This Aston Martin Auction Is A Perfect Tea-Break Time-Waster

If you’ve got five minutes to look at some stunning Aston Martins (and who hasn’t), you’re in luck. In the wake of the awesome heritage fleet video Aston released earlier this week, auctioneers Bonhams have announced a May sale of some rare, gorgeous and devastatingly unobtainable cars.

Ranging from a 1953 DB2 Drophead Coupe to 2016 Vantage GT12 Coupe, the 18th annual edition of the auction at Aston’s own Newport Pagnell heritage works site will aim to sell cars, memorabilia, collectors’ books and manuals, plus original, salvaged parts from and for classic Aston Martins.

Of the 243 lots for sale on 13 May, the most exciting has to be the 1968 DB6 MkI Volante, which was ‘extensively refurbished’ by Aston Martin Works in 2012 and has only covered 1000 miles since then. This model was also the first soft-top Aston Martin to bear the Volante name that still endures today. Only 140 examples were made and this one is in very good order, hence a hefty estimate of £700,000-£900,000.

Also on the roster are several ‘lesser’ DB6s, a lovely blue DB5 and the newest car in the sale, the Vantage GT12. It’s the only one built in Viridian Green paint; a bespoke colour created by Aston Martin’s Q design department. The 592bhp V12 racer sold out of its 100-car run shortly after being unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, so this is a rare chance.

One of the more odd cars for sale is an unbelievably rare V8 Sportsman estate from the 1990s. One of just three ever built, it was based on the V8 of the same era but with slightly ungainly custom bodywork to create a shooting brake effect.

Paul Spires, Commercial Director at Aston Martin Works said:

“The Bonhams Aston Martin Sale is always a delight as it gives us a lot of pleasure to handle cars that have been so beautifully cared for over the years. It takes a lot for Aston Martin owners to part with their cars so our buyers know they are always getting something very special.”

Tim Schofield, Head of Bonhams Motoring Department added:

“We are thrilled to be returning once more to Aston Martin Works with such a wide range of examples from the legendary British marque. Returning to Works is always a pleasure, and we are looking forward to offering some of the world’s most iconic motor cars to our international audience of bidders at our sale on the 13th.”