Protests Planned for Aston Martin Factory Auction

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed)
May 8th 2009 at 7:02AM

Classic car collectors in England have come to know Bonhams' auction at the old Aston Martin factory in Newport Pagnell as a significant event on the calendar. Always packed with a mouth-watering selection of classic Astons and Lagondas, the Works Service auction has raised some £14 million in sales over the past ten years. But this year the prospective bidders are in for another surprise: protestors.

Aston Martin moved its production facilities to a new factory in Gaydon two years ago, leaving the old historic Newport Pagnell facility to its classic maintenance and restoration division. But the Works Service only needs so much space, so part of the compound is earmarked to be converted into a Tesco supermarket. Historic automobile enthusiasts find this disgraceful, and intend to bring it to the attention of the marque's devotees this Saturday when they arrive for the auction, which will feature a rare 1970 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Volante expected to fetch over half a million dollars. Follow the link for more information.

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