Aston Martin, Sotheby’s host one-make auction during Monterey Car Week

British automaker Aston Martin is working with auction house Sotheby’s for a special auction that is already gaining significant interest.

For Monterey Car Week, Aston Martin and RM Sotheby’s will be auctioning off a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 that was only owned by one person for 40 years. Aston Martin will host three days of auctions, but Sotheby’s will host the one-off auction for the vehicle on August 15.

Auctioning off Aston Martin
The DB5 going to auction is only the fifth of that model produced, featuring factory left-hand drive, sold in San Francisco through British Motor Car Distributors to Washington Fruit & Produce Corporation. Its current owner purchased the model in 1980 off the street, residing in Sausalito, CA and is now consigning the coveted vehicle.

Produced in the Aston Martin factory in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, the DB5 will be the subject of Sotheby’s annual Evening with Aston Martin.

“This early interest in the inaugural auction from owners around the world is an extremely positive sign,” said Paul Spires, president of Aston Martin Works, in a statement. “The market for historic cars is constantly evolving and it is vital that, with its remarkable heritage and growing appeal worldwide, Aston Martin is represented by the best auction house in the business.

“RM Sotheby’s give us at Aston Martin Works – the global heritage division of Aston Martin – the opportunity to reach a first class international clientele,” he said.

The 1964 Aston Martin DB8. Image credit: David Bush/RM Sotheby's

The sale will take place at the Monterey Conference Center.

“We are honored to partner with Aston Martin as the marque’s official auction house and for what is set to be an incredible evening in Monterey,” said Gord Duff, global head of auctions, RM Sotheby’s, in a statement. “RM Sotheby’s has long been the auction house of choice for the sale of important Aston Martin models, and our Monterey auction has proven time and again to be the best venue for the most exceptional examples, exhibited by the sale of the one-off DP215 last year and the DBR1/1 in 2017 – the most valuable British car ever sold at auction.”

This past summer, the British automaker signed an agreement with RM Sotheby’s, making the auction house its official auction partner.

RM Sotheby’s now acts as the automaker’s official partner for its investment-quality vehicles. The partnership was solidified with the auctioning of a 1963 Aston Martin DP215 Grand Touring Competition Prototype (see story).