RM Sotheby’s has set a new record for a British car at auction with the sale of the first ever Aston Martin DBR1.
The lot headlined the annual August 18-19 sale in Monterey, California, achieving $22.6m.
The DBR1 (unveiled in 1956) was designed to take on the might of the great European racing marques.
The DBR1 was an extraordinary racing car
It proved an exceptional competitor, winning nine races out of 18 – including the prestigious 1959 Le Mans.
This particular model (chassis DBR1/1) has an excellent racing history, with a victory at the 1959 1,000 km Nurburgring.
The car was one of four historically important Astons featured in the sale, including a DBR9 that achieved $616,000 and DB4GT prototype which made $6.7m.
Specialist Barney Ruprecht commented: “This is the most significant group of Astons to ever come to auction.
“…the group represents the complete lineage of Aston Martin competition history.”
Sports cars weren't the only vehicles on offer.
A 1964 Peel P50, one of the smallest microcars ever made, realised $140,250.
While it looks completely bizarre, the model has a number of surprising benefits.
It weighs just 56 kg and is one of very few cars to come with a carry handle, so there’s no need to park it on the street.
It also has an impressive top speed of 38mph and mileage of up to 100mpg.
Peel’s second attempt at a microcar, the futuristic looking Trident, realised $121,000.
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