Ah ha! Coogan’s Aston DBS Heads to Auction
July 5, 2019
We might be more used to seeing Steve Coogan behind the wheel of a Rover Sterling, or perhaps a Lexus (it’s Japan’s Mercedes-Benz, don’t you know?) whilst playing the irritating, yet somewhat lovable character of Alan Partridge. An on-screen persona, however, is very different to that of who a person is in real life. In the case of Steve Coogan, that person is a devout worshipper of the Gods of petroleum. Yes, Mr. Coogan is a serious petrolhead. Over the years he’s had all kinds of weird and wonderful cars, a collection that was joined in 2011 by the car you’re seeing here, a 1970 Aston Martin DBS V8.
As you’d hope from a man who is passionate about his cars, Steve’s Aston has been maintained regardless of cost and as such, now represents the very best of surviving DBS models. All the work during Steve’s tenure has been carried out by either Aston Engineering or Stratton Motor Company, meaning it has been left wanting for nothing. Yet this fastidious maintenance regime isn’t the big selling point here. No, this car is more than a celebrity-owned classic. It is in fact a celebrity in its own right.
SKX11J was the press car used by the motoring press way back in 1971. One notable media outing for the car was with Autocar Magazine. They tested the DBS vigorously, namely by thrashing it down the then unfinished M4 motorway during which they recorded a speed of 162mph. That’s a remarkable figure today, let alone in 1971.
Despite the car’s early celebrity status, it didn’t go on to lead a cherished life. Instead, it ended up destitute and forgotten in a Scottish field. Here the car was left to fall into a poor state of repair, though all was not lost. The car was bought by a private collector who immediately passed the pre-Oscar India model into the hands of restoration specialist, Chapman and Spooner. It was there that the car underwent a ground-up restoration, resulting in the car you see here.
Steve Coogan bought the car in 2011, but the time has come for him to part with the car. And that means it’s your chance to own a car that is very special on numerous accounts. The car will be going for auction with Silverstone Auctions at the Silverstone Classic Auction on the 27th and 28th of July.
Nick Whale, Managing Director of Silverstone Auctions commented: “We are delighted to have been asked by Steve Coogan to sell this magnificent and historically important car which is in outstanding and concours condition. He is obviously famous for his acting and comedy but is also a distinguished car collector and has really looked after this DBS V8.”
“For us as a business, it is very reassuring that people of his standing feel confident in coming to us directly to help them sell their cars and we are very proud to present this DBS V8 which is an unrepeatable opportunity.”
If you’re in the market, and you have the estimated £145-165,000 at your disposal, you know what to do!
