Jim Clark's Aston Martin smashes record at Bonham's auction!

©Bonhams

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An Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato 2 VEV once raced by the legendary Jim Clark has become the most valuable British car ever sold in Europe.

The 1961 iconic '2 VEV', which earned its credentials at Le Mans and at the RAC Tourist trophy among other events, was auctioned by Bonham's at Goodwood this week for a whopping £10,081,500!

'"In 34 years in this business I've handled around 35,000 cars for sale,' said James Knight, group motoring chairman, of Bonhams.

"But every now again you get to handle something very special. And sometimes it's something very very special."

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Owned for the past 47 years by Essex Racing Stable, the car's value is defined by the fact that it was
one of only two of the legendary ‘VEV’ quasi-works cars, and built to a rare ultra-light DP209 specification.

The invaluable DB54 was campaigned by Jim Clark five times in-period before it was passed on to its long-term owner for nearly 50 years.

Two-time F1 world champion Jim Clark drove '2 VEV' in 1961 and 1962, racing the stunning machine against Ferrari's 250 Gt and 250 GTO Berlinetta models.

The DB4 GT Zagato underwent an intensive restoration in the mid-1990s, but remains ready to race.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.