Aston Martin DB5 Shooting Brake (1964)

'Racing has played a major part in the development of all Aston Martin engines since Frank Halford designed the original 1.5-litre unit for Bamford & Martin. The 3,995cc 6-cylinder light alloy engine fitted to the DB5 is in all major respects the same as that which powered the 4-litre prototype which ran in the 1962 and 1963 Le Mans 24-Hour races.' – Autocar, 21st May 1965.

Aston Martin's post-war evolution took a giant step forward with the launch of the DB4 in 1958. Classically proportioned, the Touring-designed body established an instantly recognisable look that would stand the marque in good stead until 1970. The engine was still an all-alloy, twin-overhead-camshaft, six but the old W O Bentley supervised 3.0-litre unit had been superseded by a new design by Tadek Marek. The new 3,670cc engine featured 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 92mm, and developed its maximum power of 240bhp at 5,500rpm. The David Brown gearbox was a new four-speed all-synchromesh unit.

Touring's Superleggera body construction, which employed a lightweight tubular structure to support the aluminium-alloy body panels, was deemed incompatible with the DB2/4-type multi-tubular spaceframe, so engineer Harold Beach drew up an immensely strong platform type chassis.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

Introduced in July 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 boasted a 4.0-litre engine, this enlarged unit having been seen first in the Lagonda Rapide of 1961. Equipped with three SU carburettors, the '400' engine produced 282bhp at 5,500rpm and was mated to a four-speed/overdrive gearbox.

The DB5's distinctive cowled headlamps had first appeared on the DB4 GT and the newcomer was the same size as the lengthened, Series V DB4. Beneath the skin however, there were numerous improvements including alternator electrics, Girling disc brakes instead of Dunlops, Sundym glass, electric windows and an oil pressure gauge as standard equipment.

Whilst David Brown had sought to create the ultimate GT car in the DB5, he was the same individual who found the car didn’t quite fit his needs. A keen sportsman, Brown was frequently out-of-office competing in polo matches and shooting. His exploits would often see him accompanied by his two dogs and as the story goes, he entered a board meeting and challenged the company to build him a car that would in fact suit his needs.

Intended as a one-off, his Shooting Brake immediately garnered demand from Aston Martin’s well heeled clientele. With the factory busy working on the DB5 coupe, Brown sought assistance from Harold Radford’s new coachbuilding company.

Described by Radford as ‘The world’s fastest dual-purpose vehicle’, the converted cars were capable of 160 mph with more than 40 cu ft of cargo space. The works carried out were extensive and added £2,000 to the already lofty £4,400 list price. About twice the price of a house in the UK. As such just 12 examples were completed, with 8 in right hand drive. This is one of these examples.