Star cars
Some of the world’s biggest and best-selling rock and pop stars also have some of the world’s best car collections.
And now there’s an opportunity to follow in their footsteps – or should that be wheeltracks? – because two cars, each formerly owned by famous British musicians, are going to auction.
For some prospective buyers, having a well-known name in the car’s history is sought-after cachet, while others couldn’t care less.
Either way, we think these two classic Aston Martins are well worth a look.
Waiting for the hammer to fall
The first car in question is a 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante, and it will go under the hammer with Silverstone Auctions on Sunday 1 August 2021, during its Classic Sale at the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire.
So, who’s the rock star in question here?
Crowning glory
This car was supplied new by Aston Martin main dealer HW Motors of Walton-on-Thames, on 26 October 1979, to Queen drummer Roger Taylor.
Rock star royalty indeed.
Under the radar?
From a time when the band was enjoying massive success, maybe this choice seems a little understated in its Buckingham Green.
Or maybe that was the point.
Don’t stop me now
This car has rarity on its side, too.
It is one of only 439 V8 Volantes to be produced that were based on the Oscar India ‘saloon’ powertrain.
I want to break free
After Roger Taylor owned this car, its next custodian ensured it was lovingly cared for, because he was Aston Martin aficionado, Howard Masters.
Indeed, all this V8 Volante’s owners have, apparently, cared for this car and added to its bulging history file.
On the road
That’s not to say that this Aston Martin has barely been used.
Quite the opposite. This 42-year-old, right-hand-drive British classic has covered 103,000 miles.
The paper trail
That three-figure odometer reading should not deter prospective bidders, though.
According to Silverstone Auctions, every service since its first at the supplying dealer at 1078 miles is documented in the original service book, plus two continuation Aston Martin service books, which will be sold with this car.
Consistent care
The car was also serviced by the supplying dealer at 4500 and 9370 miles, then it received specialist care with Ian Mason Aston Martin Services at 21,154, 29,488, 36,641, 42,689, 46,238, 50,485, 55,576, 64,060, 69,008, 70,839, 73,588, 75,459, 76,520, 78,206, 79,623 and 80,199 miles, that final service carried out in 1997.
Runnymede Motor Company then serviced this Aston Martin at 81,540, 85,046, 93,520, 99,381 and 101,536 miles.
Ready to roll
This classic’s most recent service was at 102,400 miles at Aston Martin specialist Fisher Performance Cars in Droitwich, Worcestershire.
At this point its front lower arm bushes, rear shock dampers and front anti-roll bar bushes were replaced.
Key information
As well as this proof of constant servicing, this car will be sold with paperwork and invoices detailing servicing and maintenance going back to the ’80s.
MoTs going back more than two decades, spare keys and a handbook will be included, too.
Back to best
And there’s more. Alan Smith Motors in Kent was commissioned to complete a full body restoration on this car, its dark green paint and retrimmed Magnolia leather piped with Olive Green, not forgetting the deep green carpets, all brought back to best.
The same can be said for the burr walnut dashboard and door inserts.
Hard work pays
Once that work was completed, this 1979 V8 Volante was entered into the Aston Martin Owners’ Club concours in June 2000 at Blenheim Palace…
…where it achieved a third overall finish.
Playing it cool
With one of the world’s most famous drummers from one of the world’s biggest-ever rock bands as its first owner and concours recognition 21 years later, this V8 Volante has a lot going for it.
According to Silverstone Auctions, who will offer it for sale on 1 August 2021, ‘this car is presented in simply beautiful condition’.
Secret service
It can also maybe bask in the reflected glory of the similar model driven by Timothy Dalton, the fourth actor to play James Bond, who drove one in 1987’s The Living Daylights.
Silverstone Auctions notes that a variant of this car also features in the 2021 James Bond film release, No Time To Die.
The pound seat
So, what will this ex-Roger Taylor Aston Martin V8 Volante achieve when it crosses the block on 1 August?
Silverstone Auctions has given it a guide price of £140-160,000.
Raising the bar
The second Aston Martin we’re looking at here will be sold the day before by Silverstone Auctions, where it is anticipated to achieve £340-380,000.
And, again, it has a famous British musician in its ownership history, one who is very well known for having an expansive car collection.
A funk odyssey
That’s right, it’s founding member and lead vocalist of the jazz-funk band Jamiroquai, Jay Kay.
A chap very well known for classic car ownership, we’re sure you will agree. And what used to be his 1990 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupé X-Pack seems to be really very lovely.
Pick of the bunch?
This coupé has some similarities to the older car we looked at first.
Like that 1979 model, this classic has rarity on its side – indeed, more so than before, because this is a factory-built X-Pack model, making it one of only 95 produced.
Deeper underground
What’s more, this last-of-the-line spec car is one of just two right-hand-drive examples finished in this dashing Lichfield Black Metallic paint.
It also has the ZF five-speed manual gearbox, which you might not expect.
Low-mile lovely
Unlike the first car we checked out, however, this V8 Vantage’s odometer reading is far lower.
Indeed, in the car’s 31 years, it has covered only 37,412 miles – which probably, at least in part, is why Silverstone Auctions describes this car as being in ‘simply superb condition’.
The perfect blend
This mix of supercar pace in a luxury British GT began when the original Aston Martin V8 Vantage was introduced in 1977.
The car being offered here is a third-generation model, which made its debut in 1986 at the British International Motor Show.
On top of the world
The V8 Vantage was, arguably, the UK’s first true supercar.
And in addition to being Aston Martin’s flagship model, it was also the fastest four-seat production car in the world at that time.
Room for more
And here are those rear seats. Granted, they’re not the most spacious, but they’d be usable on shorter trips for sure.
The black leather back here, as you might expect, appears to be in better condition than up front, while each seat has a three-point seatbelt and there’s a pull-down central armrest.
Elbow grease
So while the front seats appear to have a greater patina, there is plenty of live left in them, and a little TLC with some leather cleaners, conditioners and balm will doubtless help.
Note the walnut trim and black carpets – all very smart and sophisticated.
The beating heart
All of which sits in perfect, wonderful juxtaposition to the car’s 5.3-litre V8 engine.
With four dual-barrel Weber carburettors, high-compression Cosworth pistons, and larger valves and intake manifold, it is a fabulous 432bhp powerhouse.
Specialist knowledge
Silverstone Auctions says this Aston Martin has an ‘incredible service history’, which is quite some boast.
During Jay Kay’s custodianship and that of a subsequent owner, it was cared for by well-known marque specialists Nicholas Mee.
Fine fettle
Indeed, just a few months ago in March 2021, this car returned to Nicholas Mee to be prepared for sale.
Which means it should be more than ready to be enjoyed by the winning bidder.
In tune
With a 170mph top speed and a 5.2-sec 0-60mph time, perhaps when driving this car the deep-hearted V8 is the only soundtrack you need.
But it is good to know there is a radio fitted – it even takes CDs, if you still have any of those to hand! Maybe play a little Cosmic Girl, in tribute to this Aston Martin’s famous former owner?
Smooth operator
What an impressive silhouette. Sleek, sexy and sophisticated, and mean, muscular and moody all at once. Quite the combination.
That it is one of just 95, only adds to its considerable appeal.
Opportunity awaits
“Both of these stunning Astons have significant celebrity provenance from the music industry resulting in unique opportunities for our buyers,” says Sales Controller of Silverstone Auctions, Gary Dunne.
And while buying a former Jay Kay-owned classic is slightly less rare, given the number of cars he has owned and sold, to have one with Queen’s Roger Taylor as its original keeper is very special.
The clock is ticking
Both these classic Aston Martins will be sold at Silverstone Auctions’ sale at Silverstone’s The Classic motorsport festival, which will be held between Friday 30 July and Sunday 1 August 2021.
The ex-Jay Kay 1990 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupé X-Pack, with its £340-380,000 pre-sale estimate, features in the 31 July sale, while the 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante formerly of Roger Taylor will cross the block on the Sunday, with a £140-160,000 guide price.
And you can get full details here.