One of the most famous cars in the world, a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage, sold for a world record price at auction of $527,451 at the ‘Weekend de l’Excellence Automobile’ held on the former site of the French Grand Prix circuit of Reims-Gueux on Saturday 11th September 2010.
Exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $381,750- $509,000, the beautifully presented Aston Martin DB5 Vantage is one of only seventeen left-hand drives manufactured to Vantage specification with a manual 5 speed transmission and has only had two previous owners. The DB5 originally found fame in the James Bond 1964 film ‘Goldfinger’ and also appeared in four later films.
Four other Aston Martins made the top ten lots illustrating the enduring interest in this classic brand. The DBS vantage 1968, yet another ‘James Bond’ Aston Martin that featured in the 1969 film ‘On her Majesty’s Secret Service’, sold for an impressive $131,068. An Aston Martin Vantage 1995, which was the fastest ever produced on its introduction in 1993 sold for $117,070.
A 1986 Aston Martin Volante, originally one of ranked on of the world’s fastest convertibles and one of the more exclusive variants of the V8 range, sold for $95,119. The Volante was described by former Aston Martin Chairman Victor Gauntlett as, ‘a stylish thoroughbred, beautifully built, luxurious, fast and immensely safe.’
Further highlights of the sale include a 1967 Lamborghini 400GT which was described on its debut as ‘nothing short of sensational’, sold for $247,501 and a Ford GT Coupé with one previous owner that sold for $117,070.
Philip Kantor, European Head of Cars comments: “We are delighted with the enthusiasm of the packed sale room in Reims Gueux at this historic venue and clearly the results reflect the continuing “bullish” collectors car market for prime examples of rare models of great marques”