Bonhams is set to auction two iconic cars with a rich connection to the Beatles: an Aston Martin DB5 once owned by Sir Paul McCartney. And a Radford Mini Cooper S that belonged to Ringo Starr. The DB5, a classic symbol of British luxury, was purchased by McCartney in 1964, the same year the Beatles took the world by storm. Meanwhile, Starr’s Radford Mini, customized to accommodate his drum kit, reflects the band’s unique style and influence. Both cars are expected to attract significant attention from collectors and fans alike.
Bonhams to auction: Aston Martin DB5
It’s not often you get two former Beatles’ motoring icons in the same auction, yet Bonhams’ Bond Street sale lists two British 1960s legends previously owned by two members of The Beatles: Paul McCartney’s 1964 Aston Martin DB5 and Ringo Starr’s 1966 Radford Mini Cooper S. Both cars will go under the hammer on December 2.
Purchased new by Sir Paul McCartney in 1964, this is believed to have been the former Beatles bassist’s first Aston Martin. Famously installed with a Philips Auto-Mignon record player, the DB5 was also ordered with Armstrong Selectaride rear shock absorbers. A Motorola radio and twin Marchal foglights. It is believed that McCartney sold the DB5 in 1970, after only 40,000 miles. Moving through several owners, including ex-Top Gear presenter. And BBC radio DJ Chris Evans, the Aston underwent a four-year restoration back in 2002. It’s covered barely any distance since.
The estimated sale price is between $2 and $2.5 million(App.). Roughly twice the market value of a DB5 without the provenance of Paul McCartney. And certainly more than the original $6000(app.) price tag back when Goldfinger was only just in cinemas.
Another icon of the swinging 1960s, Richard Starkey – or Ringo Starr to the rest of us – bought this 1966 Austin Mini Cooper S from previous Beatles manager Brian Epstein before his untimely death. Still within the Starkey family, Ringo’s Mini appeared on Blue Peter in 1984 before undergoing restoration work in 1991. In 1998, Ringo’s Mini collected the coveted Cartier Style et Luxe concours award during that year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed before being featured on Top Gear in 2001.
Bonhams to auction: Radford Mini
Modified by both specialist Mini tuner Radford and Hooper Motor Services Ltd. This particular Mini displays a vast array of specialist touches including a hatchback body style. Apparently to accommodate Ringo’s drum kit. Alongside this unique feature is a walnut dashboard, fender flares. Volkswagen tail lights, a Webasto roof and Manx alloy wheels. Finished in two-tone Rolls-Royce Regal Red/Silver-Grey. The estimate on the historic Mini is between $110,000 and $150,000 (app).
However, if The Beatles don’t quite get you going, there is also an ex-Elton John 1959 Bentley S1. Continental Sport Saloon with HJ Mulliner coachwork also up for rehoming.
