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We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #379 this evening.Check out the topics below, or drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module. And don't forget to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so. To take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #379
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Aston Martin barn finds highlight $16M Bonhams sale

Every year, Bonhams holds an auction of classic Aston Martins at the automaker's historic home in Newport Pagnell. But never has it brought in as much as it did this year. The 16th annual Aston Martin Sale, held this past weekend, raked in an impressive GBP10,280,275 in sales – equivalent to nearly $16 million at current exchange rates. Among the highlights of the 50 classic Astons sold were a number of barn finds, including a pair of DB Mark II sports saloons from 1958 that doubled the pre-sale estimates to sell for GBP104,540 and GBP115,740, respectively. Those weren't even the top lots of the day, though. A 1962 DB4 Series IV Vantage Convertible that was once owned by legendary thespian Sir Peter Ustinov sold for GBP1,513,500, while a 1966 DB5 Vantage Convertible went for GBP1,524,700 to claim the top spot. "The quintessentially British marque of Aston Martin attracts interest from enthusiasts across the world, a fact demonstrated here again this year as we took bids from all corners of the globe," said Bonhams' Tim Schofield. "The sale attracted a larger and more cosmopolitan attendance than ever before, achieving an excellent result." The auction was complemented by the Spring Concours held by the Aston Martin Owners Club down the road at Woburn Abbey in nearby Bedfordshire, bringing out a record assembly of 350 Astons old and new. The company used the occasion to mark the UK debut of the new Lagonda Taraf as well. BIGGEST BONHAMS SALE TO DATE AT ASTON MARTIN WORKS - 16th annual Aston Martin Sale sees total transactions top GBP10m - Sir Peter Ustinov-owned DB4 Series IV Vantage Convertible nets GBP1.5m - More than 50 sports cars and 170 items of automobilia change hands 11 May 2015, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire: In its 60th anniversary year Aston Martin Works played host to another hugely busy Bonhams Aston Martin Sale on Saturday – with GBP10.3m worth of rare and prized sports cars changing hands. The historic home of the great British luxury brand was the venue for the 16th annual Bonhams Aston Martin Sale, which saw around 50 classic Aston Martins sold. The annual sale is recognised as a globally-significant occasion for Aston Martin collectors and enthusiasts around the world. The 2015 event was the biggest to date, setting a sales total of GBP10,280,275 and witnessing a fascinating and diverse collection of Aston Martin-related automobilia go under the hammer in several hours of exciting and highly-charged bidding.

Has Aston Martin abandoned plans for a Lagonda SUV?

Aston Martin may possibly (hopefully?) axe plans for a Lagonda-badged SUV, according to a new report from the blokes at Piston Heads. If this is true, it'd serve as proof that the auto gods are good, and want us to be happy. The report is based on statements made by Director of Design Marek Reichman. "We still have plans for the brand. There might be some surprises in the marque's re-establishment into the market place, but as a very unique coachbuilt experience. And that's probably what's most befitting of the brand," Reichman told PH when asked about the Lagonda SUV, which debuted way back in 2009. "That was a different time [when the Lagonda debuted]," Reichman continued. "It was [Dr. Ulrich Bez's] time. And now we're in a very, very different time, with a different plan and with a different projection of what that brand should become." Considering the spy shots we've already seen (inset), PH's conclusion that the Lagonda brand would be reborn as an ultra-exclusive sedan doesn't seem far off. As for the rumors that AM would look to Mercedes-Benz for its SUV architecture, well, it's not looking so good any more. What do you think? Should Aston Martin launch a sedan above the Rapide? What would you expect in terms of price and performance? Let us know in Comments.