Rare Aston Martin DB1 heads to anniversary auction from long-term ownership

H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/Cambridgeshire 20th September, 2023

11/09/2023    

PRESS RELEASE

11 September, 2023

Rare Aston Martin DB1 heads to anniversary auction from long-term ownership

  • 1949 Aston Martin DB1, the rarest among 'David Brown' era models, to be auctioned by H&H Classics
  • Previously raced by former driver and Aston Martin engineer Shaun Magee, ‘DB149’ is one of only 15 production models ever produced
  • Car to be auctioned at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, on September 20, with an estimated value of £100,000 - £140,000

A rare 1949 Aston Martin 2/2.6-Litre Sports 'DB1', coming from long-term ownership is one of the star attractions at H&H Classics 30th anniversary sale. The car, which is the rarest of all the ‘David Brown’ Aston Martin production models, is estimated at between £100,000 - £140,000 when it heads to auction at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford on 20 September.

Owned by the current vendor for almost thirty years, the car competed at the hands of previous owner Shaun Magee, former racing car driver who was an Aston Martin engineer. Today, ‘DB149’ represents an exciting restoration project and once completed, has the potential to be an interesting entry into many of the world’s most prestigious motoring events.

“As part of our 30th anniversary sale, it seems only fitting that we are able to offer such a stunning and rare car, which has been in the same ownership for almost the same amount of time as our existence,” comments Damian Jones, senior motorcar specialist, H&H Classics. “The car boasts a truly fascinating history and now is the time for someone else to write its next chapter. The sale will be an exceptional opportunity to breathe new life into a car that’s been an important part of motoring history and is ripe to make history again.”

‘DB149’ holds chassis number AMC/49/8, making it the eighth of just 15 DB1 cars ever made. It comes fitted with a 2.6-litre DOHC straight-six powerplant that was subsequently installed by Magee during the 1970s and was also re-bodied in period by the Swallow Coachbuilding Company.

“The DB1 is just one of the many stunning motorcars that we have the privilege to offer for sale in our anniversary auction. With a host of entertainment throughout the event, the auction promises to be one of the highlights of this summer’s classic car calendar. We look forward to welcoming vendors, prospective buyers and classic car enthusiasts for not only a great sale, but also a wonderful day of celebrations.”

H&H’s 30th anniversary sale will be held on September 20 at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Viewing will also take place on Tuesday 19 September from midday to 8pm. Parties interested in bidding on the DB1 or any of the lots offered for sale, can do so in person, online, via telephone or by leaving a commission bid.

Notes
Established in 1993, H&H Classics is the only employee owned, and longest continually trading auction house in the UK and Europe. With centuries of collective market expertise in the automotive and classic vehicle industry, H&H Classics prides itself on delivering the highest levels of commitment and service to its buyers and sellers, ensuring an experience which is easy and enjoyable.

Over the past 30 years, H&H Classics has achieved world record prices for classic motorcycles, cars, and competition cars such as a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, 1968 Lotus 49B, 1996 Subaru Impreza WRC, as well as royal cars including Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler, Prince Phillip’s Lagonda and Princess Anne’s Bentley.

To find out more about H&H Classics, upcoming auctions or for enquiries, please visit www.handh.co.uk

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Pictures
For high resolution images which accompany this release, please visit the following Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/puvlivcbhpcvobrbu5jl0/h?rlkey=b2gjulxapg00a4u72ll732pi5&dl=0

 

 

 

1949 Aston Martin DB1, the rarest among 'David Brown' era models, to be auctioned by H&H Classics.

 

 

 

Previous ownership by Shaun Magee, a former racing car driver and Aston Martin engineer, who competed in the car.

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