1964 Aston Martin DB5

If you’re a fan of iconic vehicles, especially those featured in classic James Bond films, look no further than the 1964 Aston Martin DB5! As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Alex Horowitz, Berkley One’s Vice President, National Relationships, tells us why he loves the Aston Martin DB5.

Prefer to read a text version of the above graphic? We’ve got you covered below!

The Car

The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is the epitome of classic luxury and performance. It’s a vehicle that appears to be in motion while sitting perfectly still. If you are a fan of iconic vehicles whose physical attributes embody a changing of the times, while holding true to their period, this is the vehicle for you. It boasts a 4.0 L (3,995 cc) inline-six cylinder engine fed by three SU carburetors. It’s also powerful with 282 bhp (286 PS; 210 kW) at 5,500 rpm, boasting a top speed of 145 mph. A true masterpiece of design, it’s sleek elegant lines and beautifully crafted grille make it instantly recognizable as a game changing design for 1960’s car manufacturing as well as ushering in an era of “Bond Cars”.

The Collector

The ‘64 Aston Martin is not just a car. It is a piece of automotive history. A blend of exquisite design, powerful performance and luxury make it a standout even by today’s standards and tech-focused age. There is also pop culture to consider, particularly one name: Bond…. James Bond… aka 007. The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is perhaps best known for its association with the James Bond Franchise, particular in the film “Goldfinger.” The association has cemented the DB5’s status as an automotive icon, beloved by car enthusiasts and movie fans alike.

Its timeless design and expectational engineering have made it a sought-after collector’s item, with well-preserved models fetching high prices at auction.

Parts and chassis in poor condition are often seen as desirable for those looking for a passion project. There was a total of four Goldfinger DB5s. Two of these were used in filming and two were used only for promotional purposes. The first filming car, DP/2161/1, was added to with gadgets. Before it appeared in Goldfinger, it was used in episode 2.17, “The Noble Sportsman,” of The Saint. On 18 June 18, 1997, it was stolen in Florida from its owner. In August 2021, the Telegraph reported that Art Recovery International had found the car in the Middle East.

The Love

As a huge fan of the Bond Franchise, it’s hard not to love this vehicle, as it set the tone for all future vehicles used in the films and potentially set the rulebook on how to incorporate branding in major motion pictures. And while I am sure there are others that predate the Bond movies, I doubt there has been a bigger impact on society and their buying behaviors that what James Bond wears, drives, and drinks.

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Contributed by Alex Horowitz

Photo: Photo by Robert Dennis

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign to in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here:

Spotlight #1, Spotlight #2, Spotlight #3, Spotlight #4, Spotlight #5, Spotlight #6, Spotlight #7, Spotlight #8, Spotlight #9

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.