This Incredible Classic Aston Martin Revival Would Even Make James Bond Jealous

As a classic enthusiast with a penchant for projects, I’m tempted by old and unusable cars far more than most people would consider normal or healthy. Thankfully, a needy first-generation Ford Mustang keeps me from expanding my garage.

I’ll be the first to admit: sometimes, the car is less a labor of love than it is a relationship riddled with tests. Even still, I don’t ever see myself giving up on it. There’s something incredibly fulfilling in preserving its history and keeping it on the road.

Such dedication is what I find so amazing about this Bond-worthy Aston Martin. Once in dire need of restoration, the car now drives and looks as good as it did the day it left the factory.

Aston Martin

What’s more, in addition to an incredible revival, it’s a story that would even make 007 envious (all the more so after the shootout in Skyfall).

From dream to disrepair

The car before you is a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage, and it’s one of just 39 examples painted from the factory in highly desirable ‘Silver Birch.’ In other words, it’s a true unicorn.

Aston Martin

Of course, when owner John Williams acquired the car in September 1973, it was hardly the priceless icon that it is today.

A welder and garage owner by trade, the Welshman decided on the DB as his dream car at the ripe age of 18. After working overtime whenever possible and aggressively saving, he purchased the Aston for just £900 (around £15,000 in today’s money) one year later.

Aston Martin

Beyond boasting special paint, Williams’s 1965 DB5 also happened to be one of a mere 65 coupes fitted with Vantage upgrades. Accordingly, in addition to a higher-output 325-horsepower inline-six, it came with triple Weber carburetors, wire wheels and some Sundym electrically operated windows.

After traveling from Wales to London to purchase the car, John Williams then returned home to use it as his daily driver. The DB5 provided regular transport for years, though a job eventually took the welder to the Middle East, leaving the car mothballed in the driveway.

Aston Martin

Despite multiple offers, Williams never wavered on his affinity for the Aston Martin — even after the neighboring children had appropriated the car for a jungle gym, bouncing on the hood and breaking off the exhaust.

Still, as the car spent more and more years off the road, time eventually took its toll on the condition, inside and out.

A triumphant return

Of course, John Williams only continued to miss driving the DB5, and he increasingly found himself wanting to get the classic back on the road.

Aston Martin

However, it wasn’t until 2022 — almost 50 years after purchase — that he finally had a chance to take action. For this reason, Williams turned to the very best, tapping Aston Martin’s heritage Works division based in Newport Pagnell.

In the process of bringing the DB5 back to its former glory, Aston Martin’s Panel, Paint and Trim workshops dedicated more than 2,500 hours to the restoration. From the chassis and the Superleggera frame to the hand-formed aluminum body panels and leather upholstery, the team went over the car with a fine-tooth comb to ensure that everything was up to snuff.

Aston Martin

Three years later, James Williams and his wife Sue can now enjoy the 1965 DB5 properly.

As the Welshman states, “Being a garage man, I was a bit ashamed that I’d let her get into that state. I worked hard to buy her, and we’ve worked hard to get her repaired.”

Aston Martin

Even with all the time off the road, it’s a dedication that has paid off. Nowadays, you’ll be lucky to find a DB5 for less than seven figures, and this particular Vantage certainly looks like a million bucks thanks to Aston Martin.

As Williams regards, “Well, it’s been a long time coming, a long time saving, but it’s been worth every penny. It’s just amazing.”

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