A rare classic Aston Martin DB 2/4 Mk 111 drophead coupe which lay under a tarpaulin on a driveway with the keys in the ignition for 30 years has sold at auction for over £200,000.
The 1958 model was first registered to David Brown, who owned Aston Martin and whose ”DB” initials continue to this day.
The car, which is one of only 84 ever made, was stored on a trailer under a tarpaulin for 30 years by its previous owner – after it ran out of petrol.
The battered wreck went up for auction last week where it was expected to fetch between £80,000 and £100,000.
But a bidding war between two British classic car collectors saw it sell for £207,866 at Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey.
Laurence Sayers-Gillan, managing director of Barons auctioneers who handled the sale, said the price ”exceeded all expectations.”
He said: ”Considering how it was stored the car is amazingly sound and comes complete with the original logbook, workshop manuals and service history.
”Cars like this come onto the market very rarely and the association with David Brown, who is a historic figure for Aston Martin, attracted a lot of interest.
”It was an amazing lot that attracted a huge amount of attention and exceeded all of our expectations. It will make a fantastic restoration project.
”The final result goes to demonstrate how important it is to give these rare or special motor cars the correct level of promotion.
”Classic Aston Martins have gone stratospheric in price recently but it was certainly worth that much to the man who bought it.”
The Aston Martin was passed from David Brown to his wife before being sold to a Yorkshire mill owner.
In 1974 it was sold to the unnamed previous owner who has stored it on a trailer outside his home for the last 30 years.
The 2922cc car has suffered extensive rust and mould damage over the years and will now require a full restoration.
The vehicle was sold at a classic car auction held on September 7 and its new owner has asked to remain anonymous.
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