Rocket man: Rare Elton John Aston Martin up for auction

A 1997 Aston Martin V8 Vantage V550 ordered new by Sir Elton John will face the gavel at the Silverstone Auctions Race Retro classic car sale next month.

Showing less than 10,000 miles, auctioneers reckon this rare Aston could make as much as a quarter of a million at auction.

Based on the Virage coupe, the V550 nameplate was a nod to the 550bhp (558hp) twin-supercharged 5.3-litre V8 engine that took the two-tonne car to 60mph in 4.6 seconds and on to a 186mph top speed.

One of the last Astons to be hand-built at Newport Pagnell, Elton is said to have ordered it himself and had it built to his specification. Finished in black with a black leather interior, it’s one of just 239 V550s sold around the world, making it one of the most desirable supercars of its time.

“Sir Elton is a global superstar and is still making headlines around the world, so it’s a pleasure to offer for sale this Aston Martin that he ordered new back in 1997,” said Silverstone Auctions’ classic car specialist, Adam Rutter.

“As well as enjoying celebrity ownership, this stunning V8 Vantage has been maintained regardless of expense and has a mere 8,663 miles on the clock, that’s equivalent to being driven about 400 miles only a year.”

With such a low mileage, Elton must have hardly used his ultra-desirable Aston. Indeed, the auctioneers say it still has a ‘new car’ smell, helped no doubt by the sumptuous wood (look at it!) and leather.

Chassis number #70174 has spent a lot of time at specialist Rikki Cann and comes with the original service book showing 19 stamps in total. The seller says more than £7,600 was spent on work on the Aston last year.

Rutter added: “Our Race Retro auction is a rare opportunity to own one of the last coach-built Aston Martins. If that wasn’t enough, then throw in the fact it was ordered new by Sir Elton John and you have a truly special car.”

Watch: Jeremy Clarkson drives an Aston V8 Vantage V550

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