Alice GustafsonThe 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage formerly belonging to 60’s pop star Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers (which was purchased with the proceeds of their hit single Ferry Cross The Mersey) has been restored to its former glory by its current owner, including a period Motorola sound system using Van Damme cabling.
The Aston Martin DB5 was made famous in 1964 as the car driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in Goldfinger.
The high-performance DB5 Vantage was then introduced featuring three Weber twin-choke 45DCOE side-draft carburettors and revised camshaft profiles, delivering greater top-end performance. This engine produced 315hp (235kW).
Only 65 of the DB5 Vantage models were ever built, this particular model being valued at approximately £1m.
A keen classic car collector, the DB5 Vantage’s owner also owns an Austin Healey 3000, a 1962 Bentley S2 Continental Coupe and a 1987 V8 Land Rover.
In addition to a full restoration, the car had its period Motorola stereo system converted to digital, including a DAB radio, while keeping its original 1960s appearance.
VDC Trading provided the Van Damme cabling for the car, whilst the Motorola system was sent to specialist Tadpole Radios, which completed the conversion.
“Motorola is period to the car whilst on test (and reputation) and Van Damme is the choice of professionals,” the car’s owner (who wishes to remain anonymous) tells Commercial Integrator Europe.
“Also you don’t want to be pulling this cable out once it’s been installed as it is hidden beneath the trim.
“The car is very rare, being one of 65, but it also has Weber carburettors instead of the standard SU carburettors,” the owner continues.
“It’s also very original with matching numbers from the 1965 heritage build sheet, for instance the engine, gearbox and chassis numbers are all original.
“The stereo system results are fantastic, except when you are under hard acceleration and all you can hear is the engine!”