Christie’s to auction Daniel Craig’s Aston Martin
The bespoke, midnight-blue 2014 Centenary Edition Vanquish — numbered 007 — will be offered on 20 April in New York. Sale proceeds will benefit The Opportunity Network, which helps young people with career development
On 20 April an Aston Martin 2014 Centenary Edition Vanquish, numbered 007 and belonging to actor Daniel Craig, will be offered in The Exceptional Sale at Christie’s in New York. All proceeds will benefit The Opportunity Network, a non-profit organisation that provides young people with pathways to career development.
The limited-edition car was further customised by Craig in partnership with Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer. Estimated at $400,000-600,000, the car is left-hand drive and street-ready.
‘This Aston Martin Vanquish is a tour de force of automobile engineering and a distinct pleasure to drive,’ says Craig. ‘While I will miss it, I am keen to further the very important work of The Opportunity Network with its sale.’
In 2014, Aston Martin created just 100 examples worldwide of the Centenary Edition Vanquish to celebrate the firm’s 100th anniversary. Designed and hand-built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Warwickshire, England, the Vanquish features a 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine and an automatic gearbox. The car has a lightweight bonded aluminium structure combined with a motorsport-inspired carbon-fibre exterior, while the handcrafted interior was crafted from fine luxury leathers, carbon fibre and aluminium. The Centenary Edition Vanquish has a top speed of 183 mph.
Daniel Craig customised his Vanquish to reflect his penchant for denim and dark colours
The car features a bespoke exterior and interior directed by Marek Reichman in collaboration with Daniel Craig. Craig’s preference for denim and dark colours resulted in the unique midnight-blue exterior and deep blue, hand-stitched, luxury leather interior.
The Aston Martin will be on view at Christie’s Los Angeles gallery from 27 February until 3 March, ahead of the preview and auction in New York. The winning bidder will also have the opportunity to visit the Aston Martin Headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and meet with Reichman for a behind-the-scenes tour of the production facilities, including the chance to observe each step of the car’s manufacturing from start to finish.
Launched in London in 2008, The Exceptional Sale is a highly selective, tightly curated auction of decorative arts masterpieces and significant cultural icons. ‘We are thrilled at the chance to support Daniel Craig’s generosity to The Opportunity Network with the offer of this unique and gorgeous sports car,’ says Becky MacGuire, the sale’s director. ‘With its pristine condition, exceptional craftsmanship and impeccable provenance, the Aston Martin fits perfectly into Christie’s masterpiece sale. It’s like a 21st-century sculpture that comes equipped with an incredibly fine engine.’