Equipment
848/65hp Panhard twin, Michelin X tires, woodrim steering wheel, side exhaust, roll bar.
Condition
#3 Good
Runs and drives well. Flaws not noticeable to passersby. Most common condition.
Some light scratches and chips in the paint, which is so thin that the pattern of the fiberglass is visible underneath. The body is also a little wavy. Surface rust on the lug nuts and the wheels generally could stand to be restored. Some wear and discoloration on the seats, carpets and gauges, but the interior is sound. Owned by Brooks Stevens for many years after it raced Sebring in 1957, where it DNF'd. DB made lots of neat pint-sized long distance racers, but the HBR5 was their most prolific production model. This one has good history and provenance including Brooks Stevens, plus it's quite well preserved. Rare enough that you'll likely never come across another one in this country unless you're looking hard.
Market commentary
Sold at less than half of Gooding's ambitious presale estimate, this may have been the bargain of the sale in terms of provenance, exclusivity and fun per dollar, perhaps because DBs are on the obscure side in this country and are loud enough to bring tears to the eyes of those exposed to their aggressively-timed 2-cylinder exhaust.