Aston Martin barn finds highlight $16M Bonhams sale
Tue, May 12 2015
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.
Highlights of the day included the 1962 DB4 Series IV Vantage Convertible – originally the property of Sir Peter Ustinov – which sold for GBP1,513,500, and top lot of the sale, the 1966 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible in 'Vantage' specification, which sold for GBP1,524,700 including buyer's premium.
'Barn find' and project cars also sold well, with a brace of 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloons performing particularly strongly – one selling at twice its top estimate and achieving GBP104,540, with the other changing hands for GBP115,740.
Paul Spires, Commercial Director at Aston Martin Works, said: "This year's Aston Martin Sale has been a hugely memorable occasion, with rare and collectable Aston Martin sports cars going to buyers around the world.
"Despite the mixed weather there was a superbly sociable 'garden party' atmosphere among the 2,000 or so guests who joined us here today – enjoying the sale and helping us to celebrate our 60 years in superb style."
Bonhams' UK Head of Motor Cars Tim Schofield said: "As pioneers of the single-marque sale we've returned to Aston Martin Works here in Newport Pagnell for another great auction, exceeding all previous years' totals.
"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. The sale attracted a larger and more cosmopolitan attendance than ever before, achieving an excellent result."
###
RECORD-BREAKING CONCOURS BACKED BY ASTON MARTIN WORKS
11 May 2015, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire: The Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) held its annual Spring Concours event – the blue riband of competitions for Aston Martin owners – on Sunday 10 May, with support from Aston Martin Works.
The annual Spring gathering of Aston Martin owners from across the UK and further afield, was this year staged in the elegant grounds of Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire, just a few miles from the historic home of Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell.
This year's Concours was the largest to date with around 350 cars on show and was attended by Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer. For the first time, the Concours included a special class dedicated to the limited edition Aston Martin Works 60th Anniversary Vanquish.
Five of the six Anniversary Vanquish models were entered in the event, with Aston Martin Works' Commercial Director Paul Spires presenting the trophy to happy winning owner Jeremy Levinson.
Mark Donoghue, Chairman and Chief Judge of the AMOC Concours said: "Today's record event has once again raised the bar for our activities and I'm very happy that so many Aston Martin owners could join us here at Woburn.
"We included the Aston Martin Works' Anniversary class in honour of the 60th anniversary and were thrilled to see these special cars on display here today."
Also drawing the crowds at Woburn was the new Lagonda Taraf super saloon. The finest of fast cars made its UK debut at Aston Martin Works just 24 hours prior to the Spring Concours and continued to generate considerable attention among Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts at the glamorous event.
Paul Spires, Commercial Director at Aston Martin Works, said: "Just 24 hours after the 16th annual Bonhams auction at Aston Martin Works, the AMOC Spring Concours has been another great day for all of us in the Aston Martin 'family' and I'm really pleased that we have been able to mark Works' 60th anniversary with this special Concours class."
- 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.
Highlights of the day included the 1962 DB4 Series IV Vantage Convertible – originally the property of Sir Peter Ustinov – which sold for GBP1,513,500, and top lot of the sale, the 1966 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible in 'Vantage' specification, which sold for GBP1,524,700 including buyer's premium.
'Barn find' and project cars also sold well, with a brace of 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloons performing particularly strongly – one selling at twice its top estimate and achieving GBP104,540, with the other changing hands for GBP115,740.
Paul Spires, Commercial Director at Aston Martin Works, said: "This year's Aston Martin Sale has been a hugely memorable occasion, with rare and collectable Aston Martin sports cars going to buyers around the world.
"Despite the mixed weather there was a superbly sociable 'garden party' atmosphere among the 2,000 or so guests who joined us here today – enjoying the sale and helping us to celebrate our 60 years in superb style."
Bonhams' UK Head of Motor Cars Tim Schofield said: "As pioneers of the single-marque sale we've returned to Aston Martin Works here in Newport Pagnell for another great auction, exceeding all previous years' totals.
"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. The sale attracted a larger and more cosmopolitan attendance than ever before, achieving an excellent result."
###
RECORD-BREAKING CONCOURS BACKED BY ASTON MARTIN WORKS
11 May 2015, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire: The Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) held its annual Spring Concours event – the blue riband of competitions for Aston Martin owners – on Sunday 10 May, with support from Aston Martin Works.
The annual Spring gathering of Aston Martin owners from across the UK and further afield, was this year staged in the elegant grounds of Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire, just a few miles from the historic home of Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell.
This year's Concours was the largest to date with around 350 cars on show and was attended by Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer. For the first time, the Concours included a special class dedicated to the limited edition Aston Martin Works 60th Anniversary Vanquish.
Five of the six Anniversary Vanquish models were entered in the event, with Aston Martin Works' Commercial Director Paul Spires presenting the trophy to happy winning owner Jeremy Levinson.
Mark Donoghue, Chairman and Chief Judge of the AMOC Concours said: "Today's record event has once again raised the bar for our activities and I'm very happy that so many Aston Martin owners could join us here at Woburn.
"We included the Aston Martin Works' Anniversary class in honour of the 60th anniversary and were thrilled to see these special cars on display here today."
Also drawing the crowds at Woburn was the new Lagonda Taraf super saloon. The finest of fast cars made its UK debut at Aston Martin Works just 24 hours prior to the Spring Concours and continued to generate considerable attention among Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts at the glamorous event.
Paul Spires, Commercial Director at Aston Martin Works, said: "Just 24 hours after the 16th annual Bonhams auction at Aston Martin Works, the AMOC Spring Concours has been another great day for all of us in the Aston Martin 'family' and I'm really pleased that we have been able to mark Works' 60th anniversary with this special Concours class."
By Noah Joseph
See also: Kahn tackles Aston Martin with a Vengeance, Aston and Jag from James Bond Spectre have at it, Weekly Recap: Marchionne's Manifesto again calls for industry consolidation.