Lots – 55

Estimated value – £12.5 – 14.5 million

Bonhams’ annual Aston Martin sale has become one of the most important (and enjoyable) fixtures on the UK classic car auction calendar. The sale has continued to grow in stature and appeals to marque enthusiasts who get a chance to bid on cars that could potentially be considered a good buy although there isn’t much that jumps out as a bargain at this years sale (the David Brown tractor and Virage coupe excluded).

Running through the lots it is clear to see that Bonhams have put together a carefully considered and well curated sale. There are an awful lot of DB4/5/6s for sale – 21 in total, over a third of the cars available – but no two cars are in quite the same condition or price bracket and this is where Bonhams have been clever (or lucky). The catalogue was a little late getting published, so we wonder if the auctioneers have had enough time to market these cars to the big-hitters who will need to be bidding on them. Either which way, classic car lovers across the globe will have fun finding out and the sale will set a benchmark for pricing expectation for auction followers at least. The dealer and auction market are currently diverging in our opinion but a fierce appetite for cars is still present.

The Aston Martin expert’s view

As always, we asked the team at Aston Martin Heritage dealers Nicholas Mee & Company to give us their thoughts on the sale. Commercial Director Neal Garrard points out that at first glance this sale looks to have a more limited offering than in previous years, mainly weighted to the more expensive 60’s cars, which will appeal more to investors than the core Aston Martin enthusiasts. However, closer inspection of the catalogue shows that Bonhams look to have covered the bases for most categories of buyer.

“Estimates are in line with current market values and there don’t look to be many bargains.  Prices are strong because the market is strong – it’s a simple case of supply & demand – and we could see some good results for the best cars, just as we are seeing elsewhere in the Aston market. Some of the 70’s and eighties cars may appear inexpensive, but there are wild variations in quality on these cars which buyers definitely need to consider.”

Neal was impressed that Bonhams had managed to gather such a sizeable catalogue of Astons – an indication of just how competitive the market is at the moment.

Read our report from last years Aston Martin Works sale – Aston Martin under the microscope

Click on the Pinterest link below to view a pinboard of the cars we will be watching (with estimates) – we’re sure the David Brown tractor will do well….

Follow Classic and Sports Finance’s board Bonhams: The Aston Martin Works Sale on Pinterest.