A copy of the factory build sheet records delivery of DB5/1758/R to its first owner, a Mr Longhurst of Walton on Thames by his local Aston Martin dealer, HWM. That document also records service work conducted up to 1969 and also the transfer to its second owner, RC Davey of Camberley.

This wonderful DB5 was then purchased by Aston Service in Dorset from its second owner. Established by the redoubtable Captain Ivan Forshaw, Aston Service has become synonymous with the essence of enthusiasm and knowledge about Lagonda and Feltham Astons. The garage remains a family concern and so did this DB5. On the sad demise of Captain Forshaw, the car went into the estate and was purchased from the estate by one of the family.

That family history of ownership means that this car has been maintained by one of the best Aston specialists in the business but that maintenance has been overlaid by a genuine love for the product that shows through in the depth of presentation quality in the car.

It has the original push button radio – and it works.

And it has some other elements of pedigree – when Aston Martin Works Service set up their paint shop at Newport Pagnell, in the early ‘90’s, they asked Aston Service if they had a car that could be used to demonstrate to their customers, the quality of the new facility. Aston Service chose this DB5 – so complimenting the depth of patina and quality of the Oxblood Red Leather interior is one of the finest paint finishes, in Caribbean Pearl, that you will see on an Aston Martin.

Prior to being offered for sale, the car was serviced fully at Aston Service Dorset, radiator re-cored, some minor areas of underseal stripped back and touched up, (photos of these areas are available showing that the metal underneath was original red oxide and sound). New Perspex headlamp covers were fitted as the originals were cracked vertical from the 6 o’clock position where the screw hole is.

The association of the Aston Martin marque with James Bond started with the DB5 and the model has retained pre-eminence in the market place ever since. There is a continued high demand for the model and exceptional examples rarely find their way to the open market.

Not the product of the restorer’s art, this is an exceptional and original example of the model. Some cars have encyclopaedic service or restoration documentation – this car has neither – it has the mark of the stewardship of one of the most respected family owned Aston Martin dealerships in the UK. It is beautiful, but its beauty is far more than skin deep - it starts on the button and drives superbly – it is truly outstanding and probably the best we have seen