The DB5 that arrived in Oselli Classic and Sports Cars’ workshops a little more than two years ago was a ‘nice, roadworthy car’, reckons company boss David Eales. That didn’t affect the work schedule that followed as it underwent a full restoration.

‘It certainly wasn’t a basket case, but the brief from the client was to create the best-possible DB5 in its original specification,’ says Eales, who worked for Aston back in the 1970s. ‘You end up going through exactly the same process as you would with a far inferior car.’

‘The body still has to come off, and you never know what you are going to find. The deeper you go, the more work you find. It’s important for any client to go into an Aston restoration with their eyes wide open.’

This car needed new sills and floorpan sections. Some of the aluminium bodywork needed reshaping, too. ‘The bodies can easily lose their shape as the result of a relatively minor ding,’ says Eales. ‘That means you have to factor in extra time, because we bring in specialist panel beaters, a dying art.’

This car, which was completed earlier this year, retains its original Black Pearl paintwork and fawn leather interior. ‘It went to Aston under its assured provenance certification scheme and won a gold award,’ says Eales. ‘It’s still here at the moment, because the owner lives in London, so it’s a great showcase for what Oselli can do.’

Oselli Classic and Sports Cars, Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire
Tel: 01993 849610, oselli.com