![George Harrison car sells for $464,736 at UK's largest classic car auction]( "George Harrison car sells for $464,736 at UK's largest classic car auction")
George Harrison car sells for $464,736 at UK's largest classic car auction
The late George Harrison’s first important motor car sold for over $464,000 U.S yesterday in an auction that brought central London to a stand still. The record sale, conducted by preeminent international auction house, RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, saw over $38 million worth of motor cars cross the auction block in what has been dubbed the largest ever sale of its kind in the UK.
BLENHEIM, Ontario, Canada – The unwavering demand for Beatles memorabilia stemmed to cars last night as George Harrison’s legendary Aston Martin DB5 crossed the auction block in Battersea Park, London.
The distinguished DB5, Harrison’s first important motor car, attracted spirited bidding at the London sale, with the gavel falling at an impressive $464, 736, well exceeding its original sales estimate of between $250,000 - $300,000 U.S.
Harrison, the youngest Beatle, was known as much for his love of all things fast as he was a music legend in the world’s most influential bands. A lifelong auto enthusiast and racing fan, he was a regular sight at Formula One and other racing events, and owned several important sports cars, including the platinum 1964 Aston Martin DB5, sold yesterday in London, and a McLaren F1 as seen in the Beatles Anthology film.
As verified by Chris E. Baker, General Manager of Service Operations at Aston Martin Lagona, the Harrison DB5 was constructed in 1964 and delivered by Brian Epstein’s venture “Brydor Cars Ltd” to George Harrison Esq. at his Kinfauns estate, Claremount Park, in Surrey on January 1st 1965. After its brush with Beatles fame, the car found its way into a museum collection in Tokyo, Japan, before being sold and imported to Germany. Yesterday’s sale marked the first time the car has been offered at a public auction.
In addition to Harrison’s former DB5 (Chassis #DB5/1896/R), the auction also offered a host of exquisite motor cars from the esteemed private collections of English Formula 1 mogul, Bernie Ecclestone, Italian businessman Giuseppe Prevosti and international entrepreneur Abba Kogan. In total, the sale saw a record $38 million worth of classic cars cross the block in what is believed to be the largest auction of its kind ever to be held in the UK.
About RM AuctionsCelebrating nearly 30 years in the collector car industry, RM Auctions Inc. and its sister companies are responsible for acquiring, restoring and selling of the world’s rarest and most expensive vintage automobiles. Renowned for setting international records, RM has offices in the United States, Canada and U.K. to provide international auction and restoration services for their global clients. In 2006, RM Auto Restorations, Inc. won the unprecedented “triple crown” for receiving “Best of Show” honors at the world’s top three international collector car events – the Pebble Beach, Amelia Island and Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance. For additional information on RM Auctions Inc., and this event, visit www.rmauctions.com or call toll free: (800) 211-4373 or 519-352-4575.
About Sotheby'sSotheby's is the parent company of Sotheby's worldwide auction, private sales and art-related financing activities. The Company operates in 34 countries, with principal salerooms located in New York and London. The Company also regularly conducts auctions in 14 other salerooms around the world, including Australia, Hong Kong, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Singapore. Sotheby's Holdings, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BID.
