Charles's Aston Martin To Go Under Hammer

by Tom Sykes Apr 24, 2012 12:20 PM EDT

Car loaned to Charles by Aston Martin expected to fetch £70,000 when auctioned next month

A 1994 Aston Martin Virage Volante 6.3-Litre Convertible, which was used by Prince Charles for over a decade, is to be sold by auction next month.

Bonhams auctioneers expect the soft-top car, described as the "most aristocratic of convertibles", to attract bids of up to £70,000.

The car was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in 1991 and it was then lent to the Prince of Wales until 2007/8. Since then it has been on display at Aston Martin's Headquarters at Gaydon.

Prince Charles's Aston-Martin — Prince Charles's Aston Martin was converted to run on bio-ethanol and made an appearance at the Royal wedding. The car which is being sold is another Aston, which was loaned to him by the company.

Renowned for his love of Aston Martins, Prince Charles is best known for owning an Aston Martin DB6 MKII, given to him by the Queen for his 21st birthday, and which was used last year by Prince William and his new wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, to drive out of Buckingham Palace after the Royal Wedding. The car was converted to run on bio-ethanol fuel distilled from surplus British wine.

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Tom Sykes is a writer and journalist, and he edits The Royalist blog for the Daily Beast. Tom has worked for many publications, including a stint as a nightlife reporter and gossip columnist for the New York Post. He has written several books, most recently helping John Taylor of Duran Duran write and edit his autobiography, published by Dutton. Tom lives in London and Ireland.

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About the Author

Tom Sykes

THE ROYALIST, updated several times daily, reports on all aspects of the British Royal Family. With breaking news and the latest gossip, great pictures and informed commentary, the Royalist is essential eyeballing for fans of the world’s most famous family.