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 www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CAR/
1. Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, is the historic home of the sports car maker and the place where 15,000 cars were hand-built before production moved to Gaydon, Warwickshire, in 2007. Now an approved heritage service and restoration facility as well as a new car dealership it is possible to view, purchase, service and restore cars from every era of the marque’s 101 years at Aston Martin Works.
2. Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com