On Saturday 2 June, the annual Bonhams Aston Martin Sale was held in association with the Aston Martin Owners Club’s international concours d’elegance in the beautiful grounds of Englefield House in the heart of England.
Enthusiasts from the USA, mainland Europe and the UK gathered to create a wonderful atmosphere on the beautifully manicured lawns with the 16th century stately home providing a stunning backdrop. The Bonhams sale was the Saturday highlight of the weekend’s celebration of the iconic British marque and realised a total of £4,474,499 with 90% of lots sold overall.
One of the most celebrated Aston Martins is the DB5 and the sale saw two offered – a fixed head and a convertible. The elegant DB5 Sports Saloon sold for £628,700 to a bidder in the saleroom after a lengthy bidding exchange whereas the second, a 1965 DB5 Convertible, attracted attention from across the globe with bids coming in on the telephones, online and in the room. It eventually sold for £886,300 to a bidder in the saleroom.
It wouldn’t be a Bonhams sale without a barn find, and a pair of projects that drew the attention of the assembled crowd were the 1951 Aston Martin DB2 Sports Saloon which achieved £66,460 and the 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4 Mark II DHC which had travelled all the way from Massachusetts. It realised £225,500, a testament to the enthusiasm that Aston Martin lovers still retain for exciting and rare projects.
Further highlights of the sale included the ex-Jools Holland 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Mk1 Volante which sold for £494,300 and the eye-catching 1958 Aston Martin DB MkIII DHC which achieved £395,500.
Other highlights included:
- 1959 Aston Martin DB4 Series 1 Sports Saloon (£371,100)
- 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark II 3.7-Litre Coupé (£281,500)
- 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante Convertible (£163,900)
James Knight, Group Motoring Chairman and the auctioneer for the sale, commented: “Our annual Aston Martin sale is always a highlight of the motoring calendar, and we were delighted to have such a good result. I was particularly pleased with the attendance, the sale attracting many new visitors as well as our existing clientele. The setting certainly helped create a wonderful atmosphere and we look forward to building on this year’s success.”
