55 years after the last new Aston Martin DB5 rolled off the production line, work is once again under way on a limited number of new DB5 models. While that in itself would be something to celebrate, these new continuation DB5s, of which just 25 are to be built, have added spice – created in association with the producers of the James Bond films, EON Productions, they feature a broad suite of gadgets first seen on screen in the 1964 film Goldfinger.

Those gadgets are a lot of fun and include:

Exterior:

• Rear smoke screen delivery system
• Rear simulated oil slick delivery system
• Revolving number plates front and rear (triple plates)
• Simulated twin front machine guns
• Bullet resistant rear shield
• Battering rams front and rear
• Simulated tyre slasher
• Removable passenger seat roof panel (optional equipment)

Interior:

• Simulated radar screen tracker map
• Telephone in driver’s door
• Gear knob actuator button
• Armrest and centre console-mounted switchgear
• Under-seat hidden weapons/storage tray
• Remote control for gadget activation

Aston Martin says all the new cars are meticulously detailed authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen on screen, with some sympathetic modifications and enhancements to ensure the highest levels of build quality and reliability. All the DB5 Goldfinger continuation cars are being built to one exterior colour specification – Silver Birch paint – just like the original.

The cars feature original DB5 styled aluminium exterior body panels wrapped around an authentic DB5 mild steel chassis structure. Under the bonnet there’s a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine with a six-plug head, three SU carburettors and oil cooler, that’s capable of generating in the order of 290bhp (216kW). This is mated to a five-speed ZF manual transmission in the rear-wheel drive DB5, which also features a mechanical limited slip differential.

Servo-assisted hydraulic Girling-type steel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering – which does not feature assistance – and a suspension set-up comprising coil over spring and damper units with anti-roll bar at the front, and a live axle rear suspension with radius arms and Watt’s linkage, complete the package.

The latest in Aston Martin’s Continuation car program – which began in 2017 with the DB4 GT Continuation – the new DB5 models represent among the most valuable new cars yet brought to market by the British luxury brand. Each DB5 Goldfinger continuation car is priced at £2.75million ($AU5.1million), plus taxes.

First deliveries of the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation to customers are scheduled for the second half of 2020.

Source: Motor Trader E-magazine (July 2020)

14 July 2020