Aston Martin announced the formation of a new partnership with RM Sotheby’s, the world’s largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles.
The new partnership is off to the best possible start earlier today when the beautiful 1963 Aston Martin DP215 Grand Touring Competition Prototype went under the auctioneer’s gavel at Pebble Beach for an astonishing $21 455 000 (R306-million).
Extra significance
The most significant one-off Aston Martin Works car, the DP215 was driven by Lucien Bianchi and Phil Hill at Le Mans in 1963 and is the final David Brown competition Aston Martin.
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Paul Spires, president of Aston Martin, said: "What a great way to start this exciting new partnership. The market for historic cars is booming so it is vital that Aston Martin is represented by the best auction house in the business. RM Sotheby’s give us the opportunity to reach a global audience with their international clientele."
An obvious choice
Kenneth Ahn, President, RM Sotheby’s said: "It’s certainly an honour to join Aston Martin in celebrating a milestone anniversary of its motorsport history in 2019 and the exceptional road cars that have come to define the brand.
"In keeping with RM Sotheby’s record-breaking success in the sale of important Aston Martins at auction, we look forward to presenting the marque’s very best motor cars from around the world in Monterey next year, an auction setting unlike any other."
Image: Newspress
Commencing in 2019, RM Sotheby’s will hold an annual Aston Martin single-marque sale, which looks set to become a highlight of Monterey Car Week.
Aston Martin’s successful Second Century Plan, which is delivering a new Aston Martin model every year for seven years, also promises two ‘specials’ per year, which are set to become collectables of the future.