‘Like all classic GT cars, it combines enormous speed with comfort and the more you put into your driving, the more the car returns for your entertainment.

And the DB5 really is entertaining to anyone who can exploit its outstanding performance, handling and brakes.

It will also carry four people (just) and a fair amount of luggage so the merits of family transport (if need be) have not been entirely sacrificed to speed and elegant looks.’ – Motor.

Introduced in July 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 represented a further evolution of the preceding DB4 series rather than the beginning of an entirely new model line.

The major change was the adoption of a 4.0-litre version of the (previously) 3.7-litre six-cylinder engine, this enlarged unit having been seen first in the Lagonda Rapide of 1961.

Equipped with three SU carburettors the ‘400’ engine produced 282bhp at 5,500rpm and was mated to a four-speed/overdrive gearbox, a 'proper' ZF five-speed unit being standardised later.

Outwardly t...