An Aston Martin DB10, a custom-built model featured in the James Bond film Spectre, sold for £2,424,500 (approximately $3.5 million) at a special auction in London.
The Aston Martin DB10 is an exceptionally rare vehicle, custom-designed exclusively for the 24th James Bond film, Spectre. Only 10 units were ever produced, primarily for the movie's production, making it a unique collector's item rather than a standard production car with a typical market value.
The Exact Auction Sale Price
One of the few Aston Martin DB10s, specifically a "show car" used for promotional purposes and not involved in the film's stunts, was auctioned by Christie's in London. This particular sale garnered a price significantly above its initial estimates, highlighting its unique appeal.
Here are the details of its sale:
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Event | Christie's Special Auction |
| Date of Sale | Thursday, February 18, 2016 |
| Location | London |
| Final Sale Price | £2,424,500 |
| Approximate USD Value | $3.5 million |
| Initial Estimate (GBP) | £1 million to £1.5 million |
| Initial Estimate (USD) | $1.4 million to $2.15 million |
The car's final sale price significantly exceeded its initial expectations, demonstrating the intense demand for such a unique piece of automotive and cinematic history.
Factors Influencing the DB10's Value
The extraordinary value achieved by the Aston Martin DB10 at auction is largely due to several distinct factors that elevate it far beyond typical luxury car valuations:
- Exclusivity and Rarity: With only 10 units ever made, the DB10 is one of the rarest Aston Martin models. This extreme scarcity inherently drives up its value among collectors.
- Movie Provenance: Its direct connection to the iconic James Bond franchise and its central role in Spectre makes it a significant piece of cinematic memorabilia. This link attracts a unique buyer pool that values both automotive excellence and film history.
- Collector's Item Status: Unlike mass-produced vehicles, the DB10 was never intended for public sale or road use. It exists purely as a bespoke design project and a film prop, positioning it as a highly desirable collector's item.
- Charitable Auction: The specific sale was part of a charity auction, where proceeds often go to good causes. This can sometimes encourage higher bids from individuals keen to contribute while acquiring a valuable item.
Understanding Unique Vehicle Valuations
For vehicles as unique as the Aston Martin DB10, "worth" is not determined by conventional market forces or depreciation schedules. Instead, their value is set by specific auction events, their historical significance, provenance, and the willingness of a niche group of collectors to pay a premium for unparalleled rarity and cultural importance. Each sale of such a vehicle is often a landmark event in the world of high-value collectibles.
