A 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4, considered as the inspiration for James Bond’s original Aston Martin in Ian Fleming’s novel Goldfinger, is to be auctioned by international auctioneers COYS this Saturday 12th July at Blenheim Palace. This iconic car will be featured alongside over 90 important motor cars, including a fine selection of Jaguars.
The Aston Martin, a DB 2/4 Mk I Vantage, chassis number LML-819, was owned by Phillip Ingram Cunliffe-Lister, whose father was Lord Swinton, a close confidant of Winston Churchill, head of MI5 and the Security Executive during WWII, and Ian Fleming’s boss. Moreover, the vehicle was regularly at Fleming’s next-door neighbour in Kent, which was the same place where he based the HQ of Sir Hugo Drax in his Bond novel Moonraker.
All the gadgets that appeared in Bond’s car in the Goldfinger novel appear in this Aston Martin, including reinforced steel bumpers, concealed lockers, a heavy-duty anti-interference ignition system, driver’s seat connections for two-way radio and a Halda Speed Pilot. This model is a strong contender for the world’s most significant Aston Martin ever to be offered to the open market.
Chris Routledge, Managing Partner of the auction house, said “This could be one of the most important discoveries of all time, confirming the link between the undoubtedly most famous spy in history and possibly the world’s most iconic sports car marque”.
A 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Series I Ventoux featuring a 'profilee' windscreen and what were known as 'spats', which fill the rear wheel arches. This is an uncommonly pure example of the superb early version of the design; the frontal aspect is balanced by a small integral projecting luggage boot, the exterior handsomely finished in Embassy Black and retains the correct wire wheels. To celebrate the 350th anniversary of Royal marines, a number of military vehicles will be present on the day at Blenheim Palace, including a 1941 Austin Utility, a 1944 Bedford M.W, a 1936 Morris Commercial CS8 Mk3, amongst others. A 1951 Jaguar too will be a part of this fleet.
Alongside the car auction, attendees have been invited to bring with them their own classic cars, comprising a Concours d’ Elegance, which is set to feature the likes of a 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, a 1967 Lamborghini Miura and many more, all of which will be judged by a selection of guest judges.
Source : CarDekho