Topline
A 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish first owned by British actor Hugh Grant is up for auction this weekend in the U.K., where it’s expected to fetch as much as $91,528.
An Aston Martin actor Hugh Grant purchased two decades ago is up for sale in the U.K. this weekend.
Key Facts
Grant purchased the Aston Martin after filming the 2002 romantic comedy About A Boy, following the advice of his then 11-year-old costar Nicholas Hoult on which sports car to get, Hoult later said.
The Love Actually star ordered the car in a 2+2 configuration with Aston Martin’s Solway Grey finish and charcoal-colored leather interior, along with features that were high tech for the time, like a built-in phone, satellite navigation and a tracker, according to Bonhams, which added that the car comes with the original umbrella.
Grant was captured by paparazzi driving the Vanquish in 2002, which cost more than $200,000 brand-new and was reportedly once dented in a 2002 hit-and-run accident while parked in West London as Grant played golf.
The car, which Bonhams said has been recently serviced, has had three owners since Grant and less than 40,000 miles on it.
Hugh Grant with his new Aston Martin in 2002.
The 2002 model could fetch as much as $91,528 at auction, according to Bonhams.
Surprising Fact
Grant isn’t the model’s only tie to British movies: James Bond, as portrayed by Pierce Brosnan, drove the 2002 Vanquish in Die Another Day, according to Bonhams. The film marked the return of Aston Martin cars to the franchise after the previous three James Bond movies featured BMWs. Brosnan later revealed in an interview he convinced Aston Martin to let him keep the Vanquish he drove on the set after the film wrapped.
The car features charcoal leather interior.
A view of the V12 Vanquish engine.
Key Background
Grant’s former Aston Martin will be sold at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting auction Sunday in Chichester, England, where a speedboat that once belonged to Prince Philip is also up for sale. Grant is known for having a taste for expensive sports cars. Last year, a Ferrari California Grant reportedly bought as a 50th birthday present for himself sold at auction for about $104,000.
The car will be auctioned off this weekend in Chichester, England.
Further Reading
Actor Hugh Grant’s Former London Penthouse Hits Market For $12.3 Million (Forbes)
Prince Philip’s Old Speedboat—Featured In A Famous Vintage Photograph—Is Up For Sale (Forbes)
