A remarkable ‘barn find’ Aston Martin with a history of racing and robbery has topped a sale of classic cars at Goodwood.
The 1949 Aston Martin DB Team Car led the way at Bonhams’ annual Goodwood auction, fetching a final price of £679,100 ($906,550).
Chassis ‘UMC 65’ was originally built to compete in the 1949 Le Mans 24-Hour race, where it finished 7th overall and 3rd in class. It was then acquired by a private owner, and later spent decades quietly rusting away in a garden before being stolen 14 years ago.
The earlier this year the historic car was recovered and returned to its original owner, before being offered for sale at Bonhams.
“This ex-works Le Mans Aston Martin is the ultimate ‘barn find’,” said James Knight, Bonhams International Group Motoring Director.
“Despite its neglected condition, connoisseurs of truly historic racing cars regard it as a truly historic time machine. Its wonderfully original patina, reminiscent of the days when it raced at both Le Mans and in the Spa 24-Hours, explain this special appeal. We are delighted that after such a troubled past, the car has achieved such a wonderful price for the family.”
The Aston Martin was one of several classic British cars to fetch strong prices at Goodwood.
Next up was a 1938 Jaguar SS100 3½-Litre Roadster, one of only 116 examples ever built, which had spent remained in the same ownership since 1956. The car was presented in generally original condition, and after a lifetime of being well-loved and well-driven it sold for £337,500 ($445,062).
There were also notable results for a 1936 Bentley 4¼-Litre Racing Two-Seater which sold for £104,540 ($137,857); a 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 ‘Flat Floor’ 3.8-Litre Roadster which sold for £225,500 ($297,367); a 1968 Aston Martin DB6 Sports Saloon which sold for £186,300 ($245,674); and a 1957 Bentley S-Series Continental Sports Saloon which sold for £234,460 ($309,183).
