Aston Martin DB 2/4: classic laden with Bond gadgets up for auction

By Adam Binnie

Motor Industry

09 July 2014 10:02

A classic Aston Martin, thought to be the inspiration behind James Bond’s car in the Ian Fleming novel Goldfinger, will be sold at auction this Saturday, 12 July 2014.

When a father-and-son restoration team discovered the unassuming DB 2/4 Mk I Vantage collecting dust they had no idea of its potential significance.

As they began to peel back the layers they uncovered a set of unique modifications, similar to those in the fictional Bond car, including reinforced steel bumpers, concealed lockers, heavy-duty anti-interference ignition system, and connections for a two-way radio or homing device.

Digging deeper they then discovered the vehicle was owned by the son of former MI5 chief Lord Swinton, a close confidant of Winston Churchill, and Ian Fleming’s boss.

The vehicle was often seen parked at Fleming’s next-door neighbour in Kent, the same place where he based the HQ of Sir Hugo Drax in his Bond novel Moonraker.

International auctioneers Coys, which is selling the car this Saturday at Blenheim Palace, described it as ‘a strong contender for the world’s most significant Aston Martin’.

Chris Routledge, managing partner of the auction house, said: ‘This could be one of the most important discoveries of all time, confirming the link between undoubtedly the most famous spy in history and possibly the world’s most iconic sports car marque’.

This Aston will be sold alongside more than 90 other cars, including a 1951 Jaguar Mk V Drophead Coupé, and a 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Series I Ventoux.

By Adam Binnie