Coys To Auction Aston Martin Linked To Bond Author Ian Fleming

A 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4, considered by many to be the inspiration for James Bond’s original Aston Martin in Ian Fleming’s novel Goldfinger, is to be auctioned by international auctioneers Coys this Saturday 12th July at Blenheim Palace.

Not only was the DB 2/4 potentially the catalyst for Fleming’s characterisation of the famous fictional spy, but this particular car boasts an equally intriguing history.

This Aston Martin, a DB 2/4 Mk I Vantage, was owned by Phillip Ingram Cunliffe-Lister, whose father was Lord Swinton, a close confidant of Winston Churchill, head of MI5 and the Security Executive during WWII, and Ian Fleming’s boss.

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

All the gadgets that appeared in Bond’s car in the Goldfinger novel appear in this Aston Martin, including reinforced steel bumpers, concealed lockers, a heavy-duty anti-interference ignition system, driver’s seat connections for two-way radio and a Halda Speed Pilot.

Experts believe this model is a strong contender for the world’s most significant Aston Martin ever to be offered to the open market.

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 the undoubtedly most famous spy in history and possibly the world’s most iconic sports car marque”.

This iconic Aston Martin will be featured alongside over 90 important motor cars, including a selection of Jaguars. The auction will also feature over 90 motorcycles, which are to go under the hammer on Friday 11th.

By Press Association reporters