RECORDS SHATTERED AS CLASSIC ASTON MARTIN SPORTS CARS CHANGE HANDS FOR MILLIONS AT RM SOTHEBY’S SALE

RECORDS SHATTERED AS CLASSIC ASTON MARTIN SPORTS CARS CHANGE HANDS FOR MILLIONS AT RM SOTHEBY’S SALE

Aston Martin DB5

15 August, Monterey, USA: The ‘Evening with Aston Martin’ sale in Monterey, curated by renowned auction house RM Sotheby’s as part of their annual Monterey sale, has today seen exceptional examples of some of the brand’s most desirable sports cars change hands for millions of dollars.

This event to remember witnessed an incomparable list of the most significant Aston Martin models go under the hammer, with bidders from around the world vying for ownership of some of the jewels in the British sports car brand’s heritage crown.

The 2019 event was a new occasion for collectors, who witnessed a fascinating and diverse collection of Aston Martin-related automobilia go under the hammer in several hours of exciting and highly-charged bidding.

A highlight of the evening came as a 1965 Aston Martin James Bond DB5 – originally commissioned and used in the promotion of the James Bond film Thunderball - sold for a final price of $6,385,000 upon the fall of the auctioneer’s gavel. After receiving an initial estimate of $4,000,000-$6,000,000, tonight’s result underlines the continued popularity and admiration for this world-famous automotive and silver-screen icon and sets a new record for the most valuable DB5 at auction.

A surprise highlight of the day included a 1965 DB5 Shooting Brake which sold for a final price of $1,765,000.

Andy Palmer, President and Group CEO Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “The interest among collectors and enthusiasts worldwide underscores the enduring global appeal of this great British sports car company.

Aston Martin Lagonda has stood tall at the pinnacle of the British automotive world for over a century. Recognised today for our excellence in design, engineering, craftsmanship and style, we, of course, would not stand in this position without a rich history of iconic models that have helped shape and define what this brand means today.

Thanks to RM Sotheby’s, this event has been, without question, a highlight on the Aston Martin heritage calendar in 2019 and I, for one, look forward to seeing many more sales in the future, in partnership with our exceptional heritage division, Aston Martin Works.”

Barney Ruprecht, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s comments: “It was an honour to offer the iconic James Bond 007 Aston Martin DB5 alongside our partners at Aston Martin and Aston Martin Works. We are beyond thrilled with tonight’s fantastic result and proud to have set a new record for the most valuable DB5 sold at auction. Beyond this new auction record, the enormous amount of interest in the car and excitement surrounding it ahead of the auction solidifies its status as the “most famous car in the world,” along with the collector car hobby’s great respect for the Aston Martin brand.”

THE MOST FAMOUS CAR IN THE WORLD: RM SOTHEBY’S PRESENTS JAMES BOND 007 ASTON MARTIN DB5

THE MOST FAMOUS CAR IN THE WORLD: RM SOTHEBY’S PRESENTS JAMES BOND 007 ASTON MARTIN DB5

1965 Aston Martin DB5 Bond Car (Simon Clay (c) 2019 Courtesy of RM Sothebys)

RM Sotheby’s, the official auction house of Aston Martin, has announced “the most famous car in the world” and perhaps the most iconic Aston Martin of all time to lead ‘An Evening with Aston Martin’, a special single-marque sale session at the company’s 2019 Monterey auction on 15 August. RM Sotheby’s will present a 1965 Aston Martin DB5, one of just three surviving examples commissioned in period by Eon Productions and fitted with MI6 Q Branch specifications as pictured in Goldfinger.

No one could have predicted the fabulously successful multi-decade synergy that would develop when production designer Ken Adam and special effects man John Stears visited Aston Martin’s Newport-Pagnell plant in late 1963. The two men were on a mission to source a pair of the latest Aston Martin models for use in Eon Productions’ third adaptation of an Ian Fleming novel, again about the MI6 superspy with a license to kill, James Bond. The film was called Goldfinger.

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Two near-identical cars were built and loaned to Eon Productions for filming, with each fulfilling various roles; one for stunt driving and chase sequences and therefore needing to be lightweight and fast, and the other for interior shots and close-ups, to be equipped with functional modifications created by Stears. As Desmond Llewelyn’s legendary weapons-master Q would go on to explain to Sean Connery’s 007, the Snow Shadow Gray-painted DB5 was equipped with front and rear hydraulic over-rider rams on the bumpers, a Browning.30 calibre machine gun in each fender, wheel-hub mounted tire-slashers, a raising rear bullet-proof screen, an in-dash radar tracking scope, oil, caltrop and smoke screen dispensers, revolving license plates, and a passenger-seat ejection system. Although never used during the film, the car was also equipped with a telephone in the driver’s door to communicate with MI6 headquarters and a hidden compartment under the driver’s seat containing several weapons.

The smash success of Goldfinger was also a success for Aston Martin, which saw DB5 sales surge to fuel an unprecedented level of production. The producers at Eon also took notice of the enormous appeal and potential marketing opportunities. In preparation for Thunderball’s release, the company ordered two more DB5 saloons, receiving chassis nos. DB5/2008/R, the example on offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, and DB5/2017/R. The two cars were fitted with all of Stears’ Goldfingermodifications and were shipped to the United States for promotional duties for Thunderball.

Reached through his son, Stephane Connery ahead of the sale, legendary actor Sean Connery, who originally portrayed James Bond on film in both Goldfinger and Thunderball said: “These DB5s are amazing – I remember the Furka Pass tire shredding as well as the promotional events with these cars – they have become increasingly iconic since Goldfinger and Thunderball, in fact I bought a very fine DB5 myself relatively recently.”

Following the tour, the two cars were no longer required as the next two Bond films debuted with different, more current automobiles in the hero roles and, accordingly, they were quietly offered for sale in 1969. The cars were soon purchased as a pair by well-known collector Anthony (now Lord) Bamford, whose British registration for chassis no. 2008/R remains on file. The Aston Martin build record lists Eon Productions as the original purchaser, with the important designation of being a “(Bond Car)” noted.

Bamford then sold DB5/2008/R to B.H. Atchley, the owner of the Smokey Mountain Car Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Aston Martin was featured as the museum’s centrepiece, remaining in a pristine state of display for 35 years, receiving regular start-ups for exercise. In 2006, RM Sotheby’s (previously RM Auctions) was privileged to offer this very Bond DB5 for public sale, in a largely unrestored state.

Since that time, a well-documented, no-expense-spared restoration by Switzerland’s esteemed Roos Engineering was completed. Roos Engineering is one of 13 specialist facilities whom Aston Martin have appointed as official Heritage Specialists. Not only were the chassis and body completely refinished to proper standards, but all thirteen of the John Stears-designed Bond modifications were properly refurbished to function as originally built.

Barney Ruprecht, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s comments: “No other car in history has played a more important leading role on film and in pop culture than the Aston Martin DB5. The DB5 is the iconic cornerstone of a marketing relationship that still exists to this day—with the model’s collectable status rooted largely in its 007 fame—and we look forward to exciting car and film enthusiasts alike in the lead up to the auction. This is an unbelievably rare chance to play secret agent in a car that offers incredible performance and style in its own right and we’re honoured to offer the Bond DB5 alongside our partners at Aston Martin.”

The first Stears-modified car has been lost since 1997, narrowing the number of surviving examples to just three. The car on offer is one of only two built from new with all Bond gadgetry, and chassis no. 2008/R stands apart with its extremely minimal chain of ownership, having had just three private owners over 50 years, including a 35-year period of a museum exhibition. An incredibly rare and exciting example of what has been deemed “the most famous car in the world”, the DB5 offers a highly desirable acquisition for the serious marque collector…or secret agent (Est. $4,000,000 - $6,000,000).

RM Sotheby’s will display the Bond DB5 in North America this summer, with July dates to be announced. The car leads ‘An Evening with Aston Martin’, a special third auction evening on 15 August during RM Sotheby’s flagship Monterey sale, featuring more than 30 of the world’s most sought-after road-going and track-ready Aston Martin sports cars from across the marque’s illustrious history. This year’s Monterey sale (15-17 August) will once again present more than 120 of the world’s most important motor cars in the ultimate collector car destination.

For further information on RM Sotheby’s 2019 Monterey auction and to view a frequently updated list of entries, please visit rmsothebys.com. Interested consignors are invited to call RM Sotheby’s global headquarters at +1 519 352 4575 to speak with a car specialist about entering an important motor car in the Monterey sale. Consignments are invited through 3 July 2019.

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1965 Aston Martin DB5 Bond Car (Simon Clay (c) 2019 Courtesy of RM Sothebys)

RM SOTHEBY’S PARTNERS WITH ASTON MARTIN FOR SINGLE-MARQUE EVENING AT MONTEREY AUCTION

RM SOTHEBY’S PARTNERS WITH ASTON MARTIN FOR SINGLE-MARQUE EVENING AT MONTEREY AUCTION

MONTEREY SALE EXTENDS TO THREE NIGHTS FOR 2019

EARLY ENTRY: ASTON MARTIN DB5 OFFERED FROM 40 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP

• RM Sotheby’s, official auction partner of Aston Martin, to present dedicated, single-marque sale in Monterey
• Monterey sale extends to three nights for 2019, kicking off with Evening of Aston Martin on 15 August
• Early entries for Aston Martin sale led by a very early DB5 offered from 40 years of single private ownership
• Additional information on the Monterey sale available at rmsothebys.com

 Following the announcement of an official partnership with Aston Martin during Monterey Car Week last year, RM Sotheby’s is delighted to announce early entries for the company’s Evening of Aston Martin at its annual flagship Monterey auction. Extending the record-setting Monterey sale to three days for 2019 RM Sotheby’s will present a dedicated, single-marque session on Thursday, 15 August at the Monterey Conference Center, featuring more than 30 of the world’s most sought-after road-going and track-ready Aston Martin sports cars from across the marque’s illustrious history.

RM Sotheby’s appointment as the official auction partner for Aston Martin follows the auction house’s successful sale of several of the most valuable Aston Martins ever sold at auction. The partnership will celebrate the anniversary of Aston Martin’s historic 1959 win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as support the marque’s successful Second Century Plan, which is delivering a new Aston Martin model every year for seven years, and also promises two ‘specials’ per year, which are set to become collectibles of the future. 

“We are honoured to partner with Aston Martin as the marque’s official auction house and for what is set to be an incredible evening in Monterey,” said Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s. “RM Sotheby’s has long been the auction house of choice for the sale of important Aston Martin models, and our Monterey auction has proven time and again to be the best venue for the most exceptional examples, exhibited by the sale of the one-off DP215 last year, and the DBR1/1 in 2017 – the most valuable British car ever sold at auction. We’re looking forward to bringing some of the world’s best Aston Martin models to the single-marque sale, and the very early, long-term ownership DB5 we’ve consigned is a fantastic example of the fresh-to-market cars that collectors can expect.”  

Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works, said: “This early interest in the inaugural auction from would-be owners around the world is an extremely positive sign.”

“The market for historic cars is constantly evolving and it is vital that, with its remarkable heritage and growing appeal worldwide, Aston Martin is represented by the best auction house in the business. RM Sotheby’s give us at Aston Martin Works – the global heritage division of Aston Martin – the opportunity to reach a first class international clientele.”

RM Sotheby’s is already looking ahead to the single-marque evening, securing an auction highlight in the form of a very early 1964 Aston Martin DB5. A factory left-hand-drive example, chassis no. DB5/1305/L is just the fifth DB5 ever produced, sold new through British Motor Car Distributors in San Francisco to the Washington Fruit & Produce Corporation. The DB5 was purchased by the consignor in 1981 off the street in Sausalito, California, remaining in his private ownership ever since. Presented at Monterey in highly original, never fully restored condition, the matching-numbers DB5 retains its original engine, is finished in its original colours, and features interesting factory options including an overdrive transmission and 3.77 rear axle ratio. Faithfully maintained by marque experts for the last four decades, the well-documented Aston Martin has been driven and enjoyed throughout its life and offers its next enthusiast owner the opportunity to acquire a very early DB5 (Est. $700,000 - $900,000).

RM Sotheby’s is currently responsible for the top three most valuable Aston Martins yet sold at auction. Held during the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance motoring week, RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale (15-17 August), has been the pinnacle of collector car auctions for more than 30 years, leading the field and raising the bar with its consistent, record-setting results. This year’s Monterey sale will once again present more than 120 of the world’s most important motor cars in the ultimate collector car destination.

For further information on RM Sotheby’s 2019 Monterey auction and to view a frequently updated list of entries, please visit rmsothebys.com. Interested consignors are invited to call RM Sotheby’s global headquarters at +1 519 352 4575 to speak with a car specialist about entering an important motor car in the Monterey sale. Consignments are invited through early July 2019

BONHAMS SPRINGS INTO ACTION AT GOODWOOD MEMBERS’ MEETING SALE

BONHAMS SPRINGS INTO ACTION AT

GOODWOOD MEMBERS’ MEETING SALE
70 per cent sale rate, a total of £5,613,5301964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon to Vantage specification
the top lot at £636,600Ex-Elton John Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer achieves £224,250

 

1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon to Vantage specification sold for £636,600

Following on the heels of sales in the USA and on the Continent, the UK division of Bonhams’ motoring group sprang into action yesterday, conducting the annual Goodwood Members’ Meeting Sale, achieving a 70 per cent sell rate totalling some £5,613,530 - an increase of around £2 million on last year's sale, with a similar volume of lots. 

A 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon to Vantage specification proved to be the ‘best of British’ as the top lot, realising £636,600 from an international buyer in the room.

British and German marques dominated the top selling lots. A 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Coupé from Turkey’s Key Museum achieved £356,500, while a 1955 Porsche 356A Speedster sold for £241,500.

A 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo SE ‘Slant Nose’ Coupé sold for £161,000, well above its estimate (£100,000 - £130,000), and the NEC Classic Car Show Meguiar’s Concours winner, a 1960 Porsche 356B 1600S T5 Cabriolet, realised £138,000.

Stardust was provided by an ex- Sir Elton John Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer, delivered new to the singer in 1974, which realised £224,250, while a star of the racetrack, a 1966 McLaren M1B Group 7 ‘Can Am’ Sports Racer, sold for £172,500 to a telephone bidder.

Similarly attracting high bids was the private number plate ‘U8’ which achieved £166,750. Also reflecting the varied lots featured in yesterday’s sale were a child’s Auto Union Type C ‘Silver Arrow’ pedal car by Audi Quattro which sold for £6,325 and a Lamborghini Cingolato 3402 CTL tractor which achieved an estimate-beating £27,600.

James Knight, Group Motoring Chairman at Bonhams, said: “We are very pleased with our first UK sale of 2019. It exceeded last year's total by some distance and we attracted global interest, selling lots to the USA, Australia, the home market and any number of countries on the Continent.

With lots ranging from pioneering Edwardian vehicles to rock stars’ sports cars, Bonhams’ offering yesterday was typically unique and diverse.”

Other highlights included:

- 1966 Citroen DS21 Décapotable - £117,300

- 1908 Columbia Electric Victoria Phaeton -  £58,650

- 1927 Delage 14HP DIS Tourer -  £49,450

- 1954 Austin Healey 100 BN1 Roadster -  £42,500

-  Ex-Dean Martin 1973 Excalibur Series II Roadster - £75,900

Fittingly, following the successful sale of the DB5 at Goodwood, the marque will be the focus of Bonhams' Aston Martin Sale on 19 May at Wormsley Estate, High Wycombe. 

Bonhams will return to the Goodwood estate on two further occasions this year: 5 July for The Festival of Speed sale and 14 September for The Revival Sale.

ASTON MARTIN AND RM SOTHEBY’S PARTNER FOR MONTEREY SALE

ASTON MARTIN AND RM SOTHEBY’S PARTNER FOR MONTEREY SALE

1964 Aston Martin DB5 - Monterey 2019 - David Bush (c) 2019 Courtesy of RM Sothebys

 Aston Martin is eagerly anticipating this year’s inaugural one-make sale at the world-famous Monterey Car Week which stems from the brand’s new partnership with RM Sotheby’s.

The world’s largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles is already preparing for its Evening of Aston Martin sale on 15 August 2019, with today’s announcement of initial entries for sale led by a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 offered from 40 years of single private ownership.

“This early interest in the inaugural auction from owners around the world is an extremely positive sign,” said Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works.

“The market for historic cars is constantly evolving and it is vital that, with its remarkable heritage and growing appeal worldwide, Aston Martin is represented by the best auction house in the business. RM Sotheby’s give us at Aston Martin Works – the global heritage division of Aston Martin – the opportunity to reach a first class international clientele.”

Extending the record-setting Monterey sale to three days for 2019, RM Sotheby’s will present a dedicated, single-marque auction on Thursday, 15 August 2019 at the Monterey Conference Center, featuring more than 30 of the world’s most sought-after road-going and track-ready Aston Martin sports cars from across the marque’s illustrious 106-year history.

“We are honoured to partner with Aston Martin as the marque’s official auction house and for what is set to be an incredible evening in Monterey,” said Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s.

“RM Sotheby’s has long been the auction house of choice for the sale of important Aston Martin models, and our Monterey auction has proven time and again to be the best venue for the most exceptional examples, exhibited by the sale of the one-off DP215 last year, and the DBR1/1 in 2017 – the most valuable British car ever sold at auction.”

Hand-built at the Aston Martin factory in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, the very early 1964 DB5 consigned for the auction is a factory left-hand-drive example, chassis no. DB5/1305/L. Just the fifth DB5 ever produced and sold new through British Motor Car Distributors in San Francisco to the Washington Fruit & Produce Corporation, the iconic sports car was purchased by the consignor in 1981 off the street in Sausalito, California, and has remained in his private ownership ever since.

Commencing in 2019, RM Sotheby’s annual Aston Martin single-marque sale is sure to become a highlight of Monterey Car Week. For further information on RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction and to view a frequently updated list of entries, please visit www.rmsothebys.com.  

ASTON MARTIN DB5 “STAMP CAR” AND DB2 “WASHBOARD” TO STAR AT HEYTHROP BRITISH MARQUES SALE

ASTON MARTIN DB5 “STAMP CAR” AND DB2 “WASHBOARD” TO STAR AT HEYTHROP BRITISH MARQUES SALE

Silverstone Auctions are delighted to announce two stunning Aston Martins, a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 and a 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Washboard to headline the British Marques May sale at Heythrop Park on the 11th May.

Both cars are in stunning condition and have been restored to the highest of standards.

The Aston Martin DB5 will always be associated with the James Bond films and is probably one of the most famous models produced. This particular 1965 car comes with its own special moment in history as it was the car featured by the Royal Mail on a special edition of stamps produced to celebrate “the best in British car manufacturing”.

Finished in the iconic Silver Birch, this car is in the most incredible condition with the original red Connolly hide seats and factory headrests. The car has undergone an impressive restoration by marque experts and had a full engine rebuild by Aston Engineering in 2013.

This is a right hand drive car with a five speed manual gearbox with standard disc brakes and chrome wire wheels. It comes with an impressive history file.

This DB5 was once owned by Chris Evans former Radio 2 breakfast show presenter who is a passionate classic car collector and famed for having one of the ultimate classic car collections. The car is now presented for auction by the current owner estimated at £675,000 to £750,000.

The DB2 Aston Martins were famous for competing at Le Mans in 1949 before they became available as a road going version.

This particular 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Washboard offered for sale is 1 of just 49 cars produced with the three part grille before it was replaced on later cars by a one piece grille on costs grounds. The slatted vent behind each of front wheel gave rise to the “Washboard” nickname and the creation of The Washboard Register for this type of car.

Delivered new to Australia in December 1950, the car underwent an exquisite four year restoration to factory specification by Woodham Mortimer. It comes with numbers matching Aston’s factory data sheet and still in its original Almond Green over Dark Green paint.

In 2015 the car took third place in the Post War Sports Cars class at the world’s most prestigious Concours, Pebble Beach.

Estimated at £475,000 to £550,00 this is an important car and possibly the best DB2 in the world.

tions commented “I am really delighted to have these two extremely special Aston Martins in our British Marques sale at Heythrop Park on the 11th May.”

“They are both in the most stunning condition and come with significant history. I am expecting a lot of interest, they really are two very special cars”

Arwel Richards, Auction Manager for the Heythrop sale commented "We have some really fabulous cars coming to auction and I am delighted to confirm these two fine Aston Martins will headline our British Marques May sale.”

The Silverstone Auctions sale takes place over two days on the 10th and 11th May at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire. The 10th sees a classic cars sale and the 11th in association with the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club is for British marques.

Silverstone Auctions are still accepting cars for the auction and can be contacted on 01926 691141 or email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com and would be happy to talk with you and help you through the process of consigning your car.

2019 Forthcoming Auctions

10th May The Heythrop Classic Car Sale - Heythrop Park

11th May A Sale of British Marques - Heythrop Park 

27th & 28th July The Silverstone Classic Sale – Silverstone

21st September A Sale Of Ferraris - Dallas Burston Polo Club

22nd September The Porsche Sale - Dallas Burston Polo Club

9th & 10th November NEC Classic Motor Show Sale - NEC Birmingham