PARIS.- Over two million euros worth of Aston Martin metal went under the hammer at Bonhams 5 February Grand Palais sale, with a rare 1965 DB5 Convertible setting a new world auction record at €1,897,500 (£1,430,715) and a 1962 DB4 Convertible selling at €1,060,000 (£750,000).

James Knight, Bonhams Group Motoring Director, said: “Bonhams European motoring department has witnessed a tremendous start to 2015. The Paris auction has been the most successful to date, with a record breaking price for the stunning Aston Martin DB5 Convertible, international bidding, some stunning motor cars, and a record breaking total for a motor car auction held by the Bonhams Group in continental Europe. The market is in rude health - we look forward to continuing the trend for record setting motoring auctions as the year progresses.”

Synonymous with Britain, and of course, British film heroes, Aston Martin has produced iconic motor cars throughout its decades of manufacture – arguably none more so than those designed in the David Brown era: the DB4 and DB5.

Introduced in 1963, the DB5 was a development of the preceding DB4. Classically proportioned, the Touring-designed body established an instantly recognisable look that would stand the marque in good stead until 1970. Only 35 DB5 convertibles were ever made in left-hand drive, making this offering a very rare find.

With only 70 produced, the 1962 DB4C is one of the rarest Aston Martin road cars of its time. It successfully combines the brand’s traditional virtues of style and performance with the delights of open air motoring, and is today a most sought after and highly prized motor car.