Paul McCartney’s Aston Martin DB5 Headed to Auction
Believed to be the legendary rocker’s first Aston, this DB5 holds a special place in rock n’ roll history. And our hearts.
It’s not like the Aston Martin DB5 doesn’t already hold a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts across the globe. Much of that can be attributed to its appearance in various James Bond films, of course. But the DB5 is also one of the finest looking (and driving) things ever conceived by man. Which is why obtaining one these days isn’t exactly easy, or cheap. And when your nut-and-bolt restored Aston Martin DB5 was also owned by one of the most legendary rock stars of any generation, it’s going to cost you even more.
What you see before you is just such a car – a pristine 1964 Aston Martin DB5 owned by the incomparable Paul McCartney. In fact, it was the very first Aston purchased by McCartney, obtained just weeks after The Beetles soared to international fame by appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show. And just prior to embarking on their legendary 1964 world tour. Since then, the car has enjoyed an equally interesting life.
An original Sierra Blue car, the Aston now proudly wears a proper Bond tone of silver. It’s loaded with interesting options, including Armstrong Selectaride rear shocks and a Philips Auto-Mignon record player. The latter, of course, so that an at-the-time bachelor McCartney could entertain various young lady friends. At least, that’s what we would have done with it.
McCartney drove his beloved DB5 for six years, racking up an impressive 40,000 miles over that span. After that, the Aston changed hands several times. Most notably, it spent some time in the garage of broadcaster, car collector, and famously banished Top Gear host Chris Evans. And even though the car now sports a non-original color combination, its fascinating history means you’ll still pay a premium.
Lot #132 at Bonhams’ Bond Street Sale is expected to hammer somewhere between $1.6 and $2.0 million on December 2 in London. You can bet we’ll be watching. If for no other reason than to see this gorgeous hunk of machinery gracefully glide across the stage. Like McCartney’s fingers glide across a perfectly tuned Hofner, that is.
