Photo: Wikipedia user Brian Snelson
Racing cars with pedigree are always stars at auction houses, and this 1954 Aston Martin DB3S is no exception.
According to British auction house Bonhams, this example is expected to sell for $10 million next month when it goes under the hammer. If you are asking why, here is an answer. Aston Martin only made 31 DB3S models and 11 works race cars, and since most have been destroyed, this is a rare car.
What makes this example more uncommon than others is the fact that it was originally made for David Brown, who wanted to use it privately, but eventually gave it to the racing department as three other DB3S models were destroyed at Le Mans in 1954.
The racing department at Aston Martin replaced the fiberglass panels with aluminum and put the car through its paces. It was raced by Sir Stirling Moss, Roy Salvadori, and Peter Collins. The fifth Aston Martin DB3S saw action at Spa-Francorchamps, Nurburgring, and the famous Mille Miglia.
So, aside from the flock of famous racers who drove this car to its limits in top-tier motorsport, this vehicle was also driven and shortly owned by the boss of Aston Martin at the time.
Yes, the David Brown we mentioned above as the first owner of this car is the man who gave his initials to the “DB” cars made by Aston Martin. This piece of info alone would have made this particular vehicle more valuable than others, but the fact that it has a racing pedigree and has been driven by famous racers in legendary events makes it even more collectible. Furthermore, it was also featured in the comedy “School for Scoundrels” in the 1960s.
The most expensive DB3S ever sold at auction switched owners in 2014, at a Gooding&Company event, where it was traded for $5.5 million. Thanks to the extended and fascinating history of this example, Bonhams expects it to sell for around $8.5-10 million. If you want it, the auction is held next month at the former Aston Martin factory in Newport Pagnell.
What makes this example more uncommon than others is the fact that it was originally made for David Brown, who wanted to use it privately, but eventually gave it to the racing department as three other DB3S models were destroyed at Le Mans in 1954.
The racing department at Aston Martin replaced the fiberglass panels with aluminum and put the car through its paces. It was raced by Sir Stirling Moss, Roy Salvadori, and Peter Collins. The fifth Aston Martin DB3S saw action at Spa-Francorchamps, Nurburgring, and the famous Mille Miglia.
So, aside from the flock of famous racers who drove this car to its limits in top-tier motorsport, this vehicle was also driven and shortly owned by the boss of Aston Martin at the time.
Yes, the David Brown we mentioned above as the first owner of this car is the man who gave his initials to the “DB” cars made by Aston Martin. This piece of info alone would have made this particular vehicle more valuable than others, but the fact that it has a racing pedigree and has been driven by famous racers in legendary events makes it even more collectible. Furthermore, it was also featured in the comedy “School for Scoundrels” in the 1960s.
The most expensive DB3S ever sold at auction switched owners in 2014, at a Gooding&Company event, where it was traded for $5.5 million. Thanks to the extended and fascinating history of this example, Bonhams expects it to sell for around $8.5-10 million. If you want it, the auction is held next month at the former Aston Martin factory in Newport Pagnell.
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