CHICHESTER.- Bonhams will be offering a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 4.2 Litre Sports Saloon owned by Shane Filan of Westlife at the Goodwood Revival on Friday 16th September 2011. The car is expected to fetch £250,000-300,000.
Manufactured on 4th May 1964 the car was found in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by marque specialist Desmond J Smail where it was in need of full restoration. It was re-imported to the UK several years ago and sold to singer Shane Filan of the Irish pop group 'Westlife' as a project car to be restored by DJS to the client's specification. Westlife was formed in July 1998 with a five-member line-up and is the only act in the history of British and Irish popular music to have their first seven singles go straight to No.1 in the charts. Shane is 'car mad' and bought the DB5 as it was something he always wanted; it was also a 30th birthday present to himself. However, as he is away touring for the next year or so, it will not be used and this is why he is selling it.
The restoration has taken almost three years to complete and was viewed by Shane several times during the process. Works undertaken include a full body-off rebuild: powder coating the chassis; new doorframes and outer skins; and re-bodying in places with new steel where required, the roof and boot being retained. Recognised specialist Bodylines carried out the bodywork restoration, while repainting in Silver Birch was entrusted to specialist Lone Pine Garage. The Aston was returned to DJS for completion, which included a full engine rebuild to 4.2 litres capacity using Cosworth pistons; overhaul of the gearbox and rear axle; reconditioned brake servos and callipers; all gauges overhauled; dashboard repainted; and a full interior re-trim in black leather with matching Wilton carpets. Parts renewed include the wheels, tyres, brakes discs, Cooper nickel pipes, suspension, wiring loom, roof lining, brightwork and exhaust system (now stainless steel). In addition, the car was fitted with air conditioning and a modern Sony stereo system. Only 400-or-so miles have been covered since the full restoration.
The DB5 was the first and remains the most famous of all the 'James Bond' Aston Martins, having appeared in no fewer than five movies of the series, beginning with Goldfinger in 1964.
Tim Schofield, Head of Bonhams UK Motoring Department, comments, “Bonhams are delighted to be offering this fully restored DB5 for Mr. Filan, having achieved similar prices for a 'barn find' DB5 this year, this car represents a wonderful opportunity to buy an 'as new' Aston with all important provenance.”
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