Few grand touring cars enjoy the legendary reputation of the Aston Martin DB5, but among collectors, the convertible is widely regarded as the model’s most exclusive expression. Built for buyers seeking refined open-air motoring, the DB5 Convertible paired the coupe’s celebrated performance with greater luxury, increased rarity, and timeless elegance.
Power came from Aston Martin’s 4.0-liter dual-overhead-cam inline-six, which in standard specification produced approximately 283 horsepower through triple SU HD8 carburetors, allowing a top speed of more than 140 mph. Convertible models also featured an upgraded standard equipment list that included a ZF five-speed manual transmission, power windows, reclining seats, chrome wire wheels, and extensive Connolly leather upholstery.
Without the fixed roof, Carrozzeria Touring’s Superleggera bodywork appears even more graceful, highlighting the DB5’s flowing proportions, sculpted rear fenders, and restrained chrome detailing. With the top lowered, occupants experience the unmistakable soundtrack of the straight-six in its purest form, enhancing the car’s grand touring character. Only 123 DB5 Convertibles were produced during the model’s brief two-year production run, including just 39 left-hand-drive examples, making them significantly rarer than the nearly 1,000 DB5 saloons built.
Now offered on Bring a Trailer, this 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible, chassis 1278/L, is one of those coveted left-hand-drive examples. Completed in February 1964, it was delivered to J.S. Inskip in New York before appearing at the 1964 New York Auto Show.
Following its rediscovery in a Massachusetts barn, the car was acquired in 1976 by former Aston Martin chairman Peter Sprague, who upgraded it with a desirable Vantage-specification 4.0-liter inline-six featuring triple Weber 45 DCOE carburetors. The car remained within the Sprague family until 2020.
A comprehensive refurbishment by Team CJ Works in Austin, Texas, between 2022 and 2023 included a terracotta leather interior restoration, extensive engine servicing, a new clutch, and rebuilt steering, suspension, and braking systems.
The car retains its original black finish and is equipped with chrome Borrani wire wheels wrapped in Pirelli Cinturato tires, servo-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, Normalair air conditioning, power windows, and a Blaupunkt push-button radio.
Mechanical improvements extended to the Vantage engine, which received cylinder honing, cylinder head resurfacing, valve work, new piston rings, valve springs, cooling components, and refinished engine accessories. Power is delivered through the all-synchromesh ZF five-speed gearbox and a Power-Lok limited-slip differential, completing one of the most desirable specifications ever fitted to Aston Martin’s iconic DB5.
Source: Bring a Trailer
