SEAN CONNERY AUTOGRAPH

Only one day left in Spy Vibe's current auction, which features a framed 007 display hand-signed by Sean Connery! Details at eBay here.

SOUND DESIGN

In concert with our previous post about Dieter Rams, we though Spy Vibers might be interested in exploring the new line of speakers from Libratone. Based in Copenhagen, the Libratone concept is to offer a single high-end speaker solution for any room that is both wireless and customizable in a variety of colors. Wrapped in beautiful Italian cashmere and carved wool, Libratone aims to make a flexible speaker for your wireless Hi-Fi that is also an integrated and stylish piece of furniture.


They have been selling in the European market and recently started to introduce their products at US Apple stores. If any Spy Vibers have used Libratone speakers, please comment and tell us what you think. Here is a cnet UK review and a recent cnet US announcement. Below is a promotional video from Libratone:

From Design Within Reach: As the creative director and co-founder of Designit Munich, Copenhagen-based Kristian Kroyer spent 10 years working with design and electronics brands including LG, Bang & Olufsen, Hitachi, Philips and JBL, before joining Libratone, an audio company whose products combine wireless technology, hi-fi quality, and Scandinavian design. The Libratone Live Speaker (2011) streams music wirelessly from your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or Mac/PC using Apple’s new AirPlay technology; no extra remote is required, simply download the Libratone App to control the volume from your compatible wireless device. Its patent-pending FullRoom™ technology provides 360-degree sound, much like an acoustic instrument. High-end components such as ribbon-based tweeters, digital signal processing and digital amplification put out premium sound, all tucked away inside a minimal form covered in Italian wool (slate grey) or cashmere (all other colors). Made in Indonesia.

• Great sound doesn’t have to come from a black box. Libratone is covered in acoustically transparent cashmere or wool.
• This single unit has speakers on all three sides and packs a powerful punch with 150 watts of total output power, coming from five dedicated amplifiers.
• The drivers inside are: one 5" bass, two 3" midrange and two 1" ribbon-based tweeters.
• The Libratone Live allows for versatility due to its small size and built-in handle.

DIETER RAMS EXHIBIT

If your secret lair or bachelor pad has a modernist vibe, employing minimal Ikea shelving systems or Apple computer products, your environment owes a lot to German industrial designer, Dieter Rams. Rams, who is recently retired, was the visionary behind decades of sleek and functional gadgets produced by Braun and home organization and furniture by Visoe. If you're like me, you might have grown up in a household filled with Rams-designed clocks, coffee grinders and coffee-makers, juicers, hair dryers, and electric razors. Rams also designed cameras, and my favorite, a long line of stereo components and speakers. The philosophy that tied his work together was the notion that objects should be created to be instantly understood and useful. His pieces had a beautiful simplicity and functionality that were a direct inspiration for Apple products. In his foreword to a new book about Rams, Apple designer Jonathan Ive said, “surfaces that were without apology, bold, pure, perfectly-proportioned, coherent and effortless. No part appeared to be either hidden or celebrated, just perfectly considered and completely appropriate in the hierarchy of the product’s details and features. At a glance, you knew exactly what it was and exactly how to use it (Examiner)."


The exhibit, Less is More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams, is currently running at SFMOMA until February 20th. If you are not in the Bay area, I encourage Spy Vibers to try to catch this show before it's gone. From SFMOMA: "Widely regarded as one of the most influential industrial designers of our time, Dieter Rams produced iconic works and innovative ideas (in particular his advocacy for "less but better" design) that have proved seminal for our contemporary design culture. For more than 40 years, Rams was the lead designer for the German household appliance company Braun. He has also been the active designer for German furniture company Vitsœ since his start there in 1959. This exhibition includes more than 200 models and objects by Rams and his team, as well as contemporary designs influenced by his Ten Principles of Good Design, such as Apple computers."

Here are some preview images I made at the museum to share with Spy Vibers. The piece that excited me most was his 1956 record player, the SK4 (image #6 below). When the original sheet metal hood rattled at higher volumes, Rams suggested using a transparent plastic lid- a material that only recently had appeared on the market. Detractors thought the plastic hood was too much in line with temporary fashion (see Spy Vibe's article Fear and Fashion), and the SK4 was nicknamed "Snow White's Coffin". Of course, the clear cover became ubiquitous around the world and changed the look of turntables forever. To learn more, check out the books, Dieter Rams: As Little Design as Possible, Less and More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams, Braun- Fifty Years of Design and Innovation. There is also a short video presentation with Rams at SFMOMA on Vimeo. Portrait above from the nice overview post, Who is Dieter Rams?

PHILLIP JOHNSON GLASS HOUSE

The aesthetics of architecture and modern design are an integral element to the spy vibe of cold war mystery/adventure. While we celebrate luminaries like Ken Adam for defining the space-age, larger-than-life style of the James Bond universe, it's important to point out visionaries who pushed the envelope of environments in the real world. Over the hill from my own childhood house with giant glass walls, Phillip Johnson created his iconic glass house. Join New Yorker architecture critic, Paul Goldberger, for a look at the Phillip Johnson Glass House and property, filmed during a tour in September, 2011.

Conversations in Context: Paul Goldberger from The Philip Johnson Glass House on Vimeo.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Happy Holidays to all Spy Vibers! I hope everyone is enjoying the company of friends and family, with a little dash of secret agent fun thrown in. Perhaps some of you are watching 007 marathons, or catching the Bond Girls Are Forever documentary streaming on Netflix (that's gorgeous pre-Avenger Joanna Lumley below from On Her Majesty's Secret Service). Both Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and the new Mission Impossible are now playing in theaters. And Spielberg's Adventures of Tin Tin is quite fun!


The winners in our holiday contest were chosen in a random drawing this morning. Thanks to the many people who entered. Stay tuned for more contests in the future. The prize assignments are: For Bond Lovers Only- David L, The Persuaders- J Kraus, Secret Agent magnet- Bob D, and Tinker Tailor brochure- Matt B. Congrats to all! Your packages will be mailed out next week. Check out our current auction, which includes a framed 007 display hand-signed by Sean Connery and other collectibles.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Diamonds Are Forever, Cinema Retro alerted us to this fun Christmas-time trailer. A perfect item for the day. Enjoy!

Bonus trivia: On this day in 1959, an eighteen-year-old Ringo Starr received his first drum kit as a present. You never know what is going to fire the imagination and expression in a kid. Here's to supporting creative exploration!

HOLIDAY PRIZES: LAST DAY

Only one day left to enter to win Spy Vibe holiday give-away prizes: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy brochure, Danger Man/Secret Agent magnet, vintage Persuaders novel, and vintage book, For Bond Lovers Only. Just send e-mails to jason[at]spyvibe.com with your prize choices in the subject line, and your mailing address as the message content, by the end of the day, December 24th. Winners will be chosen at random and announced on the 25th! Also, check out our auction for cool collectibles like a Sean Connery hand-signed 007 display and vintage spy view master sets.

BRUCE SPIZER SALE

Author Bruce Spizer has created the ultimate archive of reference books about The Beatles recording legacy. Each of his editions, painstakingly researched over years, are lavishly illustrated with color photographs and rare images. When editions from his library go out of print, they sell for upwards of $500. Spy Vibers interested in diving into Fab Four history should check out his books covering Parlophone, Apple, Capital, Vee-Jay, and Swan releases. Spizer is holding a holiday promotion on some of the few remaining editions he has in stock. Each book had a brief window on sale running up to the holidays, but now all are on sale. They're beautiful, don't miss them! Sale ends December 31st. Details at Bruce Spizer's website.

Also, be sure to check Spy Vibe's current auction for a hand-signed Sean Connery 007 display and other collectibles. Find out about Jason's experimental film for his winning re-mix for Yoko Ono at The Sun is Down website.


The Beatles Swan Song is on sale for $22 (down from $50). Sale also includes free bookmarks and a poster-like end-sheet. "It is the first book to accurately tell the stories behind the Beatles discs released by Swan, United Artists, Decca, MGM, Atco and Polydor. It also has an extensive section on Capitol Records in the 70s & 80s, which details the Capitol theme albums such as Rock ’N’ Roll Music, Love Songs and Reel Music, as well as The Beatles At The Hollywood Bowl, Rarities and the unreleased Sessions LP. Additional sections cover dubious releases such as The Savage Young Beatles and the Star-Club album, the high-end Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab LPs and the record club albums."

The Beatles Are Coming is marked down to $15 (from $30). "The most thorough and accurate book ever published on how Beatlemania evolved in America, this book covers the Beatles first visit to the United States and the events leading up to their arrival on February 7, 1964. It details why Capitol Records turned the group down four times and tells the stories of two small record labels, Vee-Jay and Swan, who issued the group’s records without success in 1963."

Price Guide for The Beatles American Records is marked down to $22 (from $50). Slipcase edition is $45 (down from $75). "An exciting new publication with thousands of new listings. Unlike prior guides, all formats for a particular title will be listed together. Thus, the listings under Abbey Road will include vinyl records, 4-track tapes, 8-track tapes, cassettes and compact discs, all in one place. The book will also have color images throughout. Each page of listings will have color images of some of the items described on the page. Most pages have four images, with some having more. Another innovation is the adoption of the numbering system used in Bruce Spizer’s books. This will enable collectors to coordinate prices in the guide with images in Bruce Spizer’s books. The identification numbers assigned to items in this book are permanent and will not change in future editions. Each listing will have a checkbox so that collectors can mark the items in their collections."

The Beatles Solo on Apple is marked down to $22 (from $50) and includes rare bookmark. "And, if you still haven’t ordered The Beatles on Apple Records now would be a good time to do so as less than 40 copies remain available for sale. Sellers on the secondary market listed on Amazon are asking between $137.52 and $900.00 for a used copy! You can buy a new copy with a slightly nicked or dented cover from 498 Productions for the original sale price of $50. This followup to The Beatles on Apple Records chronicles the solo releases by John, Paul, George and Ringo issued from 1968-1975. At 310 pages with over 800 images, this book covers the Beatles solo releases on Apple, including Imagine, Band On The Run, All Things Must Pass and Ringo. The brilliance of John, Paul, George and Ringo didn’t die in early 1970 when the Beatles officially broke up, and this book highlights their later, often forgotten work."

GERRY ANDERSON UFO MOVIE

When you create a cocktail of jazzy organ music, purple wigs, silver mini skirts, Nehru jackets, space-age vehicles and gadgets, and an international agency posing as a movie studio, you can see why Gerry Anderson's series, UFO, looms large on Spy Vibe. We announced quite a while ago that there is a feature film currently in the works based on this sci-spy classic. There have been few official updates, but the producers have announced that they plan on a summer 2013 release. They have also posted an initial design for the film's promotional poster. More news at it arrives. For those who have not see the show, here is a three-minute title sequence that sums up why it was so cool. UFO was Anderson's first series with live actors, following the success of Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, etc. Although the performances were sometimes wooden and puppet-like, there was a dark edge to the writing that continues to keep the interest of modern viewers.

Be sure to check Spy Vibe's holiday give-away prizes and current auction (see previous posts). Winners will be chosen on Dec 24th!

PRE-PYTHON SECRET SERVICE

Before they formed Monty Python with the cast of Do Not Adjust Your Set, John Cleese and Graham Chapman starred with Marty Feldman in the 1967 series, At Last the 1948 Show. One skit from the first episode might be especially fun for Spy Vibers- a secret service spoof that kicks off with The Avengers theme song by Laurie Johnson! You might even spot the lovely Aimi MacDonald (from The Avengers episode, Return of the Cybernauts). The segment starts at 6:06, after a funny psychiatrist skit with John Cleese. The episode also includes an early version of 'the four Yorkshire men', a skit that became popular with Monty Python TV and stage performances.

Be sure to check Spy Vibe's holiday give-away prizes and current auction (see previous posts). Winners will be chosen on Dec 24th!

THE PHANTOM: HERMES PRESS COMIC SERIES

Dan and the folks at Hermes Press have been busy putting together new publications that are sure to excite Spy Vibers. Hermes is committed to celebrating classic comic and pop culture with archival editions printed with high-quality papers, color, and resolution. They have already made a big splash with their re-prints of Gold Key comic book classics like Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Time Tunnel, Land of the Giants, and Dark Shadows. Today Hermes Press released the first in a new series of comic book reprints of the ghost who walks, The Phantom! Hermes has been releasing beautiful collections of the original Phantom comic strips and these new volumes add the many comic book editions to their catalog. More info at the Hermes Press website.

Amazon lists a number of Phantom titles from Hermes, including today's release of The Phantom The Complete Series: The Gold Key Years Volume One. I encourage Spy Vibers to take advantage of the low Amazon prices, by the way. These books traditionally have high cover prices (they're worth it!) and, like those rare Cinema Retro issues (see last post), they become quite collectible once they are out of print.


From Amazon: The 1960s comic book adventures of The Phantom return in full, glorious color! This series of collections, which consists of eight volumes, spans 15 years and starts by assembling all 17 Gold Key The Phantom comic books into two volumes. Featuring cover art by famed painter George Wilson with interior artwork by Bill Lignante and stories by Bill Harris, the Gold Key comic book version of the grand-daddy of costumed heroes, the Ghost Who Walks, is now available, digitally remastered! The Phantom The Complete Series: The Gold Key Years Volume One reprints issues #1-8.

Hermes Press will follow up with additional Phantom re-prints this winter. On January 10th, they will release The Phantom The Complete Series: The Charlton Years Volume One.


From Amazon: The late 1960s comic book adventures of The Phantom return in full, glorious color! Hermes Press is collecting, all 74 issues of The Phantom comic books which ran from 1962-1977, and this volume begins the Charlton years. Volume One of The Charlton Years picks up with The Phantom #30, the first Charlton issue, and features all The Phantom stories from issues #30-#40. Volume One of The Chartlon years features cover art by Frank Mclaughlin and Jim Aparo; interior art by Don Perlin, Jim Aparo, and Bill Lignante; and stories by Dick Wood and Jim Aparo. The Charlton comic book version of the grand-daddy of costumed heroes, the Ghost Who Walks, is available again, digitally remastered to look better than the original books.

And on February 14th, Hermes will release The Phantom The Complete Series: The King Years.


From Amazon: The mid-1960s comic book adventures of The Phantom return in full, glorious color! Hermes Press is collecting all 74 issues of The Phantom comic books which ran from 1962-1977, and this volume features the King years. This volume picks up with The Phantom #18, the first King issue, and features all The Phantom stories from issues #18-28. Featuring cover and interior art by Bill Lignante, the King comic book version of the grand-daddy of costumed heroes, the Ghost Who Walks, is available again, digitally remastered to look better than the original books.

Be sure to check Spy Vibe's holiday give-away prizes and current auction (see previous posts). Winners will be chosen on Dec 24th!

CINEMA RETRO: RARE ISSUES

With in-depth articles covering such classics as Flint, Batman, Man From U.N.C.L.E., and Deadlier Than the Male, there are many sold-out issues of Cinema Retro that have become highly collectible. Cinema Retro never re-prints their publications, which has caused after-market prices to soar into the hundreds for a single magazine. But Spy Vibers who missed early subscription windows now have cause to rejoice. The magazine just launched a digital wing that enables readers to catch up with these holy grail editions on-line for the original cover price of $12.


Cinema Retro"Cinema Retro constantly gets requests from readers to reprint those issues of Cinema Retro that have sold out. However, as every issue is a limited edition collector’s item, we have to remain true to our word and never reprint these editions. However, we know that many of our dedicated readers were not even aware of the magazine until long after certain issues have sold out. Thus, we’ve partnered with our American distributor RCS to make sold out issues available as on-line digital editions. These sold out issues of the magazine now command big prices on the collector’s circuit (A reader advises he just sold two of his spare issues on eBay for $229 each!) Yet, the digital on-line versions are available for purchase at the regular cover price of $12.

These digital editions are exactly the same as the format of the original magazine. They are not edited in any way and contain every word and photo featured in the print edition.By viewing on line, you can browse through the pages and zoom in or out to increase or decrease the size of the print."

Digital Cinema Retro magazines available here. Avoid missing future issues by subscribing to the magazine. They are now taking orders for their next series of three issues. Details here.

Be sure to check Spy Vibe's holiday give-away prizes and current auction (see previous posts). Winners will be chosen on Dec 24th!

EAMES MOVIE TONIGHT

The new documentary film, Charles & Ray Eames: the Architect and the painter, premieres tonight n PBS "American Masters presents the first film made about America’s most important and influential designers, Charles and Ray Eames, since their deaths in 1978 and 1988, respectively — and the only film that explores the link between their artistic collaboration and sometimes tortured marriage. Jason Cohn and Bill Jersey’s definitive documentary delves into the private world the Eameses created in their Renaissance-style, Venice Beach, California studio, where design history was born. Narrated by James Franco, Charles & Ray Eames: The Architect and the Painter premieres nationally Monday, December 19 from 10-11:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on PBS (check local listings) as the 25th anniversary season finale of American Masters." Looking for more Eames? Neflix has the full series of short films by Charles & Ray Eames for rent (including Powers of Ten/1977). Also, be sure to check Spy Vibe's holiday give-away prizes and current auction (see previous posts). Winners will be chosen on Dec 24th!

PYTHON'S DENTAL SPIES

It's been Monty Python mania here at the Spy Vibe lair this week! I watched the excellent documentary Almost the Truth streaming on Netflix. For those looking for a comprehensive history of the Pythons, this series offers a great overview of each chapter in their history- from college humor groups and early TV work to Flying Circus and the later films. During the Life of Brian segment, I recalled a Python-themed Christmas one year, when I received the Brian screenplay and movie poster from my mom. Brilliant! Add some humor to your holidays with this classic Python sketch, Lemming of the BDA. And be sure to check our holiday give-away prizes and current auction (see previous posts). Winners will be chosen on Dec 24th.

HOLIDAY CONTEST 4: SECRET AGENT

Happy Holidays to all Spy Vibers out there in the field. I hope that you get a break from your current missions to enjoy some time with friends and family. And because gifts are fun, too, we're giving away presents! Prizes will be listed each day this week and winners will be chosen at random on December 24th. All you have to do is send an email to jason[at]spyvibe.com with the prize name (Tinker, etc) listed as subject and your mailing address as content. Also, check out the Spy Vibe auction this week to see our listings of a Sean Connery 007 autograph and some vintage 007 and U.N.C.L.E. collectibles.

Prize #4: SECRET AGENT/DANGER MAN
Every secret lair needs a top spy, and you can't find a better one than Patrick McGoohan's John Drake (Secret Agent/Danger Man). Classic still magnet, cool for kitchen operations!

HOLIDAY CONTEST 3: TINKER TAILOR

Happy Holidays to all Spy Vibers out there in the field. I hope that you get a break from your current missions to enjoy some time with friends and family. And because gifts are fun, too, we're giving away presents! Prizes will be listed each day this week and winners will be chosen at random on December 24th. All you have to do is send an email to jason[at]spyvibe.com with the prize name (Tinker, etc) listed as subject and your mailing address as content. Also, check out the Spy Vibe auction this week to see our listings of a Sean Connery 007 autograph and some vintage 007 and U.N.C.L.E. collectibles.

Prize #3: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
I recently saw a sneak preview of the new Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The director and Gary Oldman were there for a Q&A afterwards, and it was interesting to hear their perspective on making this new film based on John Le Carre's classic novel. One amusing anecdote was that Oldman deliberated at length over which glasses to use for the role. He narrowed down his search once he found a vintage eyeglass specialist in Pasadena. So much of the film deals with his character's ability to make observations and to analyze the minutia- without projecting his own interior thoughts and emotions. In a film where visibility becomes theme, there are some beautifully shot moments that use the transparent and reflective nature of eyeglasses to echo what is happening in the narrative.


I was welcomed into the theater by a stylish usher who greeted me with, "For your consideration," as she handed me a film brochure. As I looked for a seat, I noted that most of the room was reserved for members of the Academy. The brochure is a well-designed piece that is broken down into various sections to celebrate and explain the various elements of the complicated espionage plot. I have two brochures to give away to Spy Vibers as today's holiday prize.

HOLIDAY CONTEST 2: PERSUADERS

Happy Holidays to all Spy Vibers out there in the field. I hope that you get a break from your current missions to enjoy some time with friends and family. And because gifts are fun, too, we're giving away presents! Prizes will be listed each day this week and winners will be chosen at random on December 24th. All you have to do is send an email to jason[at]spyvibe.com with the prize name (Persuaders, etc) listed as subject and your mailing address as content. Also, check out the Spy Vibe auction this week to see our listings of a Sean Connery 007 autograph and some vintage 007 and U.N.C.L.E. collectibles.

Prize #1: The Persuaders: Files Miles to Midnight
Vintage paperback adventure based on The Persuaders with Roger Moore and Tony Curtis, Five Miles to Midnight, by Frederick Smith (1972). See Prize #1 in previous post.

HOLIDAY CONTEST 1: BOND LOVERS

Happy Holidays to all Spy Vibers out there in the field. I hope that you get a break from your current missions to enjoy some time with friends and family. And because gifts are fun, too, we're giving away presents! Prizes will be listed each day this week and winners will be chosen at random on December 24th. All you have to do is send an email to jason[at]spyvibe.com with the prize name (For Bond Lovers, etc) listed as subject and your mailing address as content. Also, check out the Spy Vibe auction this week to see our listings of a Sean Connery 007 autograph and some vintage 007 and U.N.C.L.E. collectibles.

Prize #1: For Bond Lovers Only
A cool paperback from the height of the spy boom, Bond is examined by the likes of Ian Fleming, Len Deighton, Raymond Chandler, Sean Connery, and Allen Dulles. The book also sports a gorgeous cover image of Ursula Andress, many interior b&w pinup photos of Bond girls, and a three-page catalog of 007's guns. 4th printing, 1966, 156 pages. Nice edition!

SPY VIBE AUCTION

Spy Vibe auction! Check out our eBay auction for an original hand-signed 007 autograph display by Sean Connery and rare Moonraker and Man From U.N.C.L.E. View Maters sets.

YELLOW SUBMARINE ITUNES

On the heels of Rolling Stone's release of the digital Beatles Album Guide App last week, iTunes launched Yellow Submarine today. In this new iBook feature, fans can read the story of the classic 1968 animated film about the Beatles' journey to rescue Pepperland from music-hating Blue Meanies. The digital book includes sound files of Beatles songs and George Martin's score, as well as video clips from the film. iTunes currently offers the book for free. Yellow Submarine was released on DVD in 1999 and has since gone out of print. Discs are still available through second-market vendors on Amazon and other on-line shops. But for many fans, this digital book will provide a welcome opportunity to revisit the film. Robert Zemeckis was due to direct a remake of the movie, but the project was docked. The soundtrack was fully remixed in 1999 from the original masters, creating what many believe to be the most dynamic re-release of Beatles music. It was remastered from the original tapes in 2009 as part of the historic project to upgrade the CD catalog with detailed, digital discs.


As fans enjoy their ride on the Yellow Submarine, take a moment to remember John Lennon, who passed away today in 1980. Over fifty of my art students from Drew School contributed to the John Lennon Imagine Peace Tower in Iceland, where children's wishes for the world were added to the light between John's birthday, October 9th, and today- in one collective prayer for peace.

DEAL ALERT: 007

Amazon is currently selling James Bond Blu-ray titles for $8.99. The sale ends at 8:30am (pacific), and includes Thunderball, From Russia With Love, Dr. No, For Your Eyes Only, and Die Another Day. Details at Amazon.

BABY YOU CAN DRIVE MY DB5

Coys, automobile auctioneers-extraordinaire, have a number of rare beauties on the auction block this week. Among the many vintage Jaguar and Ferrari is this special gem. The Aston Martin DB5 is well-known among Spy Vibers for its appearance in the James Bond universe. I'm sure we've all wanted to own one. But, what about a DB5 once owned by George Harrison of The Beatles?

From Coys:

"Estimate: £225,000 - £260,000
Registration Number: EU Taxes Paid
Chassis Number: DB5/1896/R

To many observers the Aston Martin DB5 is the epitome of the company's models during the David Brown era, boasting both beauty and refined high performance. It is also perhaps the best known Aston Martin in the world, having starred in the James Bond films Goldfinger and Thunderball, complete with machine guns and other gadgetry.

In evolution terms the DB5 is a Series V DB4 but with a 4.0 litre rather than 3.7 litre engine, its coachwork embodying detail changes; it thus featured similar stunning styling from Touring of Milan, incorporating DB4 GT-style faired-in headlamps, with aluminium panels attached to a lightweight steel frame using Touring's Superleggera method of construction.

Underneath, the platform chassis used independent coil spring wishbone front suspension with a live rear axle located by Watt linkage and parallel trailing arms. Disc brakes were fitted all round, but the Girling items of the DB4 GT rather than the DB4's Dunlop discs.

The Tadek Marek designed twin overhead camshaft, straight six engine was enlarged to 3,995cc from the DB4's 3,670cc, power rising to 282bhp at 5,500rpm in standard trim; a 314bhp Vantage option, using triple Weber rather than SU carburettors, higher compression ratio and a different camshaft profile, was a rare and desirable option.

Initially, the all-alloy engine was mated to a four-speed David Brown gearbox with overdrive but later models featured a five-speed ZF unit. An automatic transmission was also offered for the first time.

Other changes over the DB4 included an alternator, four exhaust silencers rather than two, electric windows and variable intensity brake lights. Following its launch in July 1963 in saloon and convertible forms the DB5 received much praise, not least for its performance. A maximum of 148mph in standard trim, allied to 0-60 and 0-100mph in 7.1 and 16.9 seconds respectively, made the DB5 one of the fastest cars available and a match for the very best from Europe.

The particular Aston Martin DB5 on offer here is a most remarkable example, not only for its originality but also because of its very interesting provenance. Manufactured in late 1964, DB5/1896/R was supplied new on January 1st 1965 through Brydor Cars of Brooklands to Beatle George Harrison.

Painted in the attractive shade of Platinum silver with a black Connolly leather interior, the factory build sheet shows that non-standard equipment specified by Harrison included chrome wire wheels with Avon tyres, 3 ear hub caps, a heated rear screen, a radio, Britax safety belts, FIAM horns with changeover switch and a detachable passenger headrest. The build sheet also states that the timing chain was modified later that same year.

By the late 1980's the DB5 had found its way into a museum in Tokyo, Japan. In 1995 it was purchased by a Japanese collector resident in Germany, where it was exported to join the rest of his collection. Purchased for the collection in 2007, the DB5 has been maintained in a largely original and unrestored condition.

Chassis DB5/1896/R is now presented in very nice general order, with a recorded mileage of just over 22,000 miles. The paintwork has clearly received some attention over the years and is in good order. The delightful patina on the leather seating surfaces and the condition of the roof lining and carpets leads one to believe that they are the originals while the internal door trims appear to have been refinished to a high standard relatively recently.

The instrument panel and wood rimmed steering wheel likewise appear to be original. The engine compartment is also largely original and shows the signs of some recent maintenance. The DB5 starts and runs well and shows no signs of major mechanical maladies.

The provenance of chassis DB5/1896/R is confirmed by a letter from Aston Martin, the history file includes a copy of the original build sheet and documents relating to the importation of the car into Germany.

Coys are delighted to offer for sale Harrison's first “important” car, bought new and delivered to Harrison personally in 1965 at his Kinfauns estate in Esher, Surrey, England.

We are offering here the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire not only one of the most collectible of the David Brown Aston Martins produced, in very original condition, but one that has been owned by arguably one of the most influential musicians ever to grace The Earth.

Please note that this car is to be sold on Bill of Sale.

Estimate: £225,000 - £260,000"

No ejector seat? Maybe the engine purrs along to the beat of I Need You or Taxman. Find out more at the Coys website.

VINTAGE BOOK PRIZES

It's the holiday season and Spy Vibe is giving away vintage books and other prizes! Stay tuned for details...