The DB5 may rightly be regarded as the perfected Aston Martin – the product of deliberate and steady improvement in performance, reliability, comfort and appearance to a level unequalled by many of its continental rivals. The Tadek Marek-designed alloy block dual overhead camshaft inline six-cylinder engine had been introduced in 1958 in the DB4, similar in concept and layout to the W.O. Bentley-designed Lagonda engine used in earlier David Brown Astons. After several years of development, it provided ample horsepower for high speed touring with abundant torque for quick acceleration and smooth driving in traffic.

Part of the RM Auctions event in Monterey in August, 2009; London in October, 2010; London in October, 2011; London in June, 2011; London in October, 2011; Monoco in May, 2012; London in October, 2012; Arizona in January, 2013.

282 bhp, 4.2-litre dual overhead camshaft inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 98"

Sources: Aston Martin; RM Auctions
Photo Credit: Copyright Aaron Summerfield, Bruno Adolf, Mike Kippen and Simon Clay