Half a century later, a DB5 returns to its former glory

Aston Martin has announced that it has completed the full restoration of a DB5 bought in the 1970s. Its bare metal restoration journey began in 2022 at the Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, the brand's heritage home, and has now realised the dream of its long-time owner, John Williams.

Universally acknowledged to be the most desired specification of all DB5s, the Williams car is a right-hand drive 1965 DB5 saloon with the sought-after Vantage engine. It was originally specified in what remains, today, the most desirable exterior colour: Silver Birch.

John Williams' DB5 from the 1970s has been restored to its glory days after around three years and more than 2,500 hours

Of the 1,022 DB5 models built by Aston Martin between 1963 and 1965, 887 were built in the saloon bodystyle and, of those, only 39 originally boasted the Silver Birch paintwork, higher output Vantage engine, and right-hand drive configuration of the Williams car, making this a particularly rare and desirable example.

Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works, stated that although the car was in poor condition when it arrived, he was confident that his team would be able to return the iconic model to its former glory.

And after over 2,500 hours of dedicated work, Williams' DB5 is up and purring again.