Aston Martin DB5 - V8 !!!!!! Hot Rod

A lost LEGEND - a SURVIVOR that escaped being crushed by Aston Martin out of pure love for this truly special, one-of-a-kind automobile: a V8 powered Aston Martin DB5. Yes V8 not a tiddly 6-cylinder.. Imagine what 007 could have done with this baby!!
Like most James Bond fans I LOVE the DB5 - ever since it scythed across the screen in Goldfinger it became a thing of wonder. Synonymous with 007 getting out of trouble by any means possible. I never imagined that one day I would get to skid one around in a Bond movie, let alone three Bond movies: Skyfall, Spectre and then to Italy with No Time To Die.
In 2021, the DB5 got quite the upgrade for No Time To Die with some creative Q-branch re-imagining to give it more power and less weight. The result was remarkable - an agile machine that could dance with just a tickle of throttle.
It turns out that back in 1964 somebody very clever at Aston Martin had the same idea: Tadek Marek. Tadek was like James Bond and Q rolled into one man. A gifted engineer who escaped the clutches of the Nazis during World War 2 and made it to England where he repurposed Merlin engines from crashed Spitfire fighters into Cromwell tanks. You can bet they were bloody fast tanks.
Tadek enhanced W.O. Bentley’s 6 cylinder engine for the DB5 but he was also working on a special V8 engine.. Tadek reconfigured one, ONLY ONE, DB5 to accommodate that V8 engine. And after he departed Aston Martin - that car was lost.. Until now.
A few years ago when I was writing my book about Aston Martin (available in all good stores) I heard a rumour that turned out to be a fact. After a few phone calls with some very fine people - I got to drive it. Goosebumps.
www.amazon.co.uk/Aston-Martin...
Thanks to Nicholas Mee for helping organise this shoot and to Bryan Webb the fortunate owner for his generosity.
Thank you MAGAZYN CLASSICAUTO in Polska for filming this bad boy
classicautomag.pl/sklep/produ...
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/ bencollinsstig
#AstonMartin #DB5 #BenCollins #TheStig

[@RebelsInc969]

I do hate it when they put music over the sound of a V8, Please Ben forget the music ✌

[@Stan_the_Belgian]

+1

[@454Burban]

Agreed. No offense meant towards Ben, but I'd like the exhaust to be miked.

[@Errol.C-nz]

My pet ATE too.. absolutely irrelavent, annoying & meaningless.. just noise !

[@mattmorris2867]

@@Errol.C-nzWhat did your pet eat?

[@phuketexplorer]

Exactly how I read it, too!😄

[@lestercombs1871]

I’m astounded. This is THE most beautiful DB5 I’ve ever seen. That blue paint is gorgeous.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Spectacular - in person its even better

[@jamesfairmind2247]

Congratulations Ben, this is such a great video, not only about a car nobody even realised existed, but the amazing back story of Tadek Marek, who it seems was a real life Bond hero! What a fitting tribute to both the car and him.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Tadek was the man would have loved to meet him - driving it felt as close to a hand shake as you can get

[@frankengels7843]

Nice fantasy. This car is a modern hotrod.

[@nathanb2100]

Just when you thought the DB5 couldn't get any cooler 😃🤩

[@BenCollinsDrives]

From perfect to something else 💎

[@michaelguerin56]

Beautiful car. Worth saving. Thank you.

[@paweszczutowski1050]

Thank you for Tadeusz Marek story. In today Poland he is totally forgotten. Shame :(

[@russcooke5671]

You should try to get someone to do a detailed documentary on him. He needs some recognition 👌👌👌

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Hopefully he'll stage a comeback!

[@gillie-monger3394]

Engine sound - perfect. Monologue - damned good. Sound track - WHY??? Just NO Ben. Check out Harry Metcalf's, ('Harry's Garage), latest video on the Aston V8 Vantage 7.0 litre conversion, to see how he does that engine note justice.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Can you imagine an engine designer of today having such an enthralling back story? No, neither can I! What a truly stunning car!

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

What a beautiful machine. There should be a movie based on Tadek Marek and his life. I'd definitely pay to watch that.

[@papalaz4444244]

This is the only DB5 that matches everyone's imagination of a DB 5 :) If they made these today I reckon people would buy them. no hesitation

[@alfatbear]

Very true. I would. Love how edgy it looks but still keeps the DB5 persona.

[@mrkingcat2]

Good idea playing that music over the beautiful engine sound.

[@maxcarter970]

Lovely. Would be nice to hear more of the V8 though.

[@kevinDG7]

When you think a db5 wouldn't get any more special. A car with a beautiful story

[@microsignzero]

Someone needs to make a movie about this Tadek Marek fella. Thanks Ben for sharing the story!

[@donhathaway3234]

In my mind, the most desirable sports car ever built.

[@iansheppard9736]

The Marek engine first went into the DB4 as a 3.7 litre in 1958. I had a 1962 DB4 Vantage.

[@allennewborn936]

That is the most beautiful Aston Martin I've ever seen.

[@paulelverstone8677]

Up until now I'd always considered my 'unicorn car' to be Jaguar's XJ13 - I may have to re-think that now. Subscribed...

[@Nils_Martin]

What a hero story and template for Aston Martin’s victory and adventure. One of the reasons why i love Aston Martin, a proper gentleman car.

[@titiwin25]

Tadek Marek life is worth of an action movie ... holy moly!

[@LSATSB]

Polish influence is definitely not something of the last 20 years… Pozdrowienia z Polski and the 303 squadron! 😉

[@DIY-V12]

Quality backstory - so few dig into the character of the people behind these special cars.

[@user-xe2mo4fm2h]

What an inspirational story - I think that might be the finest car on the road

[@nigeldewallens1115]

My word what a stunning car you had the chance to drive and then, talking about that amazing man! His history, deserves a film on its own! That was a delight to see thank you!

[@SB-vb8ch]

Transfer case? No transfer cases on that! Very cool car though & amazing history, both Tadek & the car!

[@NigelMarston]

Mentioned it twice whilst pointing at two different things too

[@benpenagonzales6014]

Really warming up as your own brand now Ben. Don’t know if that’s 100% you but it feels organic which is all that matters! Good show my man.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Thank you - it was 99% me i have to keep 1% in reserve to drive the car and remember what time it is 😜 we had a short time to film it

[@blakecapon4627]

I had no idea the turmoil the man had to go through. A proper inspiration.

[@prinsiwo]

Wow, such a rare car and with such history! Really cool

[@LightBranches]

Hoping for a “car sounds only” version of this video. Nothing against Ben’s narration...it’s the Bames Jond soundtrack that needs to go.

[@jeremyclares4851]

The Stig would like to have a word with you.

[@DIYDr.]

Excited for the sounds too

[@Brookspirit]

Fantastic car, and a great video, but it really doesn't need the music.

[@Hostilenemy]

Some say, he once attached a V8 to a pepper grinder, and that as a teenager, his favorite hobby was counting sheep.

[@josephpsmithe]

Can’t read that without hearing Clarkson voice….

[@nik-ev3eh]

Some say the Stig's dad was an actor called Hot Rod.

[@williamtaylor5193]

The dash and instruments are pure class.

[@dbrown555]

The V8 should be the soundtrack, no music needed.

[@samuelbeckett4632]

Such awe for Tadek's life & journey; courage, commitment & engineering mastery. Thanks for bringing us this story; more please.

[@bicyclist2]

I love the interesting history of this car. So very glad that it didn't get scrapped. Great color blue. Thank you.

[@tannermorgan9796]

wow. truly a masterpiece and a unicorn.

[@addisonmaves8348]

Magnificent. What an amazing story. That is a proper Unicorn ❤

[@jackytwickx5330]

We need movies of these men. Great job Ben. Keep em coming

[@deldridg]

I would agree with this. Like you, no doubt, I'm very inspired to learn more about Tadek Marek. See you at the cinema! Cheers - Dave

[@michaelhughes3302]

Just came from Harry's review of the seven liter Vantage. Also prepared by RS Williams. To think that this pretty little car could have 500hp to the wheels is absolutely nuts. Great job showcasing this incredible machine Ben.

[@carsandstuff365]

Iv driven a RS Williams 7.0 vantage with a manual .. i can confirm it’s insane.

[@grievuspwn4g3]

​@@carsandstuff365damn, so if you imagine that car, but a bit lighter, and a DB5.

[@Telecasterland]

This is the car Bond should have had. 100% and now we can imagine so while reading Flemming.

[@ghaithmesselmani528]

What an astonishing car, incredibly elegant, strong personality right there, definitely a James Bond car, it's a masterpiece!

[@rafaelsays175]

Amazing how a hunk of metal can elicit emotions. What a car.

[@andyk7217]

Wow! What a story, what a man and what a car....a true legend!

[@Tcmaster74]

Its amazing when you find yourself sitting there smiling all the time watching you and this epic car. Thanks for letting us take part in all those adventures…

[@chuckkfinnley]

So awesome that this car was saved. Love it when these rare cars slip by the corporate crusher.

[@UncleManuel]

The recap of his life sounds more like a skript for a Hollywood movie. Holy moly! 😲😲😲

[@IMTHEBIGGESTCUNT]

Lovely motor! There just has to be more to the history file after that ‘scrapped input’!? Looks like someone has spent A LOT of time, money and effort on this beauty! A nice green DB5 rolled past me at 70mph a few days ago… this is certainly something else! ❤️😍👍

[@rickstevens1479]

Harry had an Aston today , not as special but then they're all special .. you have a charmed life. 😎

[@Maulzy23]

Devils advocate: If the logbook so cleanly states it was scrapped, and it's whereabouts have been a mystery, how do we know this is not someones recreation? Great story and amazing car none the less.

[@bryanwebb5589]

Because the 3rd owner is still alive who has all the records still or at least he did until he passed them on to me. He bought it from a guy in Devon who has since died and that guy bought it from Vic Brass who used to work at the AM factory, left and made a career out of selling unusual & scrapped Aston Martins.

[@Maulzy23]

@@bryanwebb5589 Well that clears that up, awesome car!

[@Stratoszero]

Nice background story to Tadek Marek that I have not heard before in 50 years of car nerding. Sounds like his bookish appearance disguised nerves of steel. Its ironic that 60 years later this car probably represents what everyone would want in a classic Aston; the looks of the DB5, long wheelbase and sturdier chassis of the DB6, and the grunt of the V8. If DB5s werent so valuable now ther would be some "continuation" cars made for sure.

[@fredvallenet]

What a great story! You should have a full TV show telling stories of incredible cars.

[@camwhitman5425]

What an incredible story behind this car and the man who built it.

[@noonehere1793]

He was LARGER THAN LIFE for sure! Thanks for a most interesting story!👍👍

[@EvilUnderTone]

I have worked on a few DB5s & 6s. This V8 is certainly shaken not stirred!... Stunning!

[@keohaneorama]

That car and Tadek Marek should be the subject of Christoper Nolans next film. What a great video.

[@ginogina4589]

When I was a student at Lancaster Uni in Lancs 1969-70, my friend had a mate with a DB5. The most gorgeous car ever.

[@Pietervdv]

Absolutely marvelous car. I like how Harry says the Countach is more to his taste, as it's wilder. If you wouldn't know him and would hear him talk, you'd expect him to be more biased towards something more British and subtle.

[@RobJaskula]

I love what a total hoon Harry is! Totally defies the first impression when you look at him

[@dougshaw2944]

Big fan & appreciate all the good content. Can you get the camera operator to film the good stuff?! Even when you're pointing out engine bay bits we're still seeing Ben in half the frame. Super cool Aston, thanks for bringing it to the awful commenters of youtube.

[@flemmingploug2670]

DB5 is automotive perfection its breathtaking from just about any angle.

[@tjteknik1]

That Marek fellow sure was a bit of a human tornado... Imagine doing all these trips in a war infested Europe _and_ survive. Besides the fact, being a mechanical wizard of sorts. Amazing stuff.

[@ISirSmoke]

one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen, it should be paraded for everyone to see and enjoy wish there was a die-cast model of it that I could buy

[@bryanwebb5589]

Now there’s a great idea ! I’m onto it.

[@emzy415]

DB5 Convertible in Tesco Amersham the other day - mint, beautiful!

[@GrandadTinkerer]

Thanks so much for this. Amazing story about the amazing man who was instrumental in creating this truly beautiful car.

[@Depinor]

Great video Ben and wonderful tribute to TM. I’m not sure you need the music on the driving section - the car itself does that!

[@Czechbound]

Great video ! ( I love that fisheye lens effect ). Can we take a moment to consider the size of Mr. Marek's cajones to have made that wartime trip to pick up his wife. What a dude ! Harry Metcalfe's current video on an 80's V8 Vantage describes a bill from that restoration company of GB150,000+ for upgrading the engine and brakes on it, so lord knows that the bill for bringing this machine back to as new condition cost ...

[@markdavis2475]

Loved the history behind the designer. Small observation, the background music becomes a bit overbearing at times. Great episode thanks 👍

[@marcjudge680]

Absolutely, I had trouble hearing what Ben was saying

[@ATomRileyA]

That is a fantastic DB5, great to see it restored and driving. Great video too really enjoying these.

[@TheJohn8765]

Great vid, Ben. Your passion and love for the car is evident throughout. You were wasted as The Stig. Harry's Garage also has a Williams fettled 84 Vantage with a 7 litre upgrade. These old school Aston's are fucking brilliant.

[@DeMobBoss]

Fascinating video! Wish we could hear more of the engine instead of the backing track though.

[@lesflynn4455]

What a shame this gorgeous car never made it to production. But thank god this prototype was saved.

[@EE9Civic]

Great video and what a beautiful and interesting car.

[@matthewharding7342]

Yep, stunning car. God I love it❤

[@paweljagielski2839]

I worked at Aston Martin on db11 and vanquish, vantage but these models did not have what db5 has, it is a work of art. As a Pole, I am proud that a Polish engineer contributed to the creation of one of the most beautiful cars in the history of the automotive industry, well done Tadeusz Marek

[@williamgregory6684]

Thank God someone saw fit to sneak it off the grounds.They snuck a couple Corvette's out of GM also. What a 💎💎 gem!!!

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

As nature intended aye Ben. Fantastic car

[@robinoconnor1203]

I was not aware of this amazing car, it would be nice if the original fitted V8 could be found.

[@deldridg]

Thank you for bringing this car and its wonderful back story to light for the rest of us, the great unwashed! One can only imagine the exhilaration you must have felt when seeing this for the first time and then to actually pilot such a creature must have been really something. Nice that you've had so much experience with the DB5 so as to give more detail to this compelling piece. Many thanks and cheers from Sydney - David

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you liked it - felt unreal having the V8 rumble in the dainty DB5 but just awesome

[@samuelbeckett4632]

@@BenCollinsDrives i had a 5.0l v8 with a rochester quadrajet carb in the boat; such a beautiful noise/feeling

[@andreasr.3312]

Stig does Stiggy things AND he TALKS 😍 Keep on going

[@mrm1885]

Great to see rare cars like this on the road and not hidden away in some garage.

[@joshuakhaos4451]

We need to normalize classics( no matter how rare) being driven as opposed to sitting in a garage/building for the next highest bidder. Doing so is basically depriving people, especially young people from knowing a good chunk of modern history. and in the case of brands, their own respective national history. Cars are definitely as important historically as knowing our leaders, founders, Iconic figures over the decades/centuries, ones own culture as well as the worlds history. Sadly many hide cars away because they are too afraid of the loss in value.

[@petero2778]

So much good came out of so much devastation. We are blessed to have these remarkable time pieces to remember the sacrifices, bravery and brilliance of our forefathers and mothers! Thanks for sharing Ben, we are now so lucky to have a platform with guys like yourself putting so much effort into these wonderful productions. Well done and thank you!

[@autobahnproven]

Never knew this car existed. Thank you so much for bringing it to us. Could you please re-release this video with only the music from the car plus your excellent commentary?

[@GT380man]

Tadek sounds like the best great uncle you never had. What a guy. Absent the war, he’d probably have been a successful but largely unknown engineer. As it is, he’s fully spook qualified.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

What a gorgeous machine! I agree completely about the colour.

[@steveb4012]

You forgot your Slazenger sweater Ben, well done, such a great back story to this car.

[@donaldhollums3278]

Man, I like an Aston-Martin. You can have the Jaaaaag, I will take the Aston! A great episode, Mr. Stig.

[@ingrampowell9111]

AFAIK, Marek worked not for Ford but Austin, and while he did develop the Lagonda 6, the DB4 engine was all new. Historic car, great clip.

[@windronner1]

Just breathtaking.

[@henryhol8538]

Fabulous story! Just when you think you know everything about the Astons, here comes another part. I believe it took some time to get the V8 running perfectly for the DBS!

[@philmonk8422]

What an incredible story, man and car.

[@perhael]

Incredible history I had no idea about. 🇵🇱🇵🇱🇵🇱

[@klasykowisko9526]

...brilliant ... Greetings from Poland

[@user-bt4jg5lh4b]

Thanks Ben , this is a great channel , great video

[@Matthew-ll9ke]

A motoring journalist who can actually drive. What a thing to behold

[@stevendeacy7399]

Hi , I am lucky to own (30 years)and have the skills and the time to work on my own DB6 , the engine bay is pretty tight for a classic car so they really did struggle to fit a V8 in there , so your car definitely doesn’t have the air conditioning option, which is going to make the cockpit very warm indeed , also the chassis has been modified to fit the extra exhaust tubing and mufflers I would guess as the spare wheel well is over to the drivers side and will make it difficult to wrap the exhaust around it . The more I look the more substitutes I can see in the interior and exterior design. I have been a little complacent about my car recently having spent some 1500 hours making it the best it can be and I am still not finished but this well constructed video has exited me all over again . This V8 is a truly fabulous machine unique , timeless and absolutely beautiful. Thank you

[@Yourmission9]

Absolutely gorgeous car, subscribed

[@brentcowan8077]

Back in the 80's I had a DB6 Vantage it was amazing ...god I wish I still had it!

[@walterpleyer261]

Beautiful car, awesome sound. I'd be happy like Ben driving this gorgeous vehicle

[@dongorgon8603]

Lol the Stig wants a farm! 😂

[@russellsmith1375]

Brilliant video and what a back story!

[@alfatbear]

Wow what an incredible machine and amazing story behind it! And you got to drive it! Lucky dog! Thanks for sharing it with the rest of the world.

[@CS_247]

What a car, and what a story!! 😮❤