The world's most iconic car, the Aston Martin DB5, has turned 60 with Aston Martin leading the celebrations.

We're taking a stroll down memory lane, a lane that's 60 years long and adorned with one of the most iconic automobiles ever to grace the tarmac – the Aston Martin DB5.

This beauty isn't just a car; it's a symbol of British culture, design, and innovation, and it's been turning heads and making hearts race since the moment it rolled onto the scene.

Fast forward to today, and the DB5 still holds its own among the giants of automotive history. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, Aston Martin decided to throw a little party at the Goodwood Revival festival in Sussex.

But this wasn't just any party; it was a reunion of legends, as the DB5 shared the spotlight with the latest addition to the DB family – the DB12, the world's first Super Tourer. A toast to the past and a glimpse into the future, if you will.

Now, let's talk about why the DB5 is such a big deal. Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin's Executive Chairman and a proud DB5 owner himself, summed it up beautifully. He said, "The David Brown era gave us so many great Aston Martin sports cars, but none more recognisable, revered, and desired as the DB5, which laid the foundations of our identity as a British luxury brand synonymous with style, performance, and exclusivity."

Back in 1963, Aston Martin was enjoying a wave of popularity with its DB4, a car that had been wowing enthusiasts since its debut in 1958. But, as they say, to stay on top, you've got to keep innovating. So, in September 1963, the DB5 made its grand entrance at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and boy, did it make an entrance.

This newcomer wasn't just a facelift of its predecessor; it was a game-changer. It had a more potent engine, pumping out a then-impressive 282 bhp in standard form. Plus, it brought some fancy new features to the table, like electric windows and optional air conditioning. Talk about fancy, right?

Performance-wise, the DB5 was no slouch. With a top speed of over 240km/h, it proudly claimed the title of "the fastest regular 4-seat GT car in the world." And trust me, it lived up to that title. British car magazine The Autocar couldn't help but gush about it, saying, "this is a car which cries out to be driven, to be driven well, and to be driven far." I couldn't agree more.

But perhaps what truly catapulted the DB5 into the stratosphere of fame was its role in the James Bond movies. Yes, 007 himself, the world's most famous secret agent, was seen behind the wheel of this beauty in a series of films spanning over half a century. That's a star-studded endorsement if I've ever seen one.

Speaking of stars, some of the biggest names in the '60s and beyond couldn't resist the allure of the DB5. The Beatles' Sir Paul McCartney and George Harrison, Rolling Stone Mick Jagger, and comedian Peter Sellers all joined the exclusive club of DB5 owners. And the list of famous fans just kept growing, with names like Robert Plant, Jay Kay, Elle McPherson, and Ralph Lauren all taking the wheel of this automotive legend.

Now, here's the kicker – only 887 DB5 saloons, 123 convertibles, and a mere 12 bespoke coach-built shooting brakes were originally produced. To put that in perspective, in 1963, the UK churned out over 1.8 million cars. So, you can imagine how exclusive these DB5s were.

As we celebrate this milestone, we can't help but look to the future. The DB lineage lives on with the DB12, a true Super Tourer that embodies Aston Martin's commitment to style, performance, and luxury, infused with cutting-edge technology.