Behold the coolest “toy” car ever made: the Aston Martin DB5 Junior.
A collaboration between Aston Martin and The Little Car Company, the DB5 Junior is an electric two-thirds scale version of the British brand’s most iconic car. Based on Aston Martin’s reference 3D scan of an original DB5, the Junior version offers complete accuracy and authenticity.
Measuring around 3 meters (118.1 in) in length and 1.1 meters (43.3 in) in width, the DB5 Junior is designed to accommodate an adult and a child side by side. Thanks to an aluminum honeycomb chassis and composite body, the curb weight is kept relatively low at 270 kg (595 lbs).
Power comes from an electric powertrain delivering 5 kW (6.7 HP / 6.8 PS) to the rear wheels and that’s enough for a top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h). For this project, the focus was to ensure absolute authenticity. To that end, the DB5 Junior sports the same iconic Aston Martin ‘wings’, ‘shield’ and DB5 badges as the original 1963 model.
The iconic Silver Birch color is standard too, as are the 10-inch wire wheels with ventilated disc brakes, (complemented by regenerative braking), working headlights, brake lights, indicators, and a horn – there is even a trunk at the rear for storage. The shiny exterior contrasts nicely with the full black leather interior and carpet set.
Like its big brother, the DB5 Junior’s dashboard is filled with functional Smiths instruments that have been updated for the modern era. More specifically, the fuel gauge has been converted into a battery meter, while the oil temperature now monitors the motor temperature. The DB5 Junior even features the same Smiths clock in front of the passenger seat as seen in the original 1960s car.
Other interior highlights include a two-thirds scale steering wheel with a racing-style quick release to make entry and exit easier for the driver, as well as billet aluminum accelerator and brake pedals.
Aston Martin and The Little Car Company even replicated the original car’s suspension. There is double wishbone suspension at the front with the roll center and camber gain matching the original geometry, as well as a period-correct live axle at the rear, with authentic upper and lower trailing arm suspension and Panhard rod.
The battery pack of this baby electric Aston Martin is stored under the opening bonnet ensures a driving range between 10 and 20 miles (16-32 km), depending on the driving style. A second battery can be added, and each pack can be swapped for a replacement in seconds.
There’s also a DB5 Vantage Junior model which doubles the power to 10 kW (13.4 HP / 14 PS) in ‘Vantage’ mode and features a limited-slip differential, lightweight carbon fiber body and a second battery pack for a range of 20-40 miles (32-64 km), while top speed increases to a “still unconfirmed level”.
As with the original DB5, only 1,059 DB5 Junior cars will be made, each priced from £35,000 ($46,270) plus local taxes, while the DB5 Vantage Junior starts from £45,000 ($59,490) plus local taxes. Production will begin in the UK in 2021, with deliveries taking place worldwide over the next two years.