Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger (2022)

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engine was still an all-alloy, twin-overhead-camshaft, six but the old W O Bentley supervised 3.0-litre unit had been superseded by a new design by Tadek Marek.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. The DB2/4's trailing-link independent front suspension gave way to unequal-length wishbones while at the rear the DB4 sported a live axle located by a Watts linkage instead of its predecessor's Panhard rod.

Five series were built as the model gradually metamorphosed into the DB5. 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.

The DB5 was the first and remains the most famous of all the 'James Bond' Aston Martins, having appeared in no fewer than six movies of the series, beginning with Goldfinger in 1964. Fun fact, the original film car was in fact a modified DB4 Series V, DP/216/1, that had already seen international fame…in Dubonnet Rosso for an episode of The Saint released in January 1964.

To mark the release of the 25th Bond film, Aston Martin launched the Goldfinger continuation comprising of just 25 examples. Each resplendent in Silver Birch over black leather hide, the Goldfinger pays homage to the very first time the iconic DB5 took to the silver screens. Equipped with three SU carburettors, the '400' engine produced 282bhp at 5,500rpm and 280lb ft at 4,500rpm.

Each example replicates the hoard of gadgets that that were available at Sean Connery’s fingertips. Lift up the central armrest to toggle between a UK, French and Swiss registration mark. Hand-built by the team at Aston Martin Works and with each example taking 4,500 hours to create, the Goldfinger accurate recreates the:

- Smokescreen delivery
- Simulated oil slick
- Revolving triple-numberplate array
- Bullet resistant rear shield
- Extending front battering rams
- Extending rear battery rams
- Removable passenger seat roof panel

The interior accurately recreates the driving zone too:

- Bespoke centre console with hidden radar screen satellite navigation
- Telephone handset (with Bluetooth) in drivers door compartment
- Gearknob flip-up actuator button
- Flip-top armrest switchgear
- Induction- charging remote for wireless gadget activation

Part of a sold-out series, this Goldfinger has covered just 20 miles from new and presents with a clean bill of health from Aston Martin Works. This example is currently available to view by appointment at our showrooms outside London.