LONDON.- In its 15th year, Bonhams annual auction at the Aston Martin Works totaled £8.7 million, selling over one hundred lots of collectable automobilia alongside almost 50 motor cars, the largest number Bonhams have ever had at the Aston Martin sale.

The top lot, a very rare DB6 Mark 2 Volante sold at £757,500. An unsurprisingly popular model from the marque, the Volante sold is one of only 21 examples built.

The famed 1970 Aston Martin DBS which starred in the hit British television series 'The Persuaders!' held pride of place at the front of the auction hall, attracting immense interest from fans of the show and Aston Martin enthusiasts alike, selling at £533,500 and setting a new world record for an Aston Martin DBS sold at auction.

The famed DBS was specially modified specifically for its role in 'The Persuaders!', in which it featured prominently in almost all of the show’s 24 episodes. Co-starring Roger Moore and Hollywood legend Tony Curtis, the car was arguably the third ‘star’ of the hit series, a motoring icon from the 70s.

Meanwhile, lot 216, the factory Vantage prototype 'DP217' 1963 Aston Martin DB5 project exceeded all expectations. Selling for £393,500 – over four times its highest estimate – as the gavel came down the closing bid was met with applause from the room.

James Knight, Bonhams Group Motoring Director, said: “We’ve had glorious weather, excellent hospitality, and some truly stunning motorcars starring in today’s auction.

“The sale has been one of surprise and delight. From selling a DB5 Sports Saloon project at four times its estimate, to setting world records with ‘star’ car, 'The Persuaders!' Aston Martin DBS.

“As ever, in its 15th year the Aston Martin Works sale has been truly tremendous. After 15 years of running this sale we still continue to enjoy our very special partnership with Aston Martin, working collectively to deliver the right results for the brand and our clients.”

Paul Spires, General Sales Manager at Aston Martin Works, said: “The Bonhams auction weekend has once again more than lived up to expectations. The uniquely sociable ‘garden party’ atmosphere certainly seems to have helped some of the 2,500 or so people who joined us here at Newport Pagnell take the plunge.

“With many exceptional sports cars sold, and bids coming in from right around the world, it’s clear that Bonhams’ Aston Martin Sale is, more than ever, a key fixture of the classic car world."