An Aston Martin DB5 Paul McCartney bought new in 1964 has sold for £1.3m ($1.7m) at Bonhams.
That’s just below the record for a DB5, set at £1.4m ($1.8m) for an ultra-rare convertible specimen in 2015.
Paul McCartney's DB5 was originally painted blue
McCartney bought the car soon after the Beatles returned from their hugely successful first US tour.
It’s mentioned in a Time Magazine profile of his life in Swinging London: “Bachelor Paul, 25 (his favorite ‘bird’ is 21-year old actress Jane Asher) is a movie addict, loves 'the look of London' and tools around town in a spiffy blue Aston Martin DB5”.
McCartney sold the car in 1970, meaning he drove it during the bulk of his career with the Beatles.
It’s passed through a handful of owners in the intervening years, all of whom have left their marks.
The “spiffy blue” colour is long gone, replaced with a silver paint job (as seen in the early James Bond movies).
The car has been extensively renovated over the years, with an embroidered panel on the back seat honouring its former owner.
The record for a Beatles car remains £2.3m, set for John Lennon’s extraordinary psychedelic Rolls-Royce in 1985.
Check out our extraordinary selection of Beatles memorabilia for sale.
A 1959 Bentley S1 Continental sports saloon that belonged to both pop star Sir Elton John and UK Apprentice host Sir Alan Sugar made £366,666 ($492,465).
Elton John acquired it in 1976, selling it on to Sugar in 2001.
The car was originally built for export outside the UK and was one of the most expensive cars of its era.
Its luxurious interior is backed up with serious power under the hood. It’s capable of speeds up to 120mph.
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