This year’s Monterey auction, organized by RM Sotheby’s, aims to set new records with a lineup of high-value vehicles. Among the standout lots is a Ferrari 250 GTO that could become the most expensive car ever sold at a public auction, alongside other exceptional models that will thrill classic motorsport fans.
In the spotlight, although not quite as pricey as the aforementioned Ferrari, is the 1963 Aston Martin DP215 Grand Touring Works Prototype. This vehicle is expected to achieve bids between $20 million and $25 million, potentially making it the most valuable British car ever auctioned. For it to surpass the current record of $22.6 million set by a 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 that sold at last year’s auction, it must exceed that amount.
The DP215 is the final and most advanced creation in Aston Martin’s series of prototype racers overseen by David Brown, the head of Aston Martin Lagonda. It’s lighter, more powerful, and boasts better aerodynamics compared to its predecessors, the DP212 and DP214, making it a formidable race car from the 1960s.
This prototype was part of the Le Mans Prototype class at the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans, competing against other DP models in the GT class, with the aim of challenging the dominant Ferrari 250s. Driven by Phil Hill, the DP215 reached a remarkable speed of 198.6 mph on the Mulsanne Straight, becoming the first car to officially exceed 300 kph (186 mph) at Le Mans. Sadly, the DP215, along with other prototypes, did not finish the race due to gearbox issues.
Two years later, after another unsuccessful attempt at the 12 Hours of Reims, the DP215 crashed during testing on the M1 motorway, colliding with another vehicle at 100 mph. Aston Martin discreetly sold the damaged vehicle and its powertrain separately, effectively downplaying the high-speed incident. Fortunately, successive owners managed to meticulously restore the car to its original specifications, including sourcing the original 4.0-liter straight-six engine and collaborating with the car’s designer Ted Cutting to create an authentic S432 four-speed transmission.
Current owners Neil and Nigel share insights about the car’s performance and restoration in an accompanying video.
Alain Squindo, COO at RM Sotheby’s, commented, “The DP cars are unique one-off competition projects and stand apart in the realm of Aston Martin’s racing excellence. The DP215 represents the summit of the Works team’s racing development, and its new owner will possess not only an incredibly unique vehicle but one that is capable of outperforming nearly any other racing car available.”
The DP215, along with a few other rare Aston Martins and historic race cars, will be up for auction during RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale on August 24, part of Monterey Car Week. Regardless of whether it sets a new record, the sale of this car is sure to make history. Meanwhile, a selection of captivating photos of the DP215 can be viewed below.
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