An Aston Martin DB5 or a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is, no doubt, a sought-after classic that commands a high price. The bill, however, rockets skywards when a celebrity has owned the classic, as is the case with some of the 36 cars going under the hummer in the Coys True Greats auction that will be held in London on December 7.
“There are some extremely interesting cars on offer which could be the ultimate Christmas present,” said Managing Director of COYS, Chris Routledge. “The classic car market is one that is still buoyant and many people are looking at cars as an investment that is also fun.”
A late 1964 Platinum Silver Aston Martin DB5 with black Connolly leather interior bought new on January 1st, 1965 by George Harrison is one of the cars to be auctioned off. The ex-Beatle musician had specified extra equipment: not James-Bond-type machine guns or ejecting passenger seats but chrome wire wheels with Avon tires, 3-ear hubcaps, a heated rear screen, a radio, Britax safety belts and a detachable passenger headrest.
A letter from Aston Martin confirms the odometer reads 22,000 miles and the authenticity of the car while its history file includes a copy of the original build sheet. The ex-Harrison DB5 is estimated to fetch £225,000 to £260,000 ($ 350,800-405,400 US).
For classic car fans, the short-lived Cord brand that produced a total 3,000 cars between 1929 and 1937 is one of the best American classics. The Cord 810 was the first ever front-wheel drive American car with an independent front suspension.
A 1936 Cord 810 Phaeton that was imported into the U.S. in the 1970s and was bought by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page is, perhaps, the star of the auction. According to its current owner, the 810 Phaeton was fully restored in concours standards while in the ownership of Page, and was subsequently carefully looked after.
Even if you’re not into rock ‘n roll-star-owned cars, a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster with only three previous owners certainly sounds interesting.
Sporting a “DB180” silver bodywork with red leather interior trim, its original engine, a rare factory hard top and European headlights, this 300SL has a little over 13,000 miles on its odometer.
Like some other SLs that were recently uncovered, this one has not been driven for quite a long time: 23 years, in fact, since it was stored in 1988 by its owner.
Routledge expects that, with the increase in interest the 300SL enjoys these past few years and the rarity of the model, this particular example will fetch between £225,000–275,000 ($350,800-428,800 US).
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