Silverstone Auctions has secured a stunning 1965 Aston Martin DB5 for the Silverstone Classic Sale on 27th July. Considered by many to be one of the world’s most famous and coveted cars, the example on offer is one of the finest available. It has been estimated at between £275,000 to £325,000 and offered Without Reserve.
Immortalised in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger, the DB5’s arrival had royalty, rock stars and celebrities clamouring to own a model. More modestly, the Corgi Toys version became the ‘best-selling toy’ the same year.
Paul Campbell, consignment manager at Silverstone Auctions, said: “The early addition of this amazing DB5 has set a very high benchmark for our sale at the Silverstone Classic. Being able to offer this best of breed example in Aston Martin’s centenary year bodes well for another fantastic auction, which I’m sure will include many other iconic classics.”
This particular DB5 is the beneficiary of a near 18 month, no expense-spared restoration by professional outfits with parts supplied from the likes of Aston Workshop and HWM Aston Martin. Extensive mechanical work was undertaken to include an upgrade to run on unleaded fuel, water pump overhaul, reconditioning of the starter motor and replacement of various other consumables and components.
The car was fully stripped and repainted in Royal Blue metallic by Specialised Paintwork of Reading in March 2013. Its interior has also been the subject of a complete professional retrim to the highest standard in Mink Bridge of Weir leather, including a replacement headlining. The cosmetic appearance has been further enhanced with the professional rechroming of many components such as the front bumper, along with full detailing of the engine bay, wheel arches and underside.
“As this DB5 shows, demand to secure one of our 50 entry places for the Silverstone Classic sale is expected to be hotly contested. We’re currently inviting entries into the sale, so any owners of best-of-breed, classic cars are encouraged to speak to a member of our team at their earliest opportunity,” adds Campbell.
The auction – which takes place at Silverstone circuit over the weekend of the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival – will also include modern sports cars, classic motorcycles, a wide variety of automobilia lots as well as the return of the lifestyle collection, with an emphasis on leather goods, watches and antique jewellery.
Viewing of all of the lots will be available in the Wing Building at Silverstone all day on Friday 26th July and the morning of the sale on the 27th.
For more information about the Classic Sale, visit www.silverstoneauctions.com
UPDATE 29/07/13
CELEBRITY CARS SHINE AT SILVERSTONE SALE
A host of cars with ‘star’ appeal helped Silverstone Auctions to a record-breaking Silverstone Classic sale, generating more than £2million.
In total, 64 percent of the road cars on offer were successfully hammered away at the home of British motorsport, and aptly, a further eight competition cars were also snapped up.
Among the cars grabbing the limelight, which all sold for above their pre-sale upper estimates, were a 1966 Aston Martin DB6 MkI, once owned by entertainer Des O’Connor, which sold for £147,200, a 1996 Ferrari 456, originally owned by Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone which fetched £34,500, and the ex-Enid Blyton ‘Noddy Car’ – a 1969 Fiat 500 Gamine which sold for £29,325.
“We’re absolutely delighted with the fantastic results we’ve achieved for our vendors,” commented Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions. “While the celebrity cars grabbed much of the pre-sale attention, fantastic prices were achieved on cars right across the sale, confirming the quality of the lots on offer.”
Indeed, the car achieving the highest price on the day was a stunning 1965 Aston Martin DB5 saloon which sold for well above its upper estimate, fetching £373,750.
Meanwhile a 1958 Jaguar XK 150 ‘S’ Roadster with a fascinating history and just 580 miles on the clock, sold for an amazing £201,250, one of the highest prices ever paid anywhere in the world for a car of its type.
Other notable lots finding new homes included a rare 2005 Honda NSX Targa which sold for £80,500, a true piece of British automotive history – the ‘Longbridge Tunnel’ Mini Clubman, which sold for £1,610, and a beautiful 1967 Ford Lotus Cortina MkI fetching £38,525 – more than double its pre-sale estimate.
In the glorious surroundings of Silverstone circuit, competition cars were not to be outdone and among those successfully sold was Kimi Raikkonen’s first UK single seater – a Formula Renault, which sold for £25,300.
“Our team did a fantastic job in bringing together such a desirable collection to the Silverstone Classic Sale,” added Whale. “However, what’s perhaps even more impressive is that we’ll also be offering dozens more cars in less than a week as we head off to host our ‘Pride & Joy’ sale at CarFest North.”
While the catalogue has closed for the sold-out CarFest North event, which takes place from 2nd – 4thAugust, interested bidders can still take part by leaving a commission bid with Silverstone Auctions or by registering to make a live phone bid or online via i-Bidder.com.
Meanwhile, the catalogue for CarFest South which takes place at the end of August, remains open for a short period and anyone wishing to enter a car into the sale is encouraged to contact Silverstone Auctions as soon as possible.
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