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‘Bond-hams Sale’
Naturally an Aston Martin sale would not be complete without a line-up of ‘Bond’ cars and this sale features
examples of models which have appeared with 007 on the silver screen.
The most iconic of these is, of course, the DB5 which famously featured in Goldfinger, Thunderball and
Goldeneye, as well asCasino Royale andSkyfall. A 1965 example, estimated at £620,000 - £680,000, is
offered in the classic cinematic finish of silver birch paintwork and black leather interior. Subject to a
comprehensive restoration last year, the DB5 is “ready to delight its next custodian”.
In 1969, a DBS sports saloon starred alongside George Lazenby as the secret agent in the sixth Bond film
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Bonhams is offering an original UK market, right-hand drive example from
the same year, estimate £100,000 - £120,000, fitted with desirable ZF five-speed manual transmission.
By the late 80s, Timothy Dalton had taken on the role of 007, driving a V8 Vantage in the 1987 film The
Living Daylights. The sale features two examples from that year, both finished in metallic ‘Chichester blue’:
the first, one of only 131 genuine originals ‘X-Pack’ Sports Saloons, has covered 78,000 miles from new and
comprises an ‘exceptional’ history file. Estimate £320,000 - £360,000.
The second is an X-Pack V8 Vantage Volante (£300,000 - £350,000) which at the time was the world’s
fastest convertible, achieving cruising speeds well in excess of 150mph. This car is one of only 109 ever built.
Zagato
The Bonhams sale also features three Zagato models, designed by the renowned Italian coachbuilding firm or
‘Carrozzeria’, which is celebrating its centenary this year and whose relationship with Aston Martin dates
back to the 1960s, with the introduction of the DB4 GT.
The more modern Zagatos offered at Wormsley include the most recent edition, a 2019 Vanquish Zagato
Shooting Brake (£625,000 – £750,000), the 68th of only 99 built, featuring a 580bhp 6.0-litre V12 engine
capable of 0-62mph acceleration in just 3.5 seconds.
This example of the Gran Turismo supercar with its renowned ‘double bubble’ profile, features a unique
specification and is one of only three believed to have the bronze front and rear grilles. Finished in lava red
metallic paintwork, with contrasting black leather with red stitching, including the ‘Z’ motifs, this Zagato has
covered a mere 43 miles from new.
1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato Coupé
One of only 27 right-hand drive, manual transmission cars of a total production run of just 52, this very
low-mileage (circa 4,200 miles from new), 1986 example (£420,000 - £480,000), is presented in its original
colour scheme of Lightning Silver with Burgundy interior trim and features the registration number VZ 268.
Arguably the pinnacle of the V8 era, the V8 Vantage Zagato Coupé now forms the centrepiece of many
important Aston Martin collections.
2004 DB AR1 Roadster
The roadster DB AR1 was born of the favourable reception given to the DB7 V12 Vantage-based coupé, which
recalled the sublime looks of the original DB4 GT Zagato. This example, number 39 of 99, has covered just
over 2000 miles from new. Estimate £300,000 - £350,000.
Other highlights
1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 3.0-Litre Sports Saloon
With the introduction of the '2+2' DB2/4 in October 1953, Aston Martin extended the DB2's appeal to the
increasingly important market of 'sports car enthusiasts with a family’.
Practicality did not compromise performance as, powered by the 3.0-litre 140bhp 'VB6J' engine, the DB2/4
was one of the fastest cars then built in Great Britain - with 100mph achievable in third gear and a maximum
speed of around 120mph. This example (£100,000 - £120,000) is eligible for the Mille Miglia.
1959 DB MkIII Sports Saloon Project
The first and only Mark III Sports Saloon with automatic transmission was delivered new to California and is
now offered as a restoration project. This left-hand drive example, (£85,000 - £115,000) would be the ideal
basis for restoration. A dismantled 3.0-litre engine is included in the sale, together with a Borg Warner
automatic transmission and a David Brown manual gearbox, giving the new owner the option to fit their
preferred transmission during the transmission.
1952 Lagonda 2.6-litre Drophead Coupé
The oldest car on offer on 19 May was originally designed and engineered by W.O. Bentley, who was
responsible for the 2.6-litre, six-cylinder, twin-overhead-camshaft engine. The elegant lines with their Italianate
flair, fashioned by Frank Feeley, may have been a nostalgic nod to the pre-war Lagondas, but the car featured
the advanced all-round independent suspension. Estimate £70,000 - £80,000.
As ever, the Aston Martin sale will also contain fascinating examples of automobilia associated with the
marque, including:
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