Aston Martin DB5 Restoration
Restoring an Aston Martin DB5
Few restoration projects demand more expertise than an Aston Martin DB5. Built between 1963 and 1965 using the famous Superleggera construction method, the DB5 combines an aluminium body with a steel tubular framework, making restoration a highly specialised process.
Whether your DB5 requires a complete concours restoration or sympathetic preservation, every decision made during the project will influence the car’s originality, drivability and long-term value. Choosing the right restoration specialist is therefore just as important as choosing the right car. Heritage Cars can also assist you if you are considering purchasing an Aston Martin DB5 for restoration.
At Heritage Cars, we guide Aston Martin owners through every stage of the restoration process, from the initial inspection and project planning to sourcing rare components and ensuring every detail meets the highest standards.
Aston Martin DB5 Restoration Expertise
Restoring an Aston Martin DB5 requires far more than general classic car knowledge. Every DB5 has its own history, previous repairs and unique characteristics, meaning no two restoration projects are ever the same.
Heritage Cars was founded by Geert Kistemaker, who developed his Aston Martin expertise at Aston Martin Heritage in Newport Pagnell, the spiritual home of the marque. There he worked alongside some of the world’s leading Aston Martin craftsmen and gained hands-on experience restoring numerous Aston Martin DB models, including several DB5s and even one of the famous James Bond Aston Martin DB5s.
This experience provides invaluable insight into how these cars were originally built, how they should drive and where compromises should never be made during restoration.
Today, Heritage Cars combines this factory-level knowledge with years of experience restoring, maintaining and preparing important collector cars throughout Europe.
Every Aston Martin DB5 Deserves the Right Restoration
No restoration should begin before the car has been thoroughly assessed.
Some DB5s require only careful mechanical recommissioning, while others need complete body-off restorations. Determining the right approach is essential, not only to control costs but also to preserve originality wherever possible.
The Superleggera Body Structure
One of the most technically demanding aspects of any DB5 restoration is the Superleggera body construction.
The lightweight aluminium body panels are attached to a steel tubular framework. Moisture trapped between these materials often leads to hidden corrosion that cannot be seen until the car is dismantled.
Repairing this structure requires specialist knowledge. Simply replacing visible aluminium panels without addressing corrosion within the steel frame will only postpone much larger problems.
Mechanical Restoration
The Tadek Marek 4.0-litre straight-six remains one of Aston Martin’s finest engines, but only when rebuilt correctly.
A proper engine restoration involves much more than replacing worn components. Oil pressure, cooling efficiency, crankshaft tolerances, cylinder head condition and carburettor setup all influence how the engine performs.
Because of Geert Kistemaker’s extensive experience with classic Aston Martins, Heritage Cars understands how these engines should perform when they leave the workshop. Careful attention to detail allows the engine to deliver the smooth power, flexibility and reliability for which the DB5 became famous.
Finding the Right Parts
One of the greatest challenges during any Aston Martin DB5 restoration is sourcing the correct components.
Although many parts remain available, others are extremely rare or require specialist refurbishment. Knowing where to find original components—or when high-quality remanufactured parts are the better choice—can significantly influence both authenticity and restoration costs.
Through an extensive international network built over many years within the Aston Martin community, Heritage Cars has access to trusted suppliers, specialist craftsmen and restoration partners throughout the UK and Europe.
This network enables us to source difficult-to-find components and ensure that every aspect of the restoration is completed by experts with proven Aston Martin experience.
Aston Martin DB5 Restoration Advice
Not every owner requires a complete restoration.
Sometimes independent advice before starting a project can save considerable time and expense. Heritage Cars regularly advises owners, collectors and workshops on restoration planning, originality, technical specifications and the best approach for individual cars.
Whether you already own a DB5 or are considering restoring one, independent guidance from an experienced Aston Martin specialist can make all the difference.
Considering Restoring Your Aston Martin DB5?
Every Aston Martin DB5 has its own story. Our aim is to preserve that story while returning the car to the highest possible standard.
With factory heritage experience gained at Aston Martin Heritage in Newport Pagnell, decades of practical restoration knowledge and an international network of trusted specialists, Heritage Cars is ideally positioned to guide your DB5 restoration from start to finish.
If you are considering restoring your Aston Martin DB5, contact Geert Kistemaker to discuss your project. We would be pleased to help you develop the right restoration strategy for one of Britain’s most iconic classic cars.
Geert Kistemaker
+31 6 24276296
geert@heritagecars.nl
