On Saturday 17th May, Aston Martin Works Service hosted its ninth and most successful Bonhams' Auction of Aston Martin motor cars and related automobilia. This year's sale generated a record £4.7 million with bids taken from enthusiasts from around the world including Latvia, Japan, Australia and the United States.

Since the first auction in 2000, the specialist auctioneer Bonhams has sold more than £14m worth of Aston Martins and related automobilia often at record-breaking levels. This year's sale was no exception with lot 345, a 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT coupe, selling for £1,079,500 – a new record at auction for this model. One of only 75 built, the DB4 GT is arguably the most sought after of the David Brown Aston Martin road cars.

Bonhams Aston Martin Auction (2008) - picture 1 of 3
Bonhams Aston Martin Auction (2008) - picture 2 of 3
Bonhams Aston Martin Auction (2008) - picture 3 of 3

"We've hosted the event at Newport Pagnell for the past eight years with a growing number of owners and enthusiasts from around the world joining us.  The record prices achieved at this year's auction are testament to Aston Martin's illustrious heritage, the iconic status of the cars and the growing international interest in the Aston Martin brand," said Kingsley Riding-Felce, Aston Martin's Director of Works Service and Customer Care.

Also entered in this year's auction were Lots 256 and 257, two specially numbered imperial gauge bricks from the historic Aston Martin factory that was located opposite Works Service. Both bricks sold for £5000 each with all proceeds going to The Aston Martin Heritage Trust. Additional bricks from the limited number of 1500 were also sold on the day of the sale raising in excess of £3500 for Willen Hospice. Willen Hospice provides specialist care for adults from Milton Keynes and surrounding areas who have cancer or other life limiting illness.