The Five Most Expensive Aston Martins Ever Sold
The iconic Aston Martin is a unique blend of art, beauty and expert craftsmanship. The organic contours offer one both a sense of refinement, style and symmetry. The Aston Martin has earned itself a place in British history. Indeed, each of the 5 cars in our list are not just here because they are the most expensive Aston Martins ever sold, but because of the pride they instill in the British people. Generally, vehicles begin to depreciate the moment they leave the dealership, but a car with a history? Not so much, an the Aston Martin is one of those rare gems that carry with it meaning.
5. 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Sold for $9,520,000
1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato, chassis number DB4GT/0190/L, was considered the Ferrari 250 GTO’s nemesis back in the day. This particular Zagato was ordered by United States Navy Commander, James Murray to his specifications and completed on June 26, 1962. In 1987 the Zagato was given a road test by the auto magazine, Car and Driver, which stated that, “You can feel the heat pulsing out of that overgrown ingot of a motor, toasting your shins and reminding you that this is what honest sports cars used to feel like.” After a succession of owners, the car landed in the Andrews classic car collection in 2016. Though it isn’t known as a world famous race car, it served admirably as a conversation piece, a collectible which could be used to run errands or for basic commutes. Due to it being an Aston Martin Zagato, it will be forever be cemented in the annals of auto racing history.
4. 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato “MP209” Sold for $13,302,239
The 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato ‘MP209’, driven by celebrated race car drivers such as Innes Ireland and Jim Clark brought in a total of $13,302,239 at auction. Considered a competent match for Ferrari’s 250 GTO, the MP209 was a prototype based on the Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato. This grand touring two seated coup, chassis no. DB4GT/0183/R hit the Goodwood TT and LeMans in its heyday. In 1993 the car suffered damage due to an unfortunate accident. The car was immediately taken to undergo repairs by a team of Aston Martin automotive experts at Newport Pagnell. During this time, the car underwent a complete renovation. The car has not performed on the track since this rebuild, but has appeared in various concours events.
3. 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Sold for $14,300,000
Aston Martin made a total of 19 DB4GT’s. However, the one that was sold for $14,300,000, chassis number DBGT/0186/R was the 14th in the series and considered the best of the lot. Designed by Carrozzeria Zagato’s Ercole Spada, this car would wear the name Aston Martin with pride, yet hold within it the soul of a Zagato, making it the most unique build ever by Aston Martin. Central to the success of the DBGT/0186/R was its weight reduction. Spada reduced the cars weight by a substantial 45 kilograms. This was due to the act of replacing glass with Perspex, and using aluminum for much of the body. When that was completed, the design team eliminated anything on the car that served no purpose. All of the above plus some artful engine tweaking made the DBGT/0186/R a formidable competitor on the track.
2. 1963 Aston Martin DP215 Grand Touring Competition Prototype Sold for $21,455,000
The 1963 Aston Martin DP215 Grand Touring Competition Prototype was developed to compete at Le Man’s. It was known as “the most significant one-off Works Aston Martin” in existence At the 1963 LeMans, this supercar was driven by Phil Hill and Lucien Bianchi. Two months later, this prototype hit 198.6 miles per hour at the Mulsanne Straight. In 1963, master designer Ted Cutting was given 1,500 pounds and two months to design and build a race car for the LeMan’s Prototype Class event. Though sporting great speed and power, it failed at the track due to gearbox failures.Sadly, this historic supercar marked the end of Aston Martin racing. The DP215 was restored with original master designer, Ted Cutting, as a consultant. The 1963 Aston Martin DP215 prototype restoration included its original engine, as well as a new, five-speed gearbox. Also included in the restore was a Hiduminium body.
1. 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 Sold for $22,550,000
On August 18 to 19 of 2017 the most expensive Aston Martin was sold at auction for $22,550,000. The auction house was RM Sotheby’s in Monterey. This is quite the special sports car due to its racing history, in fact it’s known as the most important Aston Martin in history. The Aston Martin DBR1 in question is the chassis no. 1 or DBR1/1. The 1956 DBR1 had an illustrious racing history, which included winning the Nurburgring 1000 M in 1959. Famous drivers to take the helm of the DBR1 included Carroll Shelby, Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham and Roy Salvadori. Through the years this car was cared for by R.S. Williams. The 1956 DBR1/1 was created to serve Aston Martin as a car built to compete.
Final Thoughts
The Aston Martin is a brand which is synonymous with exquisite design, elegance and refinement. History tells a tale rich with glorious wins at the track, while being driven by some of the worlds most talented drivers. Alluring artistry along with precision engineering and design seems to embrace quintessential car in past, present and future designs. The Aston Martin isn’t just a Bond car, it’s tantamount to British ingenuity, drive and grace.
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