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What's the difference between a DB5 and a DB6? Mainly, James Bond drove a DB5. Ok, there are a few tangible comparisons, like the single front bumper. But if there had never been a 007, I think that this car would have still made it to the top of my list. The long successful developmental history of Aston, it's aristocracy, the fine leather, wood grain and that thin, delicate stick - all powered by a 3995cc straight-six torque monster! There were three models: the DB5, DB5 Vantage and DB5 Volante, all yours today for between £28-65,000 pounds Sterling. Worth it? Lets take a look...
The DB5 weighed 3,450 lbs, did 0-60 in 8.6 with a top speed of 135. Some complained that the 5 speed transmission had gearing so close, it was easy to select the wrong gear. So a little sobriety was in order. I use the past tense on these figures because if you owned one today, you wouldn't be out maxing the specs. It came with air conditioning, chrome wire wheels, cowled headlamps, tinted glass, leather interior and electric windows. About what you'd expect for a car which was built for the well-heeled, over 50 crowd. It was comfortable, fast and expensive. Built with an enduring quality at a time when many great European cars including Ferrari, all had a similar curvy, elegant style. Grand, as in Grand Touring. That's what GT meant. The combination of sports car handling and luxury appointments.
If you had taken your $13,000 at the time and invested it with Templeton Funds, it would be worth $1,200,000 today, but you wouldn't have had as much fun along the way! Worth it? You bet your brightwork! |
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Originally sold in 1964 for $US13,000, the DB5 enjoyed a power increase over the DB4 from 263-282 bhp and three SU carbs instead of two. But it was slower (the DB4 did 0-60 in 7.5) being 566lbs heavier.
If you're North American like me, you need to catch on to the British automobile patois - They refer to a convertable as a "drop-top", chrome is "brightwork", new paint is a "re-spray", "coach-work" refers to the body condition and "hides" are of course, the seats.
