A 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 has been auctioned for a record $22.55 million by RM Sotheby’s auction at Monterey Car Week, making it the most expensive British car ever sold at auction; as well as the most expensive car to change hands during the 2017 Monterey Car Week. The news of this Aston’s sale came just after the record breaking news that a one owner 1995 McLaren F1 was sold for $15.62 million by Bonhams Auction at Quail Lodge.
“Coming from the finest of all Aston Martin collections, owned by a fastidious perfectionist, DBR1/1 is not only the best presented of the five DBR1s produced, it is also without question the most correct down to the smallest of details, inside and out.” said RM Sotheby’s “With its impeccable provenance and enviable racing record, during which this Aston Martin was driven by some of the greatest names in motor racing, DBR1/1, the first of the line and an integral team player to the end, crucial to that 1959 World Sportscar Championship victory, remains an ultimate icon of Aston Martin racing history.”
The Aston Martin DBR1’s sale broke the record of a Jaguar D type, which sold for $21.78 million last year, and was formerly the record holder of the most expensive British car sold at auction. The DBR1 sold by RM had several rare qualities including being the first and most original conditioned DBR1 of just five produced, the car was driven by Sir Stirling Moss and Carroll Shelby, and used as a test car for it’s sister the DBR1/2 which was victorious in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This DBR1, even included it’s original engine in addition to a 300hp engine which was installed so that the car could be raced at the Goodwood Revival.
