Aston Martin celebrates 60 years of the legendary DB5

There are plenty of people who know and love the James Bond saga. Understandably, whatever Mr. Bond owns and drives, we common folk always yearn to have as well. This is where the Aston Martin DB5 comes in, and it starred in the 1964 James Bond film ‘Goldfinger’.

Even though the original DB5 only lasted between 1963 and 1965, its influence on luxury grand tourers and the world of sports cars has been profound. September 2023 marked 60 years of the Aston Martin DB5. Given its legendary status, the DB5 will always be remembered fondly by both automotive and movie enthusiasts for years to come.

Exterior

The Aston Martin DB5 boasts smooth curves that are characteristic of high-end cars from the 1960s, which even includes the original Jaguar E-Type. The beautiful lines that feature on this British grand tourer have captivated the world, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the DB5 has won several awards over the decades (including for its beautiful design).

The now-famous Aston Martin grille sits up front as a thing of pride, while the long-swept hood sports a slim but very visible vent. The oval-shaped headlamps might look a touch awkward, with the old-school steel bumpers (front & back), and a classy wrap-around style windshield. Around the sides, the DB5 features classic spoke-style wheels & door handles, large side vents decorated with a chrome strip, a smooth-flowing roofline, and an extended rear overhang.

The heavily sloped rear of the DB5 is peculiar enough to make it stand out, with the relatively flat rear deck that ends right above the rear bumper. The vertically stacked taillights are comprised of individual lamps, with twin-exhaust tailpipes. Long story short, the Aston Martin DB5 has gone down in the history books as one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

Interior

The interior of the Aston Martin DB5 sports a large three-spoke steering wheel made out of wood and metal, along with classy metallic switches, plus chrome surrounds on the dials & other switchgear. The large leather front seats feel comfortable and cozy, though the cabin can get noisy with a high level of vibrations as well.

If you are someone who loves classic interior designs in their cars, then you are sure to fall in love with the resplendent cabin styling of the Aston Martin DB5. While the build quality is not bad, it is not as luxurious as those seen in some other Aston Martin cars from the modern era. Also, even though the cabin ergonomics are not ideal, the sheer theater is what makes driving the DB5 feel special even today.

Engine and performance

The Aston Martin DB5 was initially fitted with a 4.0-liter inline-six engine that produced 282 hp and 390 Nm of torque and powered the rear wheels. Depending on the market, the transmission of the DB5 was either a 4-speed manual, a 5-speed manual, or a 3-speed automatic. The Aston Martin DB5 could hit a top speed of around 230 km/h, accelerating from 0-96 km/h in around 7–8 seconds.

Of course, the DB5 wasn’t designed to be thrashed around racetracks. It was built to be a grand cruiser, after all. This means that there is a noticeable roll if driven aggressively around corners, especially considering a live rear axle. However, a decent ride quality along with the squishy seats meant that the Aston Martin DB5 was quite livable on paved roads.

Conclusion

The Aston Martin DB5 continues to be one of the most recognizable cars ever made. Of course, considering that it was driven by James Bond himself, this is one car that requires little to no praise. In case you already own one, hold onto it and cherish it for as long as possible.