Classic Aston Martin DB5 owned by Bletchley Park decoder to go under the hammer at auction

A 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon, first owned by a member of the team that decoded and translated Enigma messages at Bletchley Park during the Second World War, is going to auction.

The Press Association reports that the vehicle was first owned by P.H. Manners Wood Esq, who helped interpret decoded Enigma messages at the historic site near Milton Keynes, allowing the Allies to gain valuable intelligence from German transmissions.

Working as part of Air Ultra Intelligence, Wood was part of a group credited by General Dwight D.Eisenhower for speeding up the end of the conflict.

The car in question has only had two more owners since that period, with the present one having owned the vehicle for 56 years.

In all, the Sports Saloon, which is expected to fetch between £350,000 and £400,000 when it goes under the hammer next month, has covered 94,000 miles from new and comes equipped with its original interior and ‘matching numbers’ engine.

It also has its original green logbook, factory build sheet and heritage certificate.

Paul Cheetham, senior motor car specialist at H&H Classics, said: “James Bond was not the only British Intelligence Officer to take delivery of an Aston Martin DB5 during 1964, as seen with this wonderful example first owned by Mr Manners Wood.

“We are delighted to be entrusted with the auction of this notably original example, which is sure to attract strong interest from collectors and enthusiasts.”

The vehicle will be sold as part of the H&H Classics sale at Sandown Park racecourse in Surrey on Thursday, December 10.