An Aston Martin DB5 that was bought for £900 has been restored by the factory to a £1 million perfect example of the model.
Bought by garage owner John Williams for £900 when he was just 19-years old in 1973, it was the car he’d promised himself since he first knew of the model.
Mr Williams used the 1965 DB5 as his everyday car for more than four years, enjoying its Vantage specification and Sundym glass.
However, the car was then laid up, with Mr Williams explaining: ‘Then… ‘life’ happened. I’d had offers to buy her, and times when I could have done with the money, but I resisted and, as my wife Sue said “you’ll never get another one.”
‘The neighbours’ kids used to come round to play, and they’d play on her. Bouncing on the bonnet. One balanced on the exhaust pipe and snapped it off!
‘As time went on it became a goal of mine to get her restored; to be able to drive her again. 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.’
When the time came to have the car restored, the Williams decided the only place to have the car restored was Aston Martin Works.
In late 2022, a 2500-hour restoration began that cost £400,000 to return the DB5 to better than new condition.
Only 1022 DB5s were built and the Williams’ is a desirable Vantage model in Birch Silver and right-hand drive, one of only 39 cars finished in this combination from new.
Mr Williams said: ‘It looks like an Aston Martin now. I’m thrilled. It’s great to see all the old ways of building a car have been passed on, and younger people here are keeping up the tradition. It’s been a long time coming, a long time saving, but it’s been worth every penny. It’s just amazing.’
Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works, said: ‘This really is a lovely story. We’re delighted that Mr and Mrs Williams brought the car back to the place where it was built for us to restore.
‘Although the car was in a profoundly run-down condition when it arrived, we always relish a challenge and I knew we have the skills, dedication and expertise to return the car to a better-than-new condition.
‘It is inspiring to see the dedication, commitment and pride of owners such as the Williams family. I know it has been understandably emotional to see the car that they have owned for more than half a century restored so meticulously, and I know that every member of the team here hopes they can enjoy many years of happy motoring in their as-new DB5.’
