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.
Voted down the video as he just can't stop talking and the radio playing in the next room as he added the pointless voice over ruined everything. Doesn't anyone watch their videos before uploading? Trying to listen to a v8 and get some chatterbox with a radio in the background.
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!
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.
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.
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…
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
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.
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.
In the late 1950’s my father worked with a French doctor in Spain and later moved his clinic to Casablanca Morocco. My father uplifted the family and followed him there since he was a great man to work for. This doctor drove a DB 5 then and my father told me that he would pre order a new DB 5 when he would pickup his new car for delivery every two years. He respected my father very much and offered him one of his cars before delivery of his next new one. Because my father had just started his family he found it would have been unfair for the kids having to deal with a two door getting in and out. My father also told me he wa s not able to afford that type of car and his boss told him not to worry and pay him what ever he could whenever he could . My father never took him up on it but what a great memory and I still cherish the the photo of my dad standing by the car with the Atlas Mountains of Morocco as a back drop.
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
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!
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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?
Beautiful DB5, removing the chrome bumpers elevates the curvaceous shape. Hats off to the guy (or woman) who invested so much in restoring this historic DB5.
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 ...
I’ve read about Tadek previously, but great to be reminded of these greats, and this car, let’s face it BC’s driving skills give us a great insight into how good these cars were back in the day 👌🏻😎✌🏻
What a piece of history, having lived near the original factory for most of my life along with various visits, I still was unaware of this car and it's story. Keep up the good work Ben, consider me subbed.
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.
A garage in Queensferry, North Wales, that I've used for rolling road tuning in the past had a DB5 in for work last time I was there. They'd converted the stock SU carburettors into throttle bodies and were running on EFI through a Motorsport ECU. A very tidy conversion, where they had hidden the wiring and fuel system well, so that the car still looked like it was running carbs, but with the advantages of modern engine management. It made more power, had better manners and better fuel economy.
I love watching test drives and learning about all cars. I’m always disappointed that there seems to never be a camera mounted that would give us a view of what the driver sees looking out over the hood. Seems to me that would enhance our vicarious experience and be simple enough to do.
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.
I do hate it when they put music over the sound of a V8, Please Ben forget the music ✌
+1
Agreed. No offense meant towards Ben, but I'd like the exhaust to be miked.
My pet ATE too.. absolutely irrelavent, annoying & meaningless.. just noise !
@@Errol.C-nzWhat did your pet eat?
Exactly how I read it, too!😄
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.
Tadek was the man would have loved to meet him - driving it felt as close to a hand shake as you can get
Nice fantasy. This car is a modern hotrod.
I’m astounded. This is THE most beautiful DB5 I’ve ever seen. That blue paint is gorgeous.
Spectacular - in person its even better
Just when you thought the DB5 couldn't get any cooler 😃🤩
From perfect to something else 💎
Beautiful car. Worth saving. Thank you.
Can you imagine an engine designer of today having such an enthralling back story?
No, neither can I!
What a truly stunning car!
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.
The Stig would like to have a word with you.
Excited for the sounds too
Agreed. The music was just annoying. Trying to listen to Ben talk and he's getting a bit drowned out.
@@jeremyclares4851 and the word is: albatross.
Voted down the video as he just can't stop talking and the radio playing in the next room as he added the pointless voice over ruined everything.
Doesn't anyone watch their videos before uploading?
Trying to listen to a v8 and get some chatterbox with a radio in the background.
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
Very true. I would. Love how edgy it looks but still keeps the DB5 persona.
Lovely. Would be nice to hear more of the V8 though.
What a beautiful machine.
There should be a movie based on Tadek Marek and his life.
I'd definitely pay to watch that.
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.
Someone needs to make a movie about this Tadek Marek fella. Thanks Ben for sharing the story!
Tadek Marek life is worth of an action movie ... holy moly!
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.
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
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!
We need movies of these men. Great job Ben. Keep em coming
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
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.
Iv driven a RS Williams 7.0 vantage with a manual .. i can confirm it’s insane.
@@carsandstuff365damn, so if you imagine that car, but a bit lighter, and a DB5.
What an inspirational story - I think that might be the finest car on the road
That is the most beautiful Aston Martin I've ever seen.
Good idea playing that music over the beautiful engine sound.
When you think a db5 wouldn't get any more special. A car with a beautiful story
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.
Brilliant, didn't realise it was passed around all the TH-cam people.
Hopefully they are not all reading the same script in the Press Pack.
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…
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
Wow, such a rare car and with such history! Really cool
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.
The V8 should be the soundtrack, no music needed.
What a great story! You should have a full TV show telling stories of incredible cars.
Fascinating video! Wish we could hear more of the engine instead of the backing track though.
The dash and instruments are pure class.
This is the car Bond should have had. 100% and now we can imagine so while reading Flemming.
Transfer case? No transfer cases on that! Very cool car though & amazing history, both Tadek & the car!
Mentioned it twice whilst pointing at two different things too
He was LARGER THAN LIFE for sure! Thanks for a most interesting story!👍👍
The recap of his life sounds more like a skript for a Hollywood movie. Holy moly! 😲😲😲
What an astonishing car, incredibly elegant, strong personality right there, definitely a James Bond car, it's a masterpiece!
Up until now I'd always considered my 'unicorn car' to be Jaguar's XJ13 - I may have to re-think that now.
Subscribed...
I have worked on a few DB5s & 6s. This V8 is certainly shaken not stirred!... Stunning!
The Marek engine first went into the DB4 as a 3.7 litre in 1958. I had a 1962 DB4 Vantage.
I had no idea the turmoil the man had to go through. A proper inspiration.
In my mind, the most desirable sports car ever built.
What an incredible story behind this car and the man who built it.
Magnificent. What an amazing story. That is a proper Unicorn ❤
That is a fantastic DB5, great to see it restored and driving. Great video too really enjoying these.
Back in the 80's I had a DB6 Vantage it was amazing ...god I wish I still had it!
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.
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.
@@bryanwebb5589 Well that clears that up, awesome car!
A motoring journalist who can actually drive. What a thing to behold
Quality backstory - so few dig into the character of the people behind these special cars.
Thanks so much for this. Amazing story about the amazing man who was instrumental in creating this truly beautiful car.
In the late 1950’s my father worked with a French doctor in Spain and later moved his clinic to Casablanca Morocco. My father uplifted the family and followed him there since he was a great man to work for. This doctor drove a DB 5 then and my father told me that he would pre order a new DB 5 when he would pickup his new car for delivery every two years. He respected my father very much and offered him one of his cars before delivery of his next new one. Because my father had just started his family he found it would have been unfair for the kids having to deal with a two door getting in and out. My father also told me he wa s not able to afford that type of car and his boss told him not to worry and pay him what ever he could whenever he could . My father never took him up on it but what a great memory and I still cherish the the photo of my dad standing by the car with the Atlas Mountains of Morocco as a back drop.
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
Glad you liked it - felt unreal having the V8 rumble in the dainty DB5 but just awesome
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!
Polish influence is definitely not something of the last 20 years… Pozdrowienia z Polski and the 303 squadron! 😉
Some say, he once attached a V8 to a pepper grinder, and that as a teenager, his favorite hobby was counting sheep.
Can’t read that without hearing Clarkson voice….
Some say the Stig's dad was an actor called Hot Rod.
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
Now there’s a great idea ! I’m onto it.
I love the interesting history of this car. So very glad that it didn't get scrapped. Great color blue. Thank you.
What a gorgeous machine! I agree completely about the colour.
DB5 is automotive perfection its breathtaking from just about any angle.
Great to see rare cars like this on the road and not hidden away in some garage.
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.
What an amazing piece of history, thanks for sharing the story with us
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.
I love what a total hoon Harry is! Totally defies the first impression when you look at him
wow. truly a masterpiece and a unicorn.
What an incredible story, man and car.
The TL;DR
how to leave your job at Chevy (in Poland) and go to work for Ford (in the UK). The first two minutes needs to be a movie.
So cool! Didn't know Aston Martin's Polish history!
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.
Loved the history behind the designer. Small observation, the background music becomes a bit overbearing at times. Great episode thanks 👍
Absolutely, I had trouble hearing what Ben was saying
Fantastic car, and a great video, but it really doesn't need the music.
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
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!
Harry had an Aston today , not as special but then they're all special .. you have a charmed life. 😎
What a fantastic story
Thanks stig ben 😍😍👍👍🇦🇺
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.
Amazing how a hunk of metal can elicit emotions. What a car.
Beautiful car, awesome sound.
I'd be happy like Ben driving this gorgeous vehicle
That car and Tadek Marek should be the subject of Christoper Nolans next film. What a great video.
Dzięki za odświeżenie tej historii!
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!
Absolutely stunning car. Fantastic footage Ben. Well done
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?
Beautiful DB5, removing the chrome bumpers elevates the curvaceous shape. Hats off to the guy (or woman) who invested so much in restoring this historic DB5.
Defenitely very sexy,.
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 ...
I’ve read about Tadek previously, but great to be reminded of these greats, and this car, let’s face it BC’s driving skills give us a great insight into how good these cars were back in the day 👌🏻😎✌🏻
So awesome that this car was saved. Love it when these rare cars slip by the corporate crusher.
I really enjoyed the history lesson at the start of this video. Some crazy times during WWII.
Thanks to those who this Awesome Historical Automotive Treasure 👨🏻👍🏻🏁🚩 Great Presentation Ben your a true Bond since you worked as his Stunt Driver.
What a beautiful machine and what history it has. Some say he can make really interesting videos of amazing cars.
What a piece of history, having lived near the original factory for most of my life along with various visits, I still was unaware of this car and it's story. Keep up the good work Ben, consider me subbed.
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.
A garage in Queensferry, North Wales, that I've used for rolling road tuning in the past had a DB5 in for work last time I was there. They'd converted the stock SU carburettors into throttle bodies and were running on EFI through a Motorsport ECU. A very tidy conversion, where they had hidden the wiring and fuel system well, so that the car still looked like it was running carbs, but with the advantages of modern engine management. It made more power, had better manners and better fuel economy.
DB5 Convertible in Tesco Amersham the other day - mint, beautiful!
Beautiful capable priceless car.
Brilliant driver and top man Ben.
But Tadek Marek, what a hero 👊
A Beautiful peace of automotive history , what an amazing story behind this car love the colour suits it so well wish I could take it for a spin :)
Next level content Ben! ❤
Wow! What a story, what a man and what a car....a true legend!
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.
Incredible video Ben. Please keep them coming!
I was not aware of this amazing car, it would be nice if the original fitted V8 could be found.
Fascinating and enjoyable video. As well as being a top notch driver, Ben is a great commentator
I love watching test drives and learning about all cars. I’m always disappointed that there seems to never be a camera mounted that would give us a view of what the driver sees looking out over the hood. Seems to me that would enhance our vicarious experience and be simple enough to do.
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.
Thank God someone saw fit to sneak it off the grounds.They snuck a couple Corvette's out of GM also. What a 💎💎 gem!!!