Aston Martin DB5 gets ‘dream’ restoration after 50 years

2 Dec

It could be one of the biggest car appreciations ever seen in the UK.

Yes, that is an actual Aston Martin DB5, a certified British classic and most notable, of course, for its many appearances in the James Bond franchise.

This particular example has been given the mother of all restorations over 50 years on from its original purchase to see its value soar. With the work done, the DB5, bought for £900 in 1973, is now valued at up to £1 million.

The realisation of a dream

Who is the lucky owner, I hear you ask? That would be Welshman John Williams, a welder and garage owner, who bought the DB5 at the age of 19 following a year of saving. Williams put in the overtime and with £900 in cash (around £15,000 in 2025), he then made the long train journey from North Wales to London to purchase the car.

The Vantage-engined DB5 was driven by Williams as his daily for four years, before a new job in the Middle East left it sitting on the driveway from 1977 onwards. Despite not being used and receiving many offers to buy it, Williams resisted selling on the advice of his wife, Sue, who said he’d “never get another one.”

Williams said: “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.”

How was the DB5 restored?

Mr and Mrs Williams' 1965 DB5 Vantage pre-restoration in 2022 (02).jpg

Mr and Mrs Williams' 1965 DB5 Vantage pre-restoration in 2022 (05).jpg

Mr and Mrs Williams' 1965 DB5 Vantage pre-restoration in 2022 (07).jpg

Mr and Mrs Williams' 1965 DB5 Vantage pre-restoration in 2022 (13).jpg

The restoration began in 2022 at Aston Martin Works in Buckinghamshire, which is considered the heritage home of the marque and has seen 13,000 of the most iconic Astons pass through its doors.

The right-hand drive, Vantage-engined 1965 DB5 was one of only 887 built in the saloon bodystyle between 1963 - 1965 and even rarer, as one of only 39 in the iconic Silver Birch colour.

Williams was able to see the first part of its restoration in 2023, after it had been through the Works’ Panel Shop, where the chassis and Superleggera frame were restored.

Over 2,500 hours were spent on the car in total, with workers in Aston Martin’s Panel, Paint, Trim and Heritage Workshops, as well as vital elements from the Parts Department bringing the DB5 back to its former glory.

The fully restored Aston Martin DB5 - in pictures

Mr and Mrs Williams' 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage, post-restoration at Aston Martin Works (02).jpg

Mr and Mrs Williams' 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage, post-restoration at Aston Martin Works (03).jpg

Mr and Mrs Williams' 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage, post-restoration at Aston Martin Works (04).jpg

Mr and Mrs Williams' 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage, post-restoration at Aston Martin Works (05).jpg

The 1965 DB5 Vantage restored at Aston Martin Works.jpg

“Back to her former glory”

Williams was able to see his fully restored DB5 just a few days ago and remarked: “Well, it's been a long time coming, a long time saving, but it's been worth every penny. It's just amazing.

“It's probably almost 50 years since I have driven this car, but the experience is phenomenal. It's just... unbelievable. My girl’s back and up and running! Back to her former glory.”

What Williams chooses to do with the DB5 now is anyone’s guess, but a valuation of up to £1 million would surely tempt even the biggest James Bond fan into selling. Watch this space, I suppose.