1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible
- Only 4 owners from new
- Original interior
- Comprehensive restoration
- Fabulous colour combination
Of the 85 right-hand-drive DB5 Convertibles constructed, chassis DB5C/2122/R is believed to be the penultimate example built, according to correspondence from Aston Martin Tickford (available to view on file). The DB5 was also offered in convertible form (the 'Volante' name would not be applied to the soft-top Aston until the DB6’s arrival), while independent coachbuilder Harold Radford offered a shooting brake conversion. A total of 1,021 DB5s were manufactured between July 1963 and September 1965 — a number that includes a mere 123 convertibles and 12 shooting brakes.
When this car first rolled off the production line, it is recorded as having been painted in Goodwood Green with a red Connolly leather interior and matching Everflex convertible hood. However, due to ongoing demand for DB5 Convertibles when production was nearing its end, the Heritage department at Aston Martin Works notes that chassis 2122/R was subsequently changed to Platinum (white) and had its Borg Warner automatic gearbox replaced by a ZF five-speed manual, thereby matching its first owner's preferences. The red leather interior remained as originally specified.
This car was also equipped from the factory with optional chrome wheels, a Motorola radio, Marchal fog lamps, plus a driver’s seat pan lowered by one inch. The 1966 invoice from its selling dealer, H.R. Owen’s Sloane Street, London, shows it was sold new for the sum of £4,481 to Mr Frederick Weldon of Sherwood, Nottinghamshire, with the registration number KLE 471D. Mr Weldon kept the car until 1983, at which point it was purchased by Mr Dirk Ebeling, a co-founder of the Aston Martin Owners’ Club Germany. Recent discussions with Mr Ebeling confirm that he bought the car from the first owner, Frederick Weldon, before selling to his friend Serge Chabbey in Switzerland on the proviso that as and when Chabbey decides to sell the car that he calls Ebeling. Fortunately for Ebeling this happened in the mid 90s and the much-missed convertible returned to Germany.
During Ebeling’s second ownership he was keen to keep the feel and originality of the interior though at the same time restoring the rest of the car comprehensively both cosmetically and mechanically. The extensive work includes a complete engine rebuild to 4.2 litres’ capacity using a replacement block (the original was badly corroded) and fitting hardened valve seats for unleaded petrol and latterly complete refurbishment of the bodywork. The only notified deviations from factory specification are 16" wheels and a Harvey Bailey handling kit.
The current owner acquired the car in 2018, whereupon it joined an impressive collection and although very few miles have been added, it has been carefully maintained, most recently serviced in May 2025.
This exceptionally well-documented DB5 comes with a massive history file that includes numerous invoices — many dating back to Mr Weldon's ownership — reflecting its no-expense-spared care and maintenance. The file also contains its 1966-issued “buff” UK logbook, a copy of its guarantee form, its factory build sheet, period correspondence from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd and H.R. Owen, the original warranty document, the order form, and the invoice. The car is further accompanied by an original DB5 Instruction Book.
Timelessly styled and instantly recognisable, this DB5 Convertible stands as a superb, immensely drivable, rare example of one of the marque’s most iconic models in the more desirable, drop top configuration.