In 2024, the first summer sale by RM Sotheby’s was hosted at Cliveden House. So successful was the event that it will once again return to the iconic hotel’s grounds in July for its second edition. Originally a gift for the Duke of Buckingham’s mistress, Cliveden House has achieved a level of notoriety as the site of several political scandals. Over time, it has embraced its colourful heritage and become a prized destination for affluent travellers seeking pastoral English charm and a bit of historical intrigue in a sophisticated setting. Combining the chic atmosphere of a garden party with a lineup of exceptional classic and modern cars, the auction will be a stellar addition to the summer auction calendar.
Taking place on 8 July, the event will feature a selection of lots from several decades, including vintage automobiles from the turn of the 20th century and modern supercars. Among the lineup is a fascinating group of Aston Martins from different eras. In keeping with the quintessentially English setting of the sale, we take a look at some of the best models up for auction from the renowned British car brand.
1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible
The Aston Martin DB5 coupe has attained legendary status as the vehicle of choice for fictional superspy James Bond. While the far rarer convertible version hasn’t seen that kind of action, it does boast a reported list of owners that is no less impressive. Peter Sellers, Elle Macpherson, Ralph Lauren and members of British royalty have all been associated with the car. Perhaps the most unsurprising addition to that list is Sir David Brown, former head of Aston Martin and a champion of the DB5.
This model is one among 84 examples with a right-hand-drive configuration for British roads; a further 39 were produced with left-hand drive. It was delivered brand new and registered to Clearmount Limited in London. Over two decades later, it would be bought by a gentleman from Essex, and wound up in the hands of its current German consignor in late 1999. Before taking ownership, the consignor ordered a complete overhaul of the car. Its original Platinum finish and black leather interiors were replaced by Silver Birch and red hide. Many of its components were also replaced and updated. New anti-roll bars were installed, the carburettors were refreshed, and the rear axle and gearbox were fully rebuilt. In 2008, the car returned to the UK for an extensive engine replacement and further enhancements.
As part of the sale, the DB5 will be accompanied by a spare engine block, jack, tool roll, and spare tire. Relevant documentation, notably a certificate issued by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust, is also included. Though not quite a Bond car, it is a model that has become synonymous with a golden era for Aston Martin.
1957 Aston Martin DB4 Prototype ‘DP114/2’
When Aston Martin was trying to develop a successor to the MKIII, a prototype model known as the DP114 was built. It was scrapped shortly after due to poor testing, and replaced by the DP 114/2. It features a distinctive chassis and suspension design, both an evolution from the MKIII. Testing revealed that the shell needed to be stiffer, so Aston Martin reached out to reputed coachbuilders Touring Superleggera for advice. It was determined that a new chassis would have to be built, which led to the DP 114/2 being abandoned.
The car found new life as the personal vehicle of Aston Martin Lagonda boss Sir David Brown’s wife. Originally white with blue trim, it was nicknamed the “Walls Ice Cream Van” and would remain in Mrs Brown’s care from 1957 to 1962. It changed owners twice after that, but was in a state of disrepair by the 1970s. Ivor Howells, a former bench fitter for Aston Martin, acquired the car for the paltry sum of £600 and set about restoring it over the next two years.
In the 80s, it changed hands again and was converted to a competition car, participating in several classic car rallies. It was reacquired by Aston Martin before the end of the decade and went through a five-year recommissioning period to become even more concourse-worthy. It would go on to showcase its skills in London and Silverstone and become a media sensation in the 2000s, featuring on Top Gear and across several automotive magazines. During that period, it would be reupholstered with green interiors and an Almond Green paint job to match. While it could benefit from some more refurbishment, this represents an excellent opportunity to own a lost one-off Aston Martin prototype.
2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Coupe
When the second generation of the Aston Martin Vanquish rolled off the line in 2016, it was already a spectacular evolution in design for the famed carmaker. A few variations on the model were produced over the following year, including the Vanquish Zagato, which combined the sleek silhouette of the Vanquish with Zagato’s signature flourishes to create a coupe that stood a class apart.
Only 99 models were produced, along with convertible, shooting brake and speedster variants. Arguably, the Zagato Coupe is the most sophisticated in terms of sheer aesthetics. Finished in Scorching Black with Pure Black leather interiors and details featuring Zagato’s iconic logo, the car makes a dramatic statement even before its engine flares to life. Additionally, this vehicle was equipped with the Villa d’Este package, a hugely popular add-on that incorporates gold exterior accents such as badges and wheel spokes, as well as interior ones such as the air conditioning vents and the trim on the steering wheel.
The current consignor acquired the car in December 2017, less than 10 months after its initial delivery, and is only the second person to own it. This vehicle remains in excellent condition, with only 1,768 miles recorded. It underwent a full service in late 2023 and went through additional routine servicing in January 2025. For the next owner, this is an excellent opportunity to realise the Vanquish Zagato’s full potential.
1930 Aston Martin 1½-Litre International 2/4-Seater
The 1920s proved to be a turbulent time for Aston Martin, culminating in the marque being put up for sale and then bought by Augustus Bertelli and William S. Renwick. The duo had crafted a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that needed a car to showcase its full potential, and Aston Martin seemed to be just the right fit.
Launched under the banner of the Bertelli First Series, the vehicle known as the International featured a lower chassis well suited to sportier pursuits, including rallies and hill climbs. Bertelli, a seasoned competitor himself, made full use of the car at various events. It was first unveiled at the London Motor Show in 1929 and three years later, a total of 132 units had been produced. This chassis is the S73, specified in black with red leather interiors and completed in November 1930, according to its build sheet.
The full history of the car’s ownership remains a mystery, but some details are available. It was, at one point, owned by a member of the King’s Own Royal Regiment, and in 1970 it achieved 2nd place in its class at the For Belvedere Concours. In the early 2000s, it would make its way to Germany and, between 2006 and 2011, its then-owner took it through a full restoration. Emil Frey, known as Roos Engineering back then, repaired the bodywork and overhauled all of the mechanical components, replacing the engine block as well. Ecurie Bertelli, a noted Aston Martin specialist, also performed mechanical maintenance. The car has split much of its recent time between driving tours and being on display, both options available to its next owner.
