Unique Aston Martin sets new auction record

At Bonhams' 14th annual 'Aston Martin Works' auction at Aston's Newport Pagnell headquarters on May 18, more than 200 lots, comprising cars and related automobilia, went under the hammer. The "star" amongst the Aston-only consignments was a unique 1960 DB4GT coupe, bodied by Bertone, which sold for _3,249,500 (AU$4,928,679) - a new world record for an Aston Martin sold at auction.

Known as 'The Jet,' the car has its roots in 1960, when Aston Martin commissioned Bertone to conceive and build a special Gran Turismo version of the DB4GT to premiere at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. The finished design was penned by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro, who would go on to become one of the most celebrated automotive designers of our time. The final DB4GT to come off the production line, 'The Jet' debuted as planned in Geneva alongside Jaguar's new E-type.

Offered from a deceased estate, and on the market for the first time in over 25 years, the multiple award-winning Aston attracted worldwide interest, with bids leaping in _100,000 increments on the way to the new record figure.

Its late owner originally purchased the Jet in 1986, then had it restored to concours condition by the factory. Since completion, it has won 12 major show awards including 'First in Class' at Pebble Beach and the Hurlingham Club, and 'Best in Show' at Villa D'Este.

Away from the Jet, a group of DB4, DB5 and DB6 Astons in barn find condition sold for a combined total of over _600,000, while a number of other lots also sold well in excess of their reserves.

The 14th annual sale of Aston Martin and Lagonda motor cars was also a landmark success for Bonhams, realising its highest ever total of _10 million (AU$15.62 million).

James Knight, Bonhams Group Motoring Director, said: "I really did not think we could eclipse the record-breaking total achieved at this sale last year, but I am thrilled that - in Aston Martin's centenary year - we have achieved just that. To sell every lot in an auction is almost unprecedented.

"When the first car lot realised _190,000 against an estimate of _50,000 I thought this was going to be one of those special days and it was, culminating with the new world auction record set by the Jet.

"As ever the day was tremendous, with both Bonhams and Aston Martin Works contributing much to ensure this was once again one of the highlight sales on the global auction calendar."

Full results and further details at www.bonhams.com

Images: courtesy of Bonhams