James Bond Aston Martin sells for more than $5million
One of just 10 Aston Martins created for the latest James Bond film went under the hammer last week, selling for a cool NZ$5.129million - more than double the NZ$2.1million reserve price.
The car, one of 10 lots as part of the 'Spectre - The Auction' event at Christie's London King Street, didn't even appear in the flick and the buyer won't be able to use it on the road.
Signed by current Bond, Daniel Craig, who is reportedly set to quit as 007, the new owner will at least be able to brag that they've got the most up to date Aston Martin there is - that's up until next month, when the British carmaker reveals its new DB11 model customers will be able to buy.
The DB10 was just one of 24 items from the Spectre film to be auctioned to raise money for the Médecins Sans Frontières - or ‘Doctors without Borders’ – which provides medical care and support to victims of armed conflict, epidemics and other disasters. .
The DB10 was built at its British factory in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
The opening evening, attended by celebrities and those connected with the 007-films, raised a total of £2.79million, with Bond's car making up 87 per cent of the sum.
After the hammer had dropped on the Aston Martin, chief executive of the luxury carmaker, Dr Andy Palmer, said: 'The DB10 is one of the rarest cars ever created.
'Only 10 will ever be made and this is the only one that will be made available for sale.
'It’s great to see this DB10 raising vital funds for Médecins Sans Frontières, it is a fantastic charity that we are delighted to support.'
But the buyer hasn't exactly purchased an item of cinematic history.
Of the 10 cars built specifically for the film - never to go on sale to the public in Aston dealerships - the auctioned vehicle was one of two that never actually appeared in front of the camera.
Two of the 10 were stunt cars kitted with roll cages and upgraded suspension that were used for the action sequences, while another couple were 'pod cars' also used in driving installments but controlled by professional drivers sat on the roof.
A further two were 'gadget cars' while another pair were used as 'hero cars' - the ones you'll see in the close-up shots.
So which one of these did the winning bidder buy? None. That's because the DB10 auctioned was one of the two promotional vehicles created to feature at red carpet events to celebrate the film premiering around the world.
For those disappointed to be missing out on the Bond car, they'll only have to wait until March 1 to see the latest Aston Martin, the DB11, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
Leaked images of the car have already appeared on social media, which will succeed the hugely successful DB9 model.
Reports say it will be powered by a 600bhp 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine and feature a totally revised chassis.
-Daily Mail