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GAYDON, UK (August 14, 2023) ― Aston Martin is proud to introduce the new DB12 Volante. Companion to the recently introduced DB12 Coupe – the first in the marques next generation of sports cars, this open-top model combines spectacular Super Tourer performance and handling with the irresistible sensory thrills of roof-down driving. Continue reading
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24 June, 2015, Gaydon: Aston Martin is today revealing the DB9 GT – the luxury British sports car maker’s most compelling production ‘DB’ to date. Designed to offer the best of what DB9 can be, the new car delivers world-class grand touring and hand-built excellence.
Claiming the title of the most potent DB9 yet devised, by virtue of its uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine which now boasts 547 PS – the DB9 GT makes its public debut as part of Aston Martin’s impressive presence at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The new sports car appears as Aston Martin also unveils a raft of colour, trim and equipment enhancements across its sporty Vantage and luxurious Rapide S model lines.
Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “The arrival of 16 Model Year (16MY) cars, as well as the addition of the sophisticated DB9 GT, gives us our most compelling sports car line-up to date as we continue to build our strongest ever global offering.”
DB9 GT – timeless style redefined
Since their debut in the early 1950s, the ‘DB’ models offered by Aston Martin have been synonymous with sophisticated grand touring and thrilling sports car performance.
In the tyre tracks of DB4, DB5, DB6 and DB7, today’s DB9 GT continues that distinguished tradition of luxury, excitement and style with a raft of engineering, equipment and styling developments calculated to make this the very best of what DB9 can be.
Fundamental to the new model’s unique appeal is its uprated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine, which is capable of generating 547 PS at 6750 rpm, and 620 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm.
The all-alloy, quad overhead cam, 48-valve 5,935 cc front mid-mounted V12 is mated to the proven rear mid-mounted Touchtronic II six-speed transmission with electronic shift-by-wire control system. It carries the British luxury sports car maker’s core GT offering from rest to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 183 mph.
The independent double wishbone suspension all round continues to deliver secure handling while the three-stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) offers distinct Normal, Sport and Track modes for the broadest possible breadth of dynamic characteristics.
However power is only part of the story, as the new Aston Martin also includes important and far-reaching equipment changes which underline its position as the best DB9 to date.
Most notable among the interior equipment updates is the arrival of the AMi II touch-sensitive Aston Martin infotainment system. While AMi debuted on the range-topping Vanquish at its launch, AMi II offers a revised menu structure which makes using the system even more user-friendly.
Building on the system launched in the Vanquish, the DB9 GT’s AMi II infotainment package sees key improvements made in a number of areas including text message integration, vehicle status information and extended background themes for greater personalisation.
Offering AM, FM, DAB and SDAR reception (US only), USB ports, Bluetooth audio streaming the system delivers superb connectivity and entertainment simply and easily.
Ian Minards, Product Development Director at Aston Martin, explained: “Refining the DB9’s already impressive attributes into what we have today in the DB9 GT has been a careful and delicate process.
“Maintaining the effortlessly refined nature of our core GT sports car, while boosting power and introducing state-of-the-art infotainment systems, has required fine judgements and painstaking engineering.
“I’m confident the result, in the shape of the DB9 GT, represents the very best of what DB9 can be, and sets the standard for luxury grand tourers in this class.”
Bespoke luxury as standard
Instantly recognised the world over as a timelessly stylish Aston Martin, the core visual characteristics of the DB9 are of course retained in the DB9 GT. Refined styling enhancements inside and out, however, signal that this new car once again leads its class.
Aside from the subtle GT badges, this new DB9 is identified by black painted splitter and diffuser, revised headlight and tail light treatments and new ten-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels. Black anodised brake calipers and a GT engraving on the aluminium fuel filler cap further distinguish the new model.
Options, for those who wish to further personalise their car, include carbon fibre tail lamp inserts, side strakes, front splitter and rear diffuser; graphite, diamond-turned ten-spoke alloy wheels and alternative brake caliper colours.
Inside, the 2+2 seating configuration remains, however the seats now boast ‘GT’ embroidery on the unique fluted leather. An iridium trim pack and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel (Coupe only) further distinguish the new car.
A broad array of options inside the DB9 GT include various centre console finishes such as Ice Mocha and Copper Cuprum, while other interior options include Duotone leather seats, door inserts and head linings; and a One-77-inspired steering wheel design.
Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, said: “The purity of form and proportion, together with a lithe powerful, stance, remain at the core of what the DB9 is to look at. With these changes, we have made the DB9 GT yet more stylish, while retaining its unmistakable and globally renowned identity.”
The DB9 GT is now available to order in markets around the world, priced from £140,000 RRP (UK), €187,000 RRP (Germany), $199,950 RRP (USA).
Vantage and Rapide S revised
Not content simply with launching the DB9 GT, Aston Martin is also taking the arrival of 16MY cars to update, upgrade and enhance more of its core sports cars.
The sporting Vantage line-up and luxurious Rapide S four-door four-seat sports cars all benefit from a raft of colour, trim and equipment enhancements for 16MY, with the Vantage Coupe and Roadster models gaining a new touch-sensitive centre console fascia.
The AMi II infotainment system also makes its debut in Vantage and Rapide S, with the debut of corresponding new features such as visual vehicle status power and torque meters, offering real-time read-outs of engine bhp and torque.
New interior trim packs deliver the option of even greater personalisation for customers, with the addition of Vivid Red, Royal Mint, Black Damson and Bronze Metallic to 16MY leather palettes across the Vantage car lines.
Meanwhile, the striking Californian Poppy interior accent is now available for Vantage N430 and US-only Vantage GT buyers. Royal Mint, Spicy Red, Copper and Deep Purple stitching colours are new, too, along with revised alloy wheel designs.
New exterior colours Cinnabar Orange and Ultramarine Black debut on Vantage, too.
Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said: “Our process of constant improvement, development and refinement of our core sports cars never stops and the arrival of the remarkable DB9 GT, along with these important 16 Model Year updates and enhancements for the Vantage and Rapide S, all clearly demonstrate that.
“Expanding the global appeal of Aston Martin is, in part, about offering our customers the widest possible choice and with the changes we’re announcing today – alongside the ongoing development of our luxury bespoke personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin – I know we are better placed than ever to respond to our buyers’ needs.”
The global market introduction of 16MY sports cars begins in quarter three of 2015, with more details on market-specific pricing and options available in due course.
After a successful haul in our $2,000,000 Amelia Island Challenge, we’re heading south to the Auctions America sale in Fort Lauderdale. Our Petrolhead Godmother continues with her generosity; this time with $1,000,000 to play with this weekend. Using Auction America’s HIGH estimate, choose one or choose several cars (no motorbikes or automobilia) that you would like to bring home. We’ll get started:
Lot 108 — 1973 Peugeot 504 Cabriolet
Estimate $30,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $13,500 including premium
Featured in a Pick Of The Day last year, this is an presentable example of a car rarely seen on these shores. While it shows signs of wear and previous body repairs, this Peugeot 504 has had recent paint and is a complete example of a classic Pininfarina styling.
Lot 177 — 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante
Estimate $150,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $151,250 including premium 
Not much information is in the catalog beyond the history of the V8 as a model, but this looks to be a rather tidy example, complete with books and tools. Although it is an automatic, it would still make for some very pleasant open touring.
Lot 226 — 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo (930)
Estimate $85,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $82,250 including premium
Although we aren’t given an odometer reading other than its condition belies the miles, this looks to be an excellent original example of a one-year-only 5-speed 930. Its high estimate would appear to be a bargain relative to other 1989s in like condition (not to mention the 1976 model that runs earlier in the day, estimated at $200,000).
Lot 317 — 1935 Ford Model A “Ratrod’ Pickup
Estimate $40,000
UPDATE: STILL FOR SALE high bid $26,000
This is another one of those lots that we’d chase only when Petrolhead Godmother is footing the bill, but that said, it is dandy. Powered by a 350 V8, its steel body has been chopped, stanced, channeled and dropped. Period wheels and tires cover front disc brakes. A very nicely built blend of bootleg-era looks and contemporary performance.
Lot 356 — 1949 Cadillac Series 61 Club Coupe Sedanette
Estimate $65,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $55,000 including premium 
The C-Body Cadillacs of 1948 and 1949 brought together big advances in engineering with the overhead-valve V8 and alluring looks. Here we see the first nubs of Harley Earl’s tailfins punctuating a sleek and graceful body, particularly in the fastback “Sedanette” form. This one form 1949 was a former barn find restored to its current condition with a rebuilt original drivetrain. It’s a positively gorgeous American cruiser that is said to drive quite well.
Lot 472 — 1981 Renault R5 Turbo
Estimate $75,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $49,500 including premium 
The Renault R5 Turbo is in many ways an answer to a question no-one was asking. It’s a completely insane answer, yet it makes perfect sense at the same time. Take a pedestrian Renault R5 (what we might remember as Le Car) and transform it into a mid-engined beast that eats supercars for breakfast. This example looks to have been restored at some point to what appears to be a high degree, yet appears to have been used as intended which is to drive the merde out of it. What’s not to love?
Lot 486 — 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary
Estimate $425,000
UPDATE: STILL FOR SALE high bid of $320,000
Petrolhead Godmother always says, “if you get thrown from a bull, get right back on.” We missed out on the Lamborghini Countach 5000S Quattrovalvole at Gooding and Company’s Amelia Island sale earlier this month, thus we’re somewhat compelled to try again. This time it’s the ultimate expression of the Countach, the coveted 25th Anniversary model. This one shows beautifully in its classic Italian combination of red on tan. With a recent service and less than 21,000 km, it promises to be appropriately raging.
Lot 622 — 1948 MG TC
Estimate $52,000
UPDATE: STILL FOR SALE high bid $37,500 
Few capture the charm of early British motoring the way an MG TC does. Future TDs and TFs were already becoming too modern. This one from 1948 has been used sparingly since undergoing an older high quality restoration. It condition remains show worthy, but this little thing begs to be thrown on the open road, only stopping for a picnic. The Clipper Blue finish is a nice departure as well.
We came to a total of $922,000. Buyer’s premiums will put us slightly over the million dollar mark, but once again we’ll err on the side of excess when spending the Petrolhead Godmother’s money. Let us know what your picks are in comments.
For the complete Auctions America Fort Lauderdale 2015 results click here.
4 December 2014, Gaydon: Aston Martin together with EON Productions, the producers of the James Bond film franchise, unveiled Bond’s stunning new car, the Aston Martin DB10, on the 007 stage at Pinewood Studios.
The luxury British sports car brand is delighted to confirm that James Bond will once again drive an Aston Martin in Spectre. On this occasion, it will be a model developed specifically for the film and built in-house by the brand’s design and engineering teams.
Led by Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, the design team worked closely with the film’s director, Sam Mendes, to create the ultimate car for the world’s most famous spy.
Celebrating the great British brand’s half century with Bond, which started with the iconic DB5, the DB10 gives a glimpse to the future design direction for the next generation of Aston Martins.
Dr Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin, said: “In the same year that we celebrate our 50-year relationship with 007, it seems doubly fitting that today we unveiled this wonderful new sports car created especially for James Bond.
“To be partnering once again with EON Productions is great news for this company and for everyone around the world that loves to see Bond at the wheel of an Aston Martin.
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone in the team at Gaydon who have brought this special project from concept to reality.”
Production will be strictly limited to 10 of the bespoke sports cars, developed and built by the designers, engineers and highly skilled craftspeople at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters.
Spectre is due for general release on 6 November 2015.
Following the release of a prototype in Oman a few weeks ago, Aston Martin has released a gallery of images to show more of what we’re missing. These include for the first time a glimpse of the exquisitely detailed interior. Chic as it may be, it is still only for a sheik to enjoy as the Lagonda remains a UAE-only model.
Aston Martin is opening up a new world of exhilarating driving excitement with the announcement of the hotly anticipated 2015 V12 Vantage S Roadster.
When it arrives in markets around the world later this year the new sports car will become the luxury British marque’s most potent, fastest and fastest-accelerating series production roadster to date and follows in the broad tyre tracks of the V12 Vantage S Coupe that was launched to worldwide acclaim in 2013.
Providing the most visceral yet engaging open-top experience in Aston Martin’s current range, the new V12 Vantage S Roadster delivers characteristic sporting agility underpinned by an enviable sports ‘soundtrack’ generated by its naturally aspirated V12 engine and expertly-tuned sports exhaust.
Equipped with the latest 565 bhp Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring state-of-the-art Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 201 mph and sprinting from rest to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds.
Peak and low rev torque is delivered in abundance. With 457 lb ft available at 5,750 rpm the V12 Vantage S Roadster is not to be found wanting in this vital department. Crucially, too, low rev torque – measured at just 1,000 rpm – peaks at a colossal 376 lb ft. Together, these statistics demonstrate the Aston Martin engineers’ ability to create a ‘flatter’, yet ‘fatter’, torque curve which supports exceptional driveability and strong pick-up through the gears.
Aston Martin Director of Design, Marek Reichman, said: “The V12 Vantage S Roadster is the mechanical embodiment of this company’s exceptional spirit.
“Beautiful, powerful and spirited it is as spectacular to listen to as it is to look at. The new roadster is truly a treat for the senses with, underlying all this, the capacity to deliver one of the most dynamic, exciting and stirring driving experiences in our current range.
“I’m sure the V12 Vantage S Roadster will appeal to luxury sports car enthusiasts worldwide who want to add a truly exceptional new model to their garage.”
Race car technology
As with its coupe sibling, race car technology runs right through the DNA of the V12 Vantage S Roadster with, for instance, CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts just two examples of track technology feeding through to the road.
Another clear example is the new car’s gearbox, the Sportshift™III ASM (auto-shift manual) transmission. Engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the latest generation Sportshift™III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery. The unit, which replaces the six-speed manual gearbox found in the previous V12 Vantage Roadster, is also appreciably lighter – saving 44 lb versus its forebear.
This race-derived and motorsport-proven technology – used routinely in Aston Martin Racing’s race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars – provides for great driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers precise and swift gear changes.
The Sportshift™III transaxle, from transmission experts Oerlikon Graziano, joins an extensive array of new sport and track-focused developments that ensure the V12 Vantage S Roadster is fully equipped to exploit the huge performance potential of its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated engine.
The use of three-stage adaptive damping, allied to three-stage DSC and two-stage ABS, allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car’s dynamic character. ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes provide a broad swathe of dynamic performance that can be tuned to better suit the driver’s requirements. The system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.
Working alongside the extended chassis capabilities is a ‘Sport’ mode, controlled via a button on the centre console that alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note to, once again, tune the character of the car to the driver’s requirements.
Optimum braking performance is delivered via the specially-created carbon ceramic discs all round, with near-identical brakes appearing on the brands ultimate GT, the Vanquish. Meanwhile a whole new exhaust system – derived from that of Aston Martin’s most expensive and exclusive production model, the One-77 hypercar – is light, small and wonderfully sonorous.
The ZF Servotronic power assisted steering offers a quick, slick, 15:1 ratio and, linked to the adaptive damping button, it offers two-mode steering assistance designed to best match the ‘Sport’ or ‘Normal’ settings generated by the Adaptive Damping System.
Pure power, beautifully presented
As Aston Martin’s most overtly sporting convertible car, with a more dynamic character even than the luxurious Vanquish Volante ultimate GT or refined DB9 Volante, the V12 Vantage S Roadster has been styled to reflect is position as the flagship convertible in the Vantage family.
In keeping with the V12 Vantage S Coupe, the Roadster does away with the famous aluminium vanes in the Aston Martin grille – replacing them with a carbon fibre arrangement that also includes sporty black or titanium silver mesh. Created to maximise airflow to the V12 engine, the new grille is inspired by both the remarkable CC100 Speedster Concept and the Vantage race cars.
Other distinguishing features of the V12 Vantage S Roadster include the option of lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels.
The new Roadster retains the same compact proportions of its predecessor while features such as the pronounced bonnet louvres, optional bold graphics (painted carbon front grille, front grille lipstick and tailgate panel) as well as the exterior carbon pack and flared wheel arches underscore its sporting abilities.
Inside, as out, the new car has been styled to reflect its powerful nature. New-style seat trim and door trims, with Sport and carbon fibre Lightweight seat options – present V12 Vantage S Roadster buyers with an exciting array of choices.
The optional Interior Carbon Pack, which adds carbon fibre to the car’s facia and door pulls, plus the availability for the first time in a V12 Vantage S Roadster of black pedals, further enhances personalisation options for those in search of a truly bespoke sports car.
Q by Aston Martin
Meanwhile,For V12 Vantage S Roadster, the company is introducing a Q by Aston Martin Collection which consists of bespoke features that are entirely in keeping with the character of the car.
For V12 Vantage S Roadster this includes a palette of bold exterior and interior colours; body coloured carbon bonnet louvres; a red tint or satin finish to the carbon fibre elements on the exterior and interior of the car; a full carbon fibre centre console, black anodised and machined rotary controls and a steering wheel with a leather on-centre stripe in the chosen interior accent colour.
Marek Reichman added: “The new V12 Vantage S Roadster not only looks the part, but has been engineered and built to showcase the ethos of Aston Martin: power, beauty and soul.
“We believe that it is a truly exceptional sports car, with the capacity to set pulses racing just by its sound alone. The authentic appeal of its style, performance, quality and craftsmanship ensure its stands head and shoulders above others in its sector and delivers that most precious of experiences – fun – in abundance!”
A 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4, considered as the inspiration for James Bond’s original Aston Martin in Ian Fleming’s novel Goldfinger, is to be auctioned by international auctioneers COYS this Saturday 12th July at Blenheim Palace.
This iconic car will be featured alongside over 90 important motor cars, including a fine selection of Jaguars. The auction will also feature over 90 motorcycles, which are to go under the hammer on Friday 11th.
The Aston Martin, a DB 2/4 Mk I Vantage, chassis number LML-819, was owned by Phillip Ingram Cunliffe-Lister, whose father was Lord Swinton, a close confidant of Winston Churchill, head of MI5 and the Security Executive during WWII, and Ian Fleming’s boss. Moreover, the vehicle was regularly at Fleming’s next-door neighbour in Kent, which was the same place where he based the HQ of Sir Hugo Drax in his Bond novel Moonraker.
All the gadgets that appeared in Bond’s car in the Goldfinger novel appear in this Aston Martin, including reinforced steel bumpers, concealed lockers, a heavy-duty anti-interference ignition system, driver’s seat connections for two-way radio and a Halda Speed Pilot. This model is a strong contender for the world’s most significant Aston Martin ever to be offered to the open market.
Chris Routledge, Managing Partner of the auction house, said “This could be one of the most important discoveries of all time, confirming the link between the undoubtedly most famous spy in history and possibly the world’s most iconic sports car marque”.
Also appearing at the auction will be a 1951 Jaguar Mk V Drophead Coupé, one of the most desirable cars of its time, with exceptional performance and handling. Its age has added lustre to its reputation with the stylish drophead coupé being particularly desirable. Estimated at £50,000 – £60,000, these were one of the most luxurious models of their day and still turn heads today.
A 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Series I Ventoux is estimated to make £275,000 to £320,000, featuring a ‘profilee’ windscreen and what were known as ‘spats’, which fill the rear wheel arches. This is an uncommonly pure example of the superb early version of the design; the frontal aspect is balanced by a small integral projecting luggage boot, the exterior handsomely finished in Embassy Black and retains the correct wire wheels.
Alongside the car auction, attendees have been invited to bring with them their own classic cars, comprising a Concours d’ Elegance, which is set to feature the likes of a 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, a 1967 Lamborghini Miura and many more, all of which will be judged by a selection of guest judges.
This selection of judges includes BBC Oxford’s Roving Reporter Lilley Mitchel, AC Owner’s Club Chairman Bertie Gilbart Smith, Royal Marine Lt Colonel Cliff Dare MBE and Karen Ellis, the CEO of Ellis Clowes specialist motor sport insurance company. This event will provide a bit of light hearted entertainment, as well as giving those present a chance to showcase their own classic cars.
To celebrate the 350th anniversary of Royal marines, a number of military vehicles will be present on the day at Blenheim Palace, including a 1941 Austin Utility, a 1944 Bedford M.W, a 1936 Morris Commercial CS8 Mk3, amongst others. This marks a momentous anniversary of a vital part of Britain’s Armed Forces, who were formed on the 28h October 1664 after an Order-in-Council was issued calling for 1200 soldiers to be recruited for service in the Fleet. The military vehicles will be accompanied by a group of Royal Marines Cadets, and will be judged by Lt Colonel Cliff Dare, who will award the winner the 350th Anniversary Cup.
Not only will COYS be putting an extensive selection of classic cars under the hammer, they will also be putting over 90 motorcycles to auction on Friday 11th July at Blenheim Palace. Featuring among these motorcycles is a 1920 Henderson 1300 four cylinder, complete with a stylish sidecar assembled by Ferrari, which was an exhibit in the sidecar museum near Ancona. A very rare find, this Henderson is estimated at £55,000 to £70,000, and is presented in a well-preserved condition.
Also featuring at the motorcycle auction on the 11th is an extremely rare Harley-Davidson XR750, described as one of the most famous racing bikes in American motorcycle history, estimated to go for £25,000 to £30,000. This model was limited to the public through only authorised dealers, meaning even in its day it was a rarity, dominating ‘flat track’ racing for over 10 years.
For more information on these lots and to view all other lots for sale, please visit www.coys.co.uk.
Tuesday 20th May, London – A 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4, which is understood to have been the inspiration for James Bond’s Aston Martin, was unveiled by international auctioneers Coys at the Old Admiralty Building, where Ian Fleming had his office.
The car, which will be auctioned at Coys’ traditional Blenheim Palace sale on 12th July, is believed to have been the inspiration for the Aston Martin featured in the original novel Goldfinger.
This model is a Vantage specification 1954 DB 2/4 Mk I, bearing the registration JBW 974. For many years it sat idle, collecting dust and rust, until a father and son purchased it for restoration. It was during the restoration that a set of unique special modifications came to light, along with the car’s connections to the British Intelligence Service and the creator of Bond himself, Ian Fleming.
These one-off features seem to be the same as the fictional Bond car in Goldfinger, including reinforced steel bumpers, concealed lockers, heavy-duty anti-interference ignition system, driver’s seat connections for two-way radio and/or a homing device, and a Halda Speed Pilot device, which accurately computes time and distance in relation to a pre-selected average speed.
Chris Routledge, Managing Partner of the auction house, said: “The story around this car and its discovery is phenomenal. It was supplied new on 4th July 1955 to the Honourable Sqdr. Ldr. Phillip Ingram Cunliffe-Lister DSO, whose father was Lord Swinton, a close confidant of Winston Churchill and head of MI5 and the Security Executive during WWII. Moreover, the vehicle was regularly at Ian Fleming’s direct next-door neighbour in Kent, and indeed it was the next-door neighbour’s house which was also used as inspiration in the Bond novels, this time as Sir Hugo Drax’s residence in the novel Moonraker.
He added: “This could be one of the most important discoveries of all time, confirming the link between the undoubtedly most famous spy in history and possibly the world’s most iconic sports car marque.”
The car will be on show at the Stratstone of Mayfair Aston Martin showroom on Park Lane, 113 Park Lane, London W1K 7AJ, until the end of the week. It will then go on display at the foyer of the Grange St. Paul’s Hotel, 10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ.
15 May 2014, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire: Bonhams, one of the world’s largest international auction houses, is once again partnering with Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, the historic home of the great British sports car brand, to host its annual Aston Martin Sale.
Now in its 15th year, Bonhams’ Aston Martin Sale – the largest such sale to date which this year takes place on Saturday 17 May – is set to see some of the brand’s most iconic, and valuable, sports cars change hands as eager bidders flock to the impressive Aston Martin Works facility in Buckinghamshire for this globally significant auction event.
The dedicated Aston Martin Sale once again features many outstanding and special examples of the marque with the top lots set to include the 1970 Aston Martin DBS featured in the television show The Persuaders!; a 1961 Aston Martin DB4, uprated to ‘GT Zagato’ specification; a 1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mk2 Volante and the ex- Sir David Brown/Peter Collins 1953 Aston Martin DB 2/4 ‘notchback’.
The iconic 1970 Aston Martin DBS from the TV show The Persuaders! starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis is coming to the market for the first time in decades.
This famed Aston Martin was manufactured in 1970 with special modifications made for its role in ThePersuaders!, in which it featured prominently in almost all of the show’s 24 episodes.
Both of the stars have autographed the car inside the boot lid – Roger Moore in 2003 and Tony Curtis in 2008 – and in each case the moment of signing was recorded.
The sports car goes into Saturday’s auction with an estimate of £350,000-550,000.
The ‘Zagato’, estimated at £800,000-900,000, was the subject of a no-expense-spared project to re-create one of the 1960s’ most beautiful and desirable cars. The original collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato of Milan resulted in a production run of only 19 sports cars: constructed between 1961 and 1963.
The very rare DB6 Mark 2 Volante, estimated at £700,000-800,000, is one of only 21 examples, and represents an opportunity to acquire one of the most exclusive and highly sought after of post-war Aston Martins.
The unique prototype 1953 DB 2/4 ‘notchback’, estimated at £240,000-280,000, has a glamorous and extensively documented history. Originally purchased by David Brown as a drophead coupé, in 1954 Brown had it converted to fixed-head coupé configuration while retaining the overall shape of the raised soft-top. In its new form, this car became, in effect, the prototype of the forthcoming DB2/4 ‘notchback’ coupé, which was launched at the 1955 London Motor Show alongside the rest of the ‘Mark II’ range.
The car’s second owner was Peter Collins, the celebrated British racing driver who had already distinguished himself driving Aston Martins, taking the Newport Pagnell cars to victory at the Goodwood Nine Hours race in 1952 and the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod in 1953.
Paul Spires, General Sales Manager at Aston Martin Works, said: “The Bonhams auction weekend is always a highlight of the Works’ calendar and this year, as always, some truly remarkable will change hands.
“The event is not just an occasion for us here at Works, but with bidders both flying in and joining the event from across the globe it has become an important feature of the classic Aston Martin year and I’m sure we will see some enthusiastic bidding.”
James Knight, Bonhams Group Head of Motoring and auctioneer on the day, said: “With nearly 50 motor cars consigned, this is the biggest sale Bonhams have ever held at Aston Martin Works. It is always a special privilege to conduct the auction at Aston Martin Works – there is such enthusiasm from so many of our clients and customers resulting in spirited bidding for so many lots. We expect quite a few surprises on the day!”
For those unable to attend Aston Martin Works on Saturday, the sale can be viewed online at:http://www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CAR/
LOT 131 – Aston Martin DB2/4 Coupé
Without Reserve – €150,000 – €200,000 [moto+match estimate: €200,000]
The DB2/4 was introduced in October 1953, and it provided a lot more room over its predecessor. This was accomplished in part by raising the roofline slightly over the DB2 and reducing the fuel tank capacity by two gallons to add to rear seat room. Other notable changes included a wraparound rear windscreen, larger front and rear bumpers, and the addition of a hatchback, which is believed to be the first fitted to a production car. 140 bhp, 2,922 cc DOHC six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle with parallel arms and coil springs, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,510 mm
Lot 133 – 1968 Toyota 2000GT
€545,000 – €620,000 [moto+match estimate: €650,000]
Chassis MF10-10174 was produced on 19 January 1968, finished in Pegasus White, and delivered new to its home market of Japan as a right-hand drive model. This 2000GT, being offered today from its native country, has recently completed a restoration, where it was repainted in a striking shade of burgundy and fitted with chrome Borrani wire wheels. The brilliant paint colour is beautifully accented by the chrome details on the car, and it attractively showcases the design features of this stunning sports car. Surly this would be a wonderful example to drive and enjoy, as it showcases Toyota’s brilliant European-inspired design. The 2000GT is a hugely important car in the history of the automobile. Without the 2000GT, there might not have been a Honda NSX or a Nissan 240Z, and the industry on the whole might have looked very different from what it is today. The 2000GT shattered the preconceived notions of what the world thought a Japanese car could be, and it changed the automobile industry for the better. Collectors have finally come to realise the importance of these wonderful little sports cars, and they have become quite desirable in recent years. This 2000GT oozes a sporting elegance that is wonderfully stated by its dark red paint and Borrani wire wheels, which work to accentuate its brilliant design. It would be a wonderful example to drive and enjoy. 150 bhp, 2,000 cc Yamaha DOHC hemi-head inline six-cylinder engine, triple Solex twin-choke side-draft carburettors, five-speed fully synchromesh manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel power-assisted Dunlop disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,329 mm
Lot 165 – 1956 Porsche 356 A Carrera 1500 GS/GT Speedster by Reutter
€780,000 – €900,000 [moto+match estimate €900,000]
Lot 166 – 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta
€160,000 – €210,000 [moto+match estimate €250,000]
The Mangusta offered here was beautifully restored for its present owner with painstaking attention to detail, and it is likely amongst the finest examples in existence. It is freshly completed and has been refinished in what is believed to be its original factory colours, a dazzling green (simply called Lime, found below a later colour change to red) over black leather upholstery, which is a combination that is oh-so-appropriate for a sports car produced at the wild end of the Swinging Sixties. Unlike many of these cars, which have been hot-rodded over the years, this example has always been preserved in very much its original specification, which is something that the owner held true to during its restoration. The early 289 V-8 and ZF1 transmission, which is the same as was used in the GT40, were fully rebuilt, and care was taken to restore all components in their original finish. The car retains the original sand-cast wheels, with their slightly rough texture, and dials lettered in Italian, suggesting that this Mangusta may have originally been a European-delivery example. Importantly, the car retains its very rare original jack and tool roll, as well as the remote-starter button under the bonnet, allowing a mechanic to turn over the engine during maintenance. This Mangusta is currently domiciled in the UK, and it will be sold with its V5C registration and recent MOT test certificate. It is interesting to note that mangusta translates to “mongoose”, which is one of the few natural enemies of the cobra. The name is indicative of the performance to which the ferocious Mangusta aspired and which this beautifully restored example can undoubtedly achieve. 271 bhp, 289 cu. in. overhead-valve Ford V-8 engine, five-speed ZF manual transmission, unequal length tubular wishbone front suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bar, wide-base unequal length wishbone rear suspension with trailing arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bar, and four-wheel power-assisted Girling disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,500 mm
Lot 189 – 1973 Fiat 130 Coupé by Pininfarina
Without Reserve €10,000 – €15,000 [moto+match estimate €18,000]
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