60 years of an icon: the Aston Martin DB5
September marks 60 years of the Aston Martin DB5, one of the world's most iconic and coveted cars.
The DB bloodline combines potent performance and timeless design and, 110 years since Aston Martin was formed, that bloodline is typified by the DB5.
In 1963, Aston Martin faced strong competition from luxury sports car makers at home and on the continent despite strong popularity for the DB4. Thus came the DB5, which made its official public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1963.
In total, 887 DB5 saloons, 123 convertibles and 12 bespoke coach-built shooting brakes were made originally.
The DB5 featured several design, technical and equipment changes over its predecessor – most notably a more powerful engine – and would soon become the ultimate in style and desirability. Those qualities were only amplified when 007 took the wheel in the James Bond movies: actors, pop stars and celebrities lined up to be among the exclusive ranks of Aston Martin ownership in the 1960s.
DB5 drivers include Sir Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, Elle McPherson, Ralph Lauren and Jay Kay. Celebrity appeal proved to catalyse the marque's success into a global luxury leader.
Aston Martin's Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll – himself a DB5 owner – said: "The David Brown era gave us so many great Aston Martin sports cars but none more recognisable, revered, and desired as the DB5, which laid the foundations of our identity as a British luxury brand synonymous with style, performance, and exclusivity.
"It is only right that, as it turns 60, we take a moment to look back and reflect on this car's incredible role in our storied 110-year heritage. We’re incredibly proud that the DB lineage continues today with the critically acclaimed DB12, which like those came before it, is a celebration of all we love about British hand built sportscars, with a new injection of the latest technology and highest levels of performance."
Aston Martin's 110th anniversary celebrations have included the launch of the elegant DB12 – unveiled by Fernando and Lance in Monaco – the open-roof DB12 Volante, and the brutish Valour.
Furthermore, the doors have now opened to Q New York – Aston Martin's first ultra-luxury flagship in New York City – while 110 Aston Martin enthusiasts took the wheel of their iconic machines in the run-up to the 2023 British Grand Prix.
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