A 1964 Aston Martin DB5 was the star performer at the Historics at Brooklands sale on September 1.

The classic car sold for £300,000, 15.4% up on its pre-sale £260,000 high valuation, at the UK auction.

Values of DB5 far surpass those of DB4s

Among the marque's most beloved models, the Aston Martin DB5 has much to thank James Bond and the 1964 Goldfinger film for.

While bearing a close resemblance to the earlier DB4, DB5s have considerably more clout at auction, far more than a simple upgrade from a 3.7 litre to a four litre engine can explain.

Aston Martin built just 1,023 DB5s between 1963 and 1965, their scarcity adding to their increasing desirability, and value, at auction.

The example at auction underwent a £100,000 restoration during the past decade although it managed to retain its matching numbers credentials, helping to boost its attraction with buyers.

2012 has been a strong year for Aston Martin. A 1963 DB5 achieved £488,700 in May, while a 1991 DB4GT Zagato Sanction II coupe achieved £1.23m at the same sale, a record for a DB4 Zagato.

A 1939 Alvis 12/70 competition car sold within estimate for £86,000 at the September 1 auction. Regarded as one of the finest extant competition Alvis', the Coventry, UK-built vehicle had undergone extensive restoration work. Its value was enhanced by a measly 6,150 miles on the clock.

Leading classic cars have grown in value by 8.19% since the beginning of the year, according to Historic Auto Group's price index.

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