€2M Aston Martin Ulster tops Bonhams' Retromobile sale results

The car in the Bonhams sale was the 1935 Le Mans works entry which came home fifth in class after the 24 hours. “CML 719” was stored after the race and put up for sale the following year… at £485. Despite the offer of deferred terms with part-exchange welcome, it still took a while to find a buyer…

The car went on to have a busy time racing with a variety of owners in period, doing well in mostly UK trials and rallies, before heading to the US. Since then Aston Martin’s finest prewar sportscar has been just as busy in historic events, including the Mille Miglia re-run and concours competitions. Like all Ulsters, every detail of its history is documented. 

Selling for €2,012,500 (£1,712,436) including premium, the Ulster is now off to its next adventure – hopefully not locked away in a bank vault but screaming around a motor circuit where it belongs, and where it has excelled for the past 80 years. 

The ex-Jean Ragnotti Group B Renault 5 Turbo that came home sixth overall in the 1986 Tour de Corse sold for €195,500 (£166,350) inc. premium. 

Other Bonhams sale highlights from Paris:

1957 Bentley S1 Continental Cabriolet, €1,069,500 (£910,000)

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, €1,016,000 (£865,000)

1939 Maybach SW38 Spezial Cabriolet, €672,750 (£572,400)

1923 Bugatti Type 27 Brescia Torpedo, €506,000 (£430,500)

1959 Ferrari 250 GT coupe 1st series, €437,000 (£371,800)

1977 Lancia Stratos, €373,750 (£318,000)

1955 Porsche 356 1500 Super Speedster Pre A, €368,000 (£313,100)

 Photography by Tom Shaxson