The 2019 Monterey Car Week was a fascinating tale.
An LM-spec McLaren F1 was one of the standouts along with Niki Lauda's Ferrari 312T.
The focus of this story is on the Aston Martin DB5 which sold for a stellar $5.2m!
A record price, it illustrates the appeal of this British classic. However, as the car of choice for James Bond, the DB5's debut in Goldfinger transformed its reputation and desire around the world.
In fact, during the height of the film's success, Aston Martin experienced record sales for its DB5. Although, this one is different. It's a replica DB5 from Goldfinger!
How did this come about?
Image Via - Sotheby's
The success of Goldfinger raised the anticipation of Thunderball but the producers were already ahead of the curve.
Two extra DB5s were acquired and they had the same modifications as the DB5 car from Goldfinger. Examples include the tyre slashers, bullet proof rear screen and more!
Image Via - Sotheby's
After being shipped to the US, the cars went on a promotional tour but after their duties were fulfilled, the cars disappeared out of the limelight as 007 received a brand new car for his mission.
One of those promotional cars spent over 30 years in a museum before it was consigned to Sotheby's Monterey Car auction where an intense bidding war ensued.
Image Via - Sotheby's
There were multiple parties interested but after roughly six minutes, one bidder stood out.
After fees, the winning bid amounted to £5.2m. This all but confirmed Chassis DB5/2008/R as the most expensive DB5 of its kind.
Eclipsing the record by over £2m, this DB5 has joined an enviable list of cars which broke the $5m mark at auction.
Similar to Givenchy and Hepburn, the relationship between James Bond and Aston Martin is formidable.
Over the past 50 years, fans have eagerly anticipated what the new Aston Martin in James Bond would like by combining elements of their favourites and also an eye towards the future.
What are your thoughts on this sale? Are you surprised it sold for over £5m? Hit the comments and let us know!
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