James Bond never could resist sleek curves and a good-looking rear view, especially when the owner is armed with lethal gadgets and a taste for speed—like the Aston Martin DB5.
The one-of-a-kind 1964 silver sports car with special 007 modifications became the quintessential Bond car when Sean Connery got behind the wheel in 60s Bond classics “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball.”
Now, the classic has been snapped up at a London auction for $4 million. It was not immediately clear who bought the DB5.
Peter Wallman, car specialist at RM Auctions, the auction house selling the car, said, “I think, unquestionably, it’s the most famous car in the world.”
He called the sale a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The DB5 comes complete with all the original 007 specifications fitted to it by the Aston Martin factory for 1965’s “Thunderball.” They include front machine guns that shoot blanks, an ejector seat (that doesn’t work), radar navigation, a nail spreader, tire shredders, bullet shield and a revolving number plate.
The DB5 has only had one private owner, U.S. radio station owner and philanthropist Jerry Lee. He bought it straight from the Aston Martin factory in 1969 for $12,000. The self-confessed “huge” Bond fan says he’s kept the car at home in Pennsylvania in his “James Bond room” for the past 41 years.
Despite being close to half a century old, the DB5 only has 30,000 miles on the clock. Lee told CNN he has only driven the car once: “I drove it for two blocks in London. I think it’s a work of art,” he said. “It’s just pure beauty.” CNN International
There followed a slight period of confusion when a bogus bidder shouted “ten million”, but then Ohio real estate millionaire and car collector Harry Yeaggy bid £2.6m and his bid stuck.
The sale was over in less than 10 minutes and with 12 per cent buyers’ premium, tax and storage, the price paid by Yeaggy will be a whisker under £3 million.
“I decided to come over on Friday to buy it, so yes it was a spur of the moment thing,” said a visibly delighted Yeaggy.
“I thought a European would get it, but I guess they don’t appreciate James Bond like we do… I’m planning on driving it round the streets of England then taking it back and putting it in my museum. Telegraph.co.uk
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