Author: Joydip Sur

I'm a journalist with over a decade of experience and an all consuming passion for automobile and motorsports.

Last of its kind: the final 2016 Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition offered in online auction

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Is this by far the best Christmas present for a Land Rover collector? Collecting Cars is offering a true piece of Land Rover history with exceptional provenance. Now live and open for bidding is the final Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition, and the fourth-to-last Land Rover Defender of any variant to roll off the line.

Built to celebrate the legacy of HUE 166, the very first pre-production Series I Land Rover from 1947, the Heritage Edition marked the closing chapter of classic Defender production. With a total UK allocation of just 400 vehicles, these factory-built specials have become firm favourites among collectors worldwide, with a delivery-mileage example selling for a six-figure sum back in 2023.

This specific Land Rover Defender 90 Heritage Edition is finished in iconic Grasmere Green metallic with an Alaska White roof and has covered just 4,597 miles since 2016. It proudly displays all the hallmarks that make the Heritage Edition so sought-after: heritage-style grille and headlamp surrounds, body-coloured heavy-duty steel wheels, a silver front bumper with black end caps, clear indicator lenses, and Indus Silver door hinges. Aluminium heritage badges adorn the grille and rear, while authentic HUE 166 graphics grace the front wings, completing the period-inspired look.

Inside, the cabin blends traditional Defender toughness with subtle luxury. Highlights include a perforated leather steering wheel rim, gear lever and handbrake, Bright Aluminium trim to the air vents and door furniture, and Almond Resolve Cloth seats with heritage logos and HUE 166 tags. Practical touches such as rubber floor mats and a padded cubby box ensure it remains ready for use as well as admiration.

This Defender 90 was built on 29 January 2016 – the last day of Defender production – and is confirmed as the final Heritage model to leave the factory. It remains original and remarkably well-preserved, with just one private owner from new, accompanied by a full folder of documentation evidencing this car’s exceptional provenance and significance, including several magazine feature articles.

Commenting on the auction listing, Edward Lovett, founder of Collecting Cars said: “Special edition Defenders like the Heritage consistently attract strong interest from bidders all over the world. They capture everything people love about the classic Defender, with the reassurance of being factory-built and carefully specified from new.

“As the last one to roll off the production line, this is quite literally the ‘ultimate’ Defender Heritage, and as such represents an unmissable opportunity in the market – so we anticipate strong interest from collectors.”

Offered from the UK yet open to worldwide bidding, this low-mileage, single-owner Defender 90 Heritage Edition is an outstanding opportunity for collectors seeking one of the most characterful modern Land Rovers ever produced. The seven-day auction will conclude on 30 December, exclusively on the Collecting Cars platform.

EIMG Vintage Car Fiesta 2025: A Visual Treat!

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Now in its fifth year, the EIMG Vintage Car Fiesta 2025 was presented by Club De Golf and organised by Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) – a community of serious heritage vehicle collectors from all across Eastern India.

The line up for the EIMG Vintage Car Fiesta 2025 included as many as 35 rare heritage four wheelers which were selectively handpicked by EIMG Founder & President Shrivardhan Kanoria, himself a restorer and collector of national repute.

The most notable among the heritage cars on display included 1936 Bentley 3.5 & 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 owned by Shrivardhan Kanoria, 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 owned by Avik Naha, Swapan Kumar Lahiri’s 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, 1930 Ford Model A & 1950 Triumph Mayflower owned by Partha Banik, Sumit Periwal’s 1953 Land Rover Series 1, and 1932 Austin 10 owned by C.P. Verma.

Also seen on display were Gadai Chandra Dey’s 1938 Adler Trumph, 1961 Ambassador M1 owned by Baladev Majumdar, 1963 Standard Herald owned by Shubhajit Kumar, 1990 Contessa Classic owned by Anuja Kumar, Ranajit Gooptu’s 1951 Hillman Minx &  1952 Austin Somerset, 1926 Studebaker Erskine owned by Kunal Banerjee and Amrit Roy’s 1964 Ford Anglia.

The Club De Golf is located inside the picturesque New Town Golf Club, where the heritage vehicles were displayed for a vintage rendezvous with their Club members and visitors.

A thanks giving ceremony followed where each of the owners were felicitated with a beautiful memento for upholding the legacy of heritage motoring. Present on this special occasion was Ms. Akansha Pandey, Owner – Club De Golf and Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria, Founder & President – EIMG along with other respected dignitaries and patrons.

This was followed by a fascinating auto quiz and trivia session which made all the EIMGians put on their thinking cap. It was brilliantly organized by quiz master Somen Sengupta and trivia narrator Sanjib Sarkar. This proved to be a great learning experience for everyone present as many unknown trivia and facts about cars and Kolkata were revealed.

The icing on the cake was the sumptuous cocktail brunch hosted by Club De Golf for all the members of EIMG.

Photographs courtesy: ICMP and Mohammed Adnan Aslam

Nissan On Track For 2026 Resurgence In India; 7-Seater B-MPV Gravite Teased

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Nissan’s all-new game-changing seven-seater B-MPV will be called Gravite and will be launched in early 2026. It is the first product to be rolled out under the brand’s refreshed and strategically curated line-up for India.

Purpose-built for modern Indian families, the Gravite delivers exceptional versatility and modularity, redefining convenience for value-conscious households while accelerating the expansion of Nissan’s revitalized product portfolio.

Announced in July 2024 as the second model in Nissan Motor India’s ambitious product offensive, the Gravite underscores the company’s forward momentum. The product roadmap includes the launch of the Gravite in early 2026; followed by the Tekton in mid-2026 and a 7-seater C-SUV in early 2027 — reaffirming Nissan’s deep and ongoing commitment to diversifying, strengthening, and revitalising its offering for Indian customers.

A Name that Reflects Nissan’s Ambition

The name “Gravite” draws inspiration from the word gravity, signifying balance, inherent stability, and powerful attraction. This choice reflects Nissan’s core vision of designing vehicles that perfectly anchor families in comfort, superior versatility, and seamless connectivity. Inspired by 1.4 billion Indians and the 19,000 vernaculars and rituals that form the foundation of the nation, the Gravite is the perfect companion for the aspirational and versatile Indian.

Interior: Pioneering Modularity and Comfort

The Gravite transforms family journeys with exceptional cabin roominess and pioneering, class-leading storage innovations. Every aspect has been meticulously crafted for versatility and intuitive use—from ultra-modular seating that effortlessly adapts to changing passenger and cargo needs, to smart space utilization that makes both daily commutes and extended family road trips equally seamless.

Set for its grand debut in early 2026, the All-New Gravite will be manufactured locally in Chennai. This production milestone reinforces Nissan Motor India’s unwavering commitment to deliver vehicles specifically tailored to the evolving demands of Indian customers. As the second critical model in Nissan’s rejuvenated lineup, the Gravite represents a decisive step in the brand’s product renaissance in India.

Design and Inspiration

The All-New Gravite establishes a bold and distinct identity aligned with Nissan’s global design language. Its signature C-shaped front grille—a defining element of Nissan’s DNA—ensures instant recognition and a bold on-road presence. The Gravite’s sleek horizontal proportions and confident, muscular stance combine modern elegance with practical and everyday usability.

The Gravite is the only vehicle in its segment to feature distinctive hood branding along with unique rear-door badging—a bold design choice that powerfully amplifies its exclusive identity. The rear fascia continues to echo Nissan’s signature C-shaped interlock theme, ensuring the MPV’s unmistakable presence on every road.

Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson, Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania), commented: “India continues to be a strong contributor to AMIEO’s performance, and Nissan Motor India plays a pivotal role in our strategy. Over FY25, we have strengthened our business operations, expanded our portfolio, and delivered on every promise made under our 2024 product offensive. The upcoming line-up—shaped by global insights yet deeply attuned to the needs of Indian customers—reflects our commitment to this dynamic market. With new models developed in and for India, and exports to several international markets, India remains both a growth driver and a strategic hub for Nissan Alliance. The reveal of the GRAVITE demonstrates our continued momentum and reinforces our confidence in the road ahead.”

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, stated: “The All-New GRAVITE is a testament to Nissan Motor India’s renewed focus on the evolving Indian market. Deeply rooted in the fabric of the country, it is designed to be the perfect companion for the diverse needs of our customers. As the second model in our all-new product line-up, the GRAVITE marks a pivotal step in our transformation journey and reinforces our commitment to delivering vehicles that resonate with the aspirations of Indian consumers.”

To support this growth, Nissan is fast-tracking the expansion of its nationwide dealership network, ensuring greater accessibility and enhanced customer experience across the country.

Building on this momentum, the Nissan Magnite continues to strengthen the brand’s global footprint as one of its most successful ‘Made in India’ models. Now exported to 65 markets across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, the Magnite’s strong acceptance underscores India’s pivotal role as a manufacturing and export hub for Nissan.

Further strengthening its future-ready product roadmap in India, Nissan revealed the Tekton in October 2025—its upcoming premium SUV. With its commanding design and modern technologies, the Tekton sets the tone for the brand’s next phase of growth, complementing today’s introduction of the new Gravite and signalling a robust, multi-segment offensive tailored for the Indian market.

EIMG Legacy on Wheels Shines Spotlight on Compassion and Love

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The sky was bright and clear. Winter had already tiptoed into Kolkata bringing the mercury down significantly. As members of Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) made their way with their heritage vehicles to the Calcutta Rowing Club that Sunday morning, little did they know that this day was going to turn into a very special experience wrapped with compassion and love.

Let’s quickly rewind to 1986. What began as a small effort in the Baranagar-Belgharia area turned into a life-changing mission that would go on to positively impact the lives of thousands of under-privileged children. While an expressway was under construction, children living on the streets risked their lives collecting coal remnants instead of going to school. Moved by their plight, Mr. Kallol Ghosh began teaching them with his own pocket money.

Realizing the deeper dangers these children faced—exploitation, trafficking—he founded OFFER (Organisation For Friends Energies and Resources). Despite early doubts and various obstacles, his vision endured. Today, OFFER supports nearly 50,000 children – differently abled and living with HIV, offering them safety, education, and hope for a better future. Outstanding initiative to say the least!

Fast forward to Sunday, November 30, 2025: For the very first time, EIMG joined hands with OFFER to organize a unique heritage convoy drive from Calcutta Rowing Club (CRC) to Anandaghar in Gobindapur called ‘EIMG Legacy on Wheels’ with the objective to raise social awareness about children living with HIV and also mark the inauguration of a new unit at Anandaghar which provides care and protection to orphan and young adults living with HIV and strives for successful integration of youth in the mainstream society.

Around 40 heritage cars and bikes took part in this unique convoy drive which included S.K.Lahiri’s 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, Shrivardhan Kanoria’s 1936 Bentley 3.5, 1948 Buick Super 8 owned by Avik Naha, Shubhajit Kumar’s 1963 Standard Herald, Sumit Periwal’s 1953 Land Rover Series 1, 1951 Austin A40 owned by Debaprem Chatterjee, 1990 Mercedes Benz W124 owned by Mubaraq Maseeh, Krish Ajmera’s 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25, Chandan Basu Mallik’s 1949 Norton Dominator, Sarojesh Mukerjee’s 1958 Standard Vanguard, 1940 Triumph owned by Terence Lobo, 1963 Triumph Spitfire owned by Saikat Dutta, Kunal Banerjee’s 1926 Studebaker Erskine, 1989 Yezdi Jawa owned Onurag Chatterji and Ranajit Gooptu’s 1952 Austin Somerset just to name a few.

What really stood out is that many of the children who are being currently supported by OFFER not only got an opportunity to see these heritage beauties from up close, but some of them also got a joy ride in these vintage and classic vehicles from CRC to Anadaghar. A very special memory to cherish for both EIMG members and the children. Later, the EIMG members enjoyed a delicious lunch served by Café Positive, an initiative supported by OFFER which employs young adults living with HIV.

Photographs courtesy: Mohammed Adnan Aslam

Deep Dutta And Prakash Muthuswamy Emerge Victorious At Rally of Mallabhum 2025 

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Rally of Mallabhum 2025, 4-wheeler TSD Rally and Indian National TSD Rally Championship Qualifier, set the temperatures soaring at Bankura (previously known as Mallabhum) as hundreds gathered to witness the battle of man and machine during the weekend of 29th and 30th November, 2025. This was the first time that this event was being held in Bankura, West Bengal which saw neck-to-neck competition among the top TSD teams of the country.

The rally route was divided into two legs including a night leg adding an interesting twist to the event. The rally navigated through highways, dirt roads and river crossings making the route both challenging and engaging for the competitors.

The Rally of Mallabhum 2025 was promoted by India Motorsports and well supported by Vamcy Merla and JK Tyre. This year, there were six different categories in the championship making the competition as fair as possible. Alongside this, there also was a separate event planned for the local teams. A total of 32 entries were received for this year’s event.

Ramgarh lad Deep Dutta and Prakash Muthuswamy from Erode won the first prize in the National Championship qualifier followed by the experienced driver-navigator duo from Kolkata Jogendra Kumar Jaiswal and Chandan Sen in the second position, while the team of Subhankur Saha and Souvick De Sarkar (both of Kolkata) secured the third position in the competition.

Speaking on the occasion Saurav Chatterjee, the key organizer of the event and the chairman of FMSCI TSD Rally Commission, explained the aim of the event is to spread regulated motor sports in different part of the country and too woo the youth from road racing to regulated motorsports, where safety of the drivers is of paramount importance. Motor Sports Association of Eastern India, the organizing club, wants to be the guiding force of many raw talents in the future.

Photographs courtesy: Ranadip Mandal

Volkswagen Group Launches Autonomous Vehicle Testing With Its Gen.Urban In Wolfsburg

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The Volkswagen Group is starting the next testing phase in Wolfsburg with its self-driving research vehicle Gen.Urban1. After intensive trials, the Gen.Urban can now drive autonomously in real urban traffic. The research project aims to explore how passengers experience riding in a self-driving vehicle without a traditional steering wheel or pedals – and what requirements this creates for future vehicle concepts.

An interdisciplinary team from Volkswagen Group Innovation, including designers, human factors specialists, software engineers, and materials experts, is gathering comprehensive data on user behaviour and interaction with the Gen.Urban. These findings will contribute to the development of future interior and user experience (UX) concepts across the Group’s brands.

Key questions include: How do people spend their time in a self-driving vehicle? Which digital features best support work, entertainment, or relaxation? How should interaction between the vehicle and passengers be designed, particularly for older people or children?
Simply put: Do people feel comfortable?

Gen.Urban delivers a personalised driving experience even before the journey begins
Even before departure, passengers can customise their preferences – via app or directly in the vehicle – from cabin temperature to ambient lighting. Upon entering, the Gen.Urban greets the passenger, and the seat automatically adjusts to the desired position. In addition, the vehicle’s digital interior can be tailored to individual preferences using artificial intelligence (AI). The wide front display with its information, light, and sound is then adapted to an individual theme.

Gen.Urban is designed without a traditional steering wheel or pedals. The test participant sits in the driver’s seat, while a trained safety driver monitors the vehicle from the passenger seat. If necessary, the safety driver can intervene at any time using a specially developed control panel with a joystick.

The current test phase initially involves Volkswagen Group employees and will last for a period of several weeks.

Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation, explains: “The technology for autonomous driving is making rapid progress. With our Gen.Urban research vehicle, we want to understand exactly how passengers experience autonomous driving. Why? Because the key to a positive customer experience is to build trust – through meaningful interaction, a relaxed atmosphere, and intelligent assistance systems that respond precisely to the needs of passengers. Ultimately, technology should fit people, not the other way around. We will benefit from these insights across the entire Group in the long term.”

Test route in Wolfsburg city area with typical traffic scenarios
The starting point of the test route is the visitor parking lot at the HQ building. From there, the nearly ten-kilometre loop runs through Wolfsburg’s city area, passing the Sandkamp factory gate, Saar and Lessing streets, Brandenburger Platz, Breslauer Street, Grauhorststraße, and finally returning via Heinrich-Nordhoff-Street. Traffic light intersections, roundabouts, current construction sites, residential areas, industrial sections, and possibly congested traffic: the route is chosen to correspond to typical challenges of urban traffic. Each test drive lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Flying Spur Sets New ‘Winter Lap Record’ At Most Northerly Active Racetrack In The World

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The Flying Spur Speed has again demonstrated its exceptional performance in all conditions by setting a new ‘winter lap record’ at the world’s most northerly active race circuit.

The record was set at the Drivecenter Arena circuit in Fällfors, northern Sweden – just 100 miles from the Arctic Circle, and a former military airbase. Despite the entirety of the 2.05-mile track being covered in 12-inch of ice and snow, the Flying Spur Speed was able to complete laps in under three minutes, with the best time standing at 2:58 – the quickest any vehicle has lapped the facility in winter conditions, ever. The Flying Spur’s variable four-wheel drive system and rear-wheel steering combined to give the car outstanding agility in the conditions, and peak speed was 120 mph during the record run despite the longest straight being only 450 metres long and covered in sheet ice.

The record was inspired by a combination of previous events from Bentley’s history – the two Ice Speed Records captured by Bentley in 2007 and 2011, and the one-hour endurance record set by a Turbo R at Millbrook Proving Ground in the UK in 1986 where 140 mph was averaged around the banked bowl. While the conditions mirrored those of the Ice Speed Records, the car that was used – registration Y15 BML – has a specification matched to the Turbo R in Bentley’s Heritage Collection. Identical Brooklands Green paintwork, yellow fine lines, and an interior in Linen, Cumbrian Green and Open Pore Walnut were specified to mark the Turbo R’s 40th birthday this year.

The Flying Spur Speed is a car designed to deliver exceptional driving performance in all conditions, thanks to its Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain and advanced chassis systems. An advanced 600 PS 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is combined with a 190 PS electric motor that is neatly integrated within the 8-speed dual clutch transmission. In Sport Mode this powertrain deploys a full 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, with the instant torque of the E-motor complementing the charismatic cross-plane beat of the V8.

In pure EV mode, the E-motor provides 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque, more than enough to keep up with the traffic in most situations, while the 25.9 kWh battery offers up to 47 miles (76 km) of usable electric-only range (on the EU drive cycle). Together, the V8 and E-motor provide the new Flying Spur with a total range of 515 miles (829 km). Full electric mode can be deployed at speeds of up to 87 mph / 140 kmph, with throttle applications of up to 75 per cent.

The Bentley Performance Active Chassis comes as standard with the Flying Spur Speed. Features of the sophisticated new setup include Bentley Dynamic Ride and All-Wheel Steering, along with an electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential, while a new generation of ESC software permits a range of driving styles to be accessed and provides reliable traction in all conditions – though the record was asset with the system completely switched off.

With the new car’s rear-biased weight distribution of 48.3 : 51.7, the chassis systems and ESC have a mechanically-optimised platform in which to provide the final refinement. The system uses active torque vectoring front to rear through a centre differential, and precision vectoring across each axle using the brakes, to provide exceptional traction in all conditions – vital for a fast lap on snow-covered sheet ice.

Caterham Project V Prototype To Be Unveiled At Tokyo Auto Salon In 2026

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Caterham will unveil its first working prototype of Project V at the Tokyo Auto Salon on 9th January 2026.

Displayed alongside exhibits from development partners Yamaha Motor and XING Mobility, the prototype is being utilised for testing and evaluation as the brand works towards full scale production.

Following the assembly of the prototype at the TOKYO R&D facility in Japan, the development vehicle is now undertaking both the initial powertrain evaluation of its Yamaha Motor e-axle as well as chassis durability work.

This prototype also enables further testing of the CTP battery system, which features cells that are immersed in a dielectric liquid for optimum cooling through rapid and uniform heat dissipation. This innovative approach offers unmatched thermal stability for exceptional energy density, safety and performance.

Elsewhere, in partnership with XING Mobility, the original Caterham Project V EV sports coupé concept show car will make its US debut at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on 6th January 2026.

Kazuho Takahashi, CEO of Caterham Cars, said: “This is a significant milestone in the development of Project V, with our prototype making its public debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon. This next step enables us to begin a comprehensive vehicle testing program in collaboration with our technical partners. Our objective remains unchanged: to realise our vision of a pure electric sports car that embodies the unmistakable DNA of a Caterham.”

Subaru Forester wins Japan Car of the Year

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Celebrating its 46th year, the 60 judges of Japan Car of the Year convened at Bosch’s recently established Japan headquarters in Center Kita, Yokohama City to select the country’s best cars of 2025-2026. In addition to the jurors, some 41 representatives from the country’s most influential automotive and lifestyle publications, who run the Japan COTY organisation, and dozens of car industry executives gathered to witness the vote-counting and prize-giving ceremony.

In a major change to previous voting methods, the Japan COTY organization decided to employ a new Formula 1 style voting system for 2025-26 in which judges had to allocate their votes across all of the top 10 finalists. In the same way as F1 race winners receive 25 points, each juror was required to give their best car 25 votes, their second best 18 votes, their third best 15 votes, fourth 12, fifth 10, sixth 8, seventh 6, eighth 4, ninth 2 and tenth 1 vote. The VW ID. Buzz, which finished in fifth place and ranked the highest among imported vehicles, picked up the Import Car of the Year award as well as the Best Design award.

In early polling, the Forester jumped to an early lead with the Prelude holding a close second. When all votes were counted, the Forester came home with 1149 votes, the Prelude 1076 votes, Toyota Crown (Estate) 654, Nissan Leaf 622, VW ID.Buzz 578, Hyundai Inster 477, BMW 2-Series 416, Peugeot 3008 393, Suzuki eVitara 357 and the Daihatsu Move finishing with 338 votes. After receiving his COTY trophy, the Forester’s chief engineer Katsuro Tadaki commented, “In addition to creating the highly lauded new strong hybrid powertrain, we finely tuned the car’s safety systems, packaging, handling, comfort levels, ride quality and cost performance to make the Forester the best in class.”

In addition, Porsche Japan—in the midst of celebrating its 30th anniversary in the country, saw its 911 Carrera GTS capture the Technology Award of the Year for its powerful new T-Hybrid powertrain which combines a new 3.6-liter boxer engine with an integrated electric motor for enhanced performance and minimal turbo lag, while the Porsche Experience Center took home the Japan COTY’s organizing committee’s special award for its ‘coexistence with the local community’ as well as its efforts to revitalize the Kisarazu region of Chiba. A second special award was given to the Super Endurance Organization (STMO) for its work in prototype vehicles working towards the realization of a carbon-neutral society, in addition to its efforts to open up a new stage of international exchange, including a demo run of NASCAR in Japan, a symbol of American motorsports, and promote cultural exchange between Japan and the United States through motorsport.

Aston Martin Works Completes Restoration Of One Family’s Dream DB5

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A DB5 bought for less than £1,000 in the early 1970s has just completed a full restoration at Aston Martin Works – realising the dream of its long-time owner and representing one of the most remarkable pieces of automotive appreciation in the process.

Welshman John Williams – a welder and garage owner by trade – was just 18 when, in 1972, he set himself the target of buying his dream car: an Aston Martin DB5. Saving hard for upwards of a year as well as working overtime whenever he could, John conscientiously gathered together the £900 cash – the equivalent of around £15,000 in today’s money – and, in September 1973 aged just 19, made the hours-long train journey from his home in North Wales to London to view the 1965 DB5.

The Vantage-engined model, complete with Weber carburettors, wire wheels, Sundym electrically operated windows and, according to the advert in Motorsport magazine “many bills” proved to be the car for John and he acquired it for £900.

Returning in it to Wales and proudly using the DB5 as his daily drive for upwards of four years, John only mothballed the car on his driveway when he secured a job in the Middle East in 1977.

John explained: “Then… ‘life’ happened. I’d had offers to buy her, and times when I could have done with the money, but I resisted and, as Sue [John’s wife] said ‘you’ll never get another one’.”

Sue Williams added: “The neighbours’ kids used to come round to play, and they’d play on her. Bouncing on the bonnet. One balanced on the exhaust pipe and snapped it off!”

John said: “As time went on it became a goal of mine to get her restored; to be able to drive her again. Being a garage man, I was a bit ashamed that I’d let her get into that state. I worked hard to buy her, and we’ve worked hard to get her repaired.”

Naturally, the Williams’ elected to use Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, the heritage home of the marque and the place where more than 13,000 of the most iconic Aston Martin sports cars were built over 50 years, to carry out the restoration which began in late 2022.

Now, around three years on from its arrival, the couple have returned to Buckinghamshire to view the completed DB5, having regularly visited the Works site to view the car’s progress through its bare metal restoration journey.

Universally acknowledged to be the most desired specification of all DB5s, the Williams car is a right-hand drive 1965 DB5 saloon with the sought-after Vantage engine. It was originally specified in what remains, today, the most desirable exterior colour – Silver Birch – and boasts an interesting provenance that includes an original owner from the St George’s Hill area of Surrey, a gated community that, at the time, was home to many celebrities including The Beatles’ John Lennon and Ringo Starr.

Of the 1,022 DB5 models built by Aston Martin between 1963 and 1965, fewer than 1,000 (887) were built in the saloon bodystyle and, of those, only 39 originally boasted the Silver Birch paintwork, higher output Vantage engine, and right-hand drive configuration of the Williams car, making this a particularly rare and desirable example of ‘the most famous car in the world’.

Back in 2023, seeing their car part way through its restoration in the Works’ Panel Shop where the chassis and Superleggera frame were restored, and where each aluminium body panel was being hand formed, Sue said: “Wow! She looks amazing, doesn’t she? You’ve done such a lot of work!”

John commented: “It looks like an Aston Martin now. I’m thrilled. It’s great to see all the old ways of building a car have been passed on, and younger people here are keeping up the tradition.”

Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works, said: “This really is a lovely story. We’re delighted that Mr and Mrs Williams brought the car back to the place where it was built for us to restore.

“Although the car was in a profoundly run-down condition when it arrived, we always relish a challenge and I knew we have the skills, dedication and expertise to return the car to a better-than-new condition.

“After more than 2,500 hours of dedicated work by our teams in the Panel, Paint, Trim and Heritage Workshops – along with vital support from our in-house Parts Department – the car is now finished and, to my eye at least, looks absolutely stunning.

“While it might be uncouth to speculate on values for the car I think it’s reasonable to suppose that if it ever were to be offered to the market once more, and bearing in mind its specification and provenance, a value of up to £1m would be in order.

“In this 70th anniversary year of Aston Martin’s presence here at Newport Pagnell it is inspiring to see the dedication, commitment and pride of owners such as the Williams family. I know it has been understandably emotional to see the car that they have owned for more than half a century restored so meticulously, and I know that every member of the team here hopes they can enjoy many years of happy motoring in their ‘new’ DB5.”

On seeing his fully restored DB5 for the first time just a few days ago, John Williams said: “Well, it’s been a long time coming, a long time saving, but it’s been worth every penny. It’s just amazing.

“It’s probably almost 50 years since I have driven this car, but the experience is phenomenal. It’s just… unbelievable. My girl’s back and up and running! Back to her former glory.”