You can’t talk about luxury cars without mentioning Aston Martin. The Aston Martin DB Series was arguably one of the most iconic lines the automaker has ever produced, even going as far as getting featured in notable films.
Aside from looks, the DB Series also had a lot to offer under the bonnet, making it a popular pick in terms of high-performing cars.
1957 Aston Martin DBR1: An Icon
It’s impossible to create a list of the best Aston Martin DB models without mentioning the iconic DBR1.
Recognized as the most valuable Aston Martin model ever, the DBR1 is a race car that won the 24 hours of Le Mans. This unforgettable win came 10 years after David Brown bought Aston Martin.
The DBR1 didn’t share much with other production cars from Aston Martin. It was in a league of its own. Designed by Ted Cutting, the DBR1 featured a multi-tube chassis, torsion bar suspension, and a six-cylinder engine.
Compared to its predecessor (DB3S), the DBR1 had a longer wheelbase and track. It was also 300 pounds lighter, thanks to its 20-gauge magnesium-alloy body.
Although the DBR1 was later recognized as Aston Martin’s champion race car for winning several competitions in 1957, it endured a tough year before that.
Winning the 1956 Le Mans wasn’t the right narrative for the DBR1, as it retired after 246 laps and 21 hours due to gearbox failure.
Nonetheless, the experience served as a springboard for the model to eventually win in 1957.
- Engine: 2.5L Inline 6-cylinder
- Horsepower: 254 hp
- Torque: 240 lb-ft.
- 0-60 time: 5.5 seconds
Aston Martin DB4: Trendsetter
The DB4 definitely turned heads when it was unveiled at the 1958 London Motor Show. Formed by a team of talented developers that included John Wyer, Harold Beach, and Tadek Marek, the DB4 was simply a breath of fresh air一everything on the model was brand new.
Aside from its looks, the DB4 rose to fame as Aston Martin’s very first production car that can go from a 0 to 100 mph sprint in under 30 seconds.
With a 21-second sprint time, the DB4 helped the automaker earn its spot among the top-performance car manufacturers during its time.
Under its hood, the Aston Martin DB4 boasted a 3.7L engine with a double overhead cam that was designed by Polish racing driver Tadek Marek.
A total of five series were developed for the DB4, each one featuring a distinct trait in the form of window frames, body dimensions, aerodynamic styling, and headlamp count.
The Aston Martin DB4 also had a convertible version, which was introduced in October 1961. Only 70 DB4 convertibles were produced for the first series, which only popularized the model further.
- Engine: 3.7L Inline 6-cylinder
- Horsepower: 240 hp
- Torque: 240 lb-ft.
- 0-60 time: 9.0 seconds
Aston Martin DBS: A Timeless Classic
Vehicles designed by the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera and William Towns are always eye-catching, and such was the case for the Aston Martin DBS.
Produced from 1967 to 1972, the Aston Martin DBS served as a fitting successor to the DB6 (although the models were produced concurrently for three years).
The two-door coupe retained the original six-cylinder engine from the DB6, but it was bigger than its predecessor in terms of interior space. The DBS featured a set of four full-size seats, which was arguably one of the model’s best-selling points.
From the outside, everything about the DBS screamed “Aston Martin”一a fastback style rear, squared-off front grille, bonnet-style scoop, wire wheels, and a couple of side air vents.
On a technical note, the DBS was the first Aston Martin to sport a De Dion axle, which is a non-independent beam axle that was initially used in steam-powered engines. A De Dion suspension setup allowed a rear-mounted engine to be connected to a leaf-sprung beam axle.
The DBS also came with a Vantage version, which came with improved camshafts. In 1972, the AM Vantage was introduced as a limited-edition model. It came with two headlamps instead of the usual four.
- Engine: 4.0L Inline 6-cylinder
- Horsepower: 178 hp
- Torque: 181 lb-ft.
- 0-60 time: 3.6 seconds
Aston Martin DB5: Stardom
Often regarded as the most famous car in the world, the Aston Martin DB5 is a superstar in its own right, having been featured in eight films of the 007 franchise.
These films include Goldfinger, Thunderball, Golden Eye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die.
Although the DB5 shared some similarities with its predecessor, it was the changes made under the bonnet that made all the difference. The DB5 had a 4L engine capacity, as well as three SU carburetors, and a full synchromesh ZF 5-speed gearbox.
The DB5 was produced from 1963 to 1965. Similar to the DB4, the model was also offered as a convertible that came with an optional steel hard top.
Some DB5s were built as shooting brakes that depicted an estate car. These DB5 renditions were developed by coachbuilder Harold Radford.
- Engine: 4.0L Inline 6-cylinder
- Horsepower: 286 hp
- Torque: 288 lb-ft.
- 0-60 time: 8.1 seconds
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