GRR Visits... Bonhams' Aston Martin Sale

Now in its 17th year, the annual event has become something of an institution. This year’s catalogue listed over 250 lots ranging from Aston Martin memorabilia to million-pound classics such as the ex-Stirling Moss 1953 DB3S. All presented under the aging rafters of the Newport Pagnell Works, this historic home of Aston Martin makes this more than just a civilised money making exercise - it’s also a celebration of British motoring history.

Founded in 1830 as Salmons Coachworks – a producer of carriages – the Newport Pagnell site was taken under Aston’s wing by David Brown in 1955. The former tractor maker from Huddersfield turned owner of Aston Martin would see the company secure silverware at Le Mans 24Hours, Nurburgring and 1,000km race with the iconic DBR1 in 1959.

During the 52 years of Aston Martin production at Newport Pagnell, only 13,300 cars left the line. The models produced included the celebrated DB era cars such as, the DB4, DB5 – 007’s car of choice – and DB6, up until 1970. The next decade saw the production Aston’s ‘muscle car’ V8 Vantage and the controversial William Towns Lagonda before production ended at the plant in 2007 with the original V12 Vanquish.

With years of craftsmanship running rich through its foundations, Newport Pagnell was recommissioned in 2012 as the home of Aston Martin Works and the company’s heritage division. Calling on 102 years of experience and expertise, the marque’s in-house heritage team see that these cherished examples of British engineering don’t miss a beat. 

The Sale

It’s against this backdrop of toolkits, oil-stained rags and charming classic cars that the annual auction takes place. This year, Bonhams auctioneer James Knight played host to a packed room, encouraging bidders to part with some substantial sums in return for a piece of Aston Martin ancestry.

Following the collection of Aston automobilia, cars from all generations including an ex-Works 1953 DB2/4 Drophead Coupe, a rare, right-hand drive 1963 DB4 Vantage Convertible, and a unique 1986 Lagonda Shooting Brake built by Swiss firm Roos Engineering took to the stage.

But the star car wasn’t the ex-Stirling Moss DB3S, as was expected, but the handsome right-hand drive 1963 DB4 Vantage Convertible, which sold for a staggering £1,009,500 (including premium). Incidentally, the DB3S cover car - once owned by David Brown and raced by the likes of Stirling Moss, Roy Salvadori, and Reg Parnell – failed to sell despite a cool £5million offer from a bidder in the room. The car even came with Aston’s Assured Provenance certification and a sported Stirling Moss’ signature on the rear racing number roundel. What’s not to like? Perhaps it was the cars £7million upper estimate – an ambitious estimate in today’s market, even for a car of its standing.

The ugly ducking of the salesroom was a one-off 1986 Lagonda Shooting Brake, which was adapted in 1996 by Swiss firm Roos Engineering for a customer in Hong Kong. The build took four years to complete with the re-modeled windowpanes costing 40,000 Swiss Francs alone. Unsurprisingly, a car of such acquired taste failed to find a home with a bid of £170,000 against its £200,000 lower estimate.

Alongside the stunning ex-Works Demonstrator DB2/4 Drophead Coupe, which sold for £326,300 (including premium) were two DB5s – a 1964 Convertible and a 1965 Sports Saloon, which each commanded £807,900.

With a sell-through rate of 52%, many of the lots failed to find a home. Although not as fruitful as previous years, the sale serves as a reminder of Aston Martin’s humble beginnings and its longing to preserve its past as this plucky British brand continues to keep pace with the automotive establishment.

Images courtesy of Bonhams