist versus hundreds of coupes.
Rarity & Value
- With just 123 built, the DB5 Convertible is one of the rarest Aston Martins of the David Brown era.
- DB5 Convertible: 123 built
- DB5 Shooting Brake: 12 built (Coachbuilt by Harold Radford)
- Current values: At top auctions like RM Sotheby’s or Bonhams, a DB5 Convertible can fetch $2–3 million USD, with Vantage-spec versions going even higher.
Legacy
The Aston Martin DB5 Convertible represents:
- The height of 1960s British automotive elegance, hand built for the elite.
- A bridge between the pre-war Coachbuilt tradition and modern luxury GTs.
- A rarer and arguably more desirable version of the world’s most famous Aston Martin.
Today, the DB5 Convertible is considered one of the most collectible Aston Martins ever produced, cherished by enthusiasts, investors, and royalty alike.
In short:
The Aston Martin DB5 Convertible (1963–1965) was an ultra-rare, hand built grand tourer produced in just 123 examples. Combining Italian-inspired design, British craftsmanship, and Tadek Marek’s powerful inline-six engine, it offered open-top luxury and performance at a time when Aston was cementing its global prestige. While the DB5 coupe stole the spotlight in James Bond films, the convertible remains even rarer, more exclusive, and today commands multi-million-dollar values at auction.
