A 1949 Aston Martin DB Le Mans prototype led Bonhams' Goodwood Festival of Speed auction at the famous racetrack.
It realised £679,100 ($902,422) when it crossed the block in the June 24 sale.
 The 1949 Aston Martin DB prototype was designed for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race |
The car was one of three designed especially for the 1949 24 Hours race, where it achieved a solid seventh place.
It was competed regularly up until it was retired in 1971.
The model is built on a very lightweight frame and is the sole survivor to feature a Claude Hill-designed four cylinder engine.
The fact that it is in original condition was a huge bonus for buyers, as it offers the rare chance to undertake a restoration project.
It even includes seals and other accoutrements from its Le Mans days.
As Bonhams stated: "This purchase opportunity may never - ever - recur..."
Soft-porn publisher Paul Raymond's raunchy number plate realised an impressive £152,750 ($202,844).
It reads "FU 2", the implications of which we will let our readers deduce for themselves.
Tim Schofield of Bonhams explained to the Daily Star: "It is certainly something a bit different…
"Like an interesting Rolls-Royce which was once worth £25,000 and is now worth £250,000, there has always been a market for early or interesting plates and values have risen over the years."
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