Just 52 Coups and 37 Volantes . We use some essential cookies to make our services work. I would ask that Members support the Competition and Social programme planned. Having achieved a lifelong ambition of purchasing my first Aston Martin, a DB9 in 2017, I subsequently joined the Aston Martin Owners Club, Area 14 in July of that year. Peter G. Livanos (born 1958), is a Greek shipping tycoon. Martin raced specials at Aston Hill near Aston Clinton, and the pair decided to make their own vehicles The first car to be named Aston . My first Aston (DB2) was purchased in1979 with good fortune enabling a progressive collection of 10 Astons from a1930 International to 2005 Vanquish with models in between including a DB4, an AM V8 Vantage and a Towns Lagonda. You can change your cookie settings at any time. There was the incident with the Ferrari Oh God, so he was testing a Ferrari in the late 80s, he brought it around and he came in to ask me if I wanted to go for a quick drive in it. The latest news, updates and more straight to your inbox. Stunning 1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 MKIII with Matching Numbers: 1 of Just 83 DB2/4 MKIIIs Built in Left-Hand Drive Since 1992 the DB2 X4 has been registered in Elliots name, but in recent years was on static display at the British Motor Industry Heritage. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS. We really were in the fourth division when we looked at first division teams like Mercedes.. I never dreamed we could do so well, so soon exclaimed Aston Martins chief executive, who is also the teams keenest supporter. In 2018's list he ranked 729th in the world with a wealth listed at $3.2 billion (2.76 billion). Submit your item online for a free auction estimate. The two had joined forces as Bamford & Martin the previous year to sell cars made by Singer from premises in Callow Street, London where they also serviced GWK and Calthorpe vehicles. Resigned 2. This fabulous Aston is one of only 5 X- (for Experimental) designated cars made in developing the DB2/ 4 model. But fourth! Professional Director and multiple Aston Owner, Racer and Petrol driven person. Livanos lives with his family at Lake Geneva, Athens and London. John soon found that a better way to travel was by helicopter and having bought one we both got our licences on the same day and used it frequently. Gethin remarked that the Sanction II 'looked absolutely right' at Goodwood. Gauntleft and Livanos were side-by-side for an hour as they leaned over the pit rails at Donington in September, putting up with the thunderous noise in a way that some other motor magnates might avoid. He controls 100 of Ceres Helleni Said by Williams to be so authentic that 'very, very few people' would be able to see the difference, the four Sanction II cars were given chassis numbers 'DB4GT/0192', 'DB4GT/0196', 'DB4GT/0197' and 'DB4GT/0198', which had been allocated to the original project by the factory in 1960 but never used. Elliot recalls how nervous he was watching the first few lots sell; My friend said, "You're a mess. Eventually the car sold for just over 200k with fees; enough for Elliot to pursue his dream. Someone puts his hand up. The original collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato of Milan resulted in a production run of only 19 constructed between 1961 and 1963, although the factory did in fact set aside 23 chassis numbers. Another key member of the team is former journalist Michael Bowler, a director of AML, who is Protechs operations manager. There was too much kickback through the steering and the road holding was poor; we realised that the suspension travel was far too limited as the car had been designed for the perfect race circuit, which doesnt exist of course, which has no bumps! Peter G. Livanos (born 1958), is a Greek shipping tycoon. According to the build-sheet the Aston was originally painted in deep black with contrasting red leather interior. Would you like me to put you in touch with someone at Bonhams?, So, the car was placed into the 2018 Bonhams December sale, but prices had dropped below the 200k he needed, and the estimate had been placed at 120k. We return a few days later to watch the master at work, preparing a few of our favorite dishes from the tasing and inviting us to try out some different flavors. I quit executive work in 2013 and since then I have moved over to the non-executive side of the business. Whilst times have undoubtedly changed in the 85 years since, be it entry level track days, speed events or full circuit racing, competition remains a core Member benefit. this soon to be stunning example was one of the first 451 DB 2/4 Mark off the production line. Despite the "game-changing" environmental issues, Peter G. Livanos still believes that natural gas has a "very important" role to play as the world becomes more environmentally aware, including serving as a transportation fuel. Many consider the resulting DB4 GT Zagato to be the most attractive Zagato body ever. The menu is designed to be fun, and each course delivers with stunning flavors and clever presentation. All Rights Reserved. Competition and Social Committee are committed to jointly promoting racing and social events as a joint Member benefit. Join the GRRC Fellowship to be first in the queue for event tickets, to attend the GRRC-only Members' Meeting and to enjoy year-round, exclusive benefits. History: The Greek business man, Peter Livanos, came in to save Aston Martin in the mid eighties when he bought the company. Registration: VL86A (Austrian) 435UYL (UK) Originally trained as an Engineer I have been a successful business owner for 40 years, including turning around distressed companies. (subject to VAT). . Victor Gauntlett, on seeing the receipt that Peter Livanos had just been given for a 288 GTO deposit on the Ferrari stand at Geneva: 'Bloody hell! The club and Astons have been a life long passions and the opportunity to help steer the club towards a growing, friendly and enjoyable future is a great honour. The Club gave me the opportunity to attend race meetings and I quickly realised that the racing was more interesting and exciting when you know the competitors, and that the competitors welcomed spectators who showed an interest in their cars; many good and lasting friendships were formed in the paddock. Thinking back, Elliot recalls: He said, "I've got a present for you. Ford, the majority shareholder with 75%, has spent no money at all on the racing project although, clearly, the principals of the team hope to have real support in the form of a 3-litre engine in time for the 1991 season. They were then returned to Williams, at that time the owner of one of the original 19, who fitted the interiors and completed the cars at his new premises in Cobham, Surrey. Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. Just how successful he has been is indicated by the fact that chassis 05, which was completed on the morning of Donington pre-qualifying, was weighed at 906kg with steel discs, not carbon which would be 10kg lighter still and the AMR was one of the best-handling cars on the difficult circuit, surprisingly qualifying faster than the nimble Spices. In fact the Ecurie Ecosse connection has been very strong throughout, through drivers Ray Mallock and David Leslie, and manager Richard Williams. Arriving at DM Historics in Orient Blue with Beige interior. The Viscountess Downe That pedigree embedded the marque Aston Martin on my teenage brain. In addition, the front steering knuckles have been overhauled and new Avon Turbosteel tyres have been fitted. He is the son of the shipping magnate George P. Livanos, who built up Greeces largest merchant fleet in the 1980s and 1990s. Peter Livanos is the son of George P. Livanos, who built up Greece's largest merchant fleet in the 1980s and 1990s. Active 0. The Aston passed to the current owner in Germany via Michael Brinkert and David Clark of Taylor & Crawley some 17 years ago. Aston Martin wanted a series of DB4 GT's that would be lighter and more competetive racing against the Ferrari 250 GT's, so in 1960 it contracted Zagato to build bodies for 19 chassis. Aston Martin has just got round to finishing off its 1963 build schedule, so add "Sanction 2 Production" to your jargon : Tony Dron tells the amazing story . He holds directorships and memberships of various international companies and committees. Robert Bamford left in 1920, but by then it was existing on funds provided by the likes of Count Louis Zborowski while the money of Dorothea, Lady Charnwood saved it from its first brush with death in 1924. From 1994 until 2007 I was the Area 10 Representative, and Publications Chairman from 2002 until 2021, two activities that significantly extended my network of friends within the Club. The young Aston Martin team went for a finish with the car driven by Redman, Michael Roe and Costas Los, and was duly rewarded with 11th position in the classification. 1986 The Vantage Zagato is launched and becomes one of the fastest supercars in the world with a top speed of 186mph. A few years later, during a chance meeting at the Monterey Historics, Livanos, in his typical generous fashion gifted the car to Stirlings son Elliot. The order books are open at PLU and we suggest you book Londons best kept secret before the word gets out. David Leslie, Michael Roe and Brian Redman have already signed contracts for 1990, Redman though for a limited programme which will include Le Mans, and Williams is most anxious to get Stanley Dickens signature after his drive at Spa. During the Covid epidemic, I decided to participate in the 2021 AMOC Virtual Concours and to my surprise, came out on top in the Bloxham class with a 2003 DB7 GTA. In 1987, Peter Livanos and Victor Gauntlett, the Joint Chairmen of Aston Martin Lagonda Limited, with the agreement of Zagato, sanctioned the build of four works approved DB4GT Zagato coupes using unused chassis from the earlier cars. Above all, though, the teams sights are set on reaching the top of the first division in 1991. Aston Martin launches global celebrations marking a century of success . We have incorporated literally hundreds of modifications into the original design, some quite major.. .such as fabricating new front uprights, because we suspected that the magnesium castings werent stiff enough. As Aston Martin required greater investment, he also agreed to sell his share holding to American importer and Greek shipping tycoon Peter Livanos, who invested via his joint venture company with Nick and John Papanicalou, ALL Inc. Gauntlett remained chairman of the AML company 55% owned by ALL, with Tickford a 50/50 venture between ALL and CHI. Testing had been badly hampered by a crash at Donington, the first composite tub being badly damaged in a crash that followed the loss of a wheel. I joined the Club in 1990 when I realised that I did not have to own an Aston Martin in order to be a Member. Victor Gauntlett said: 'The quality and authenticity are outstanding and each of these four cars will bear the most detailed comparison with the first 19 built. That was one of the most important years in the history of the company because it was bought by Bill Renwick and Augustus Bert Bertelli who created the template for the most famous pre-war Astons. not registered with DVLA Chassis no. He owns the Greek shipping company Ceres Hellenic, and was involved in the restructuring of the shipping company into the group Ceres Hellenic. Would that be fine? 0198/R Engine no. But by the early '80s, it was owned by Pace Petroleum and CH Industries. Originally commissioned by King Baudouin of Belgium and crafted by Italian coachbuilder Vignale, this one-off . For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 27.5% on the first 20,000 of the hammer price; 26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of 20,001 up to and including 700,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of 700,001 up to and including 4,000,000 and 13.9% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of 4,000,001. The most remarkable progression was seen on the AMR-1 between the Brands Hatch test days on July 5/6 and the race on July 23. The wealthiest Greek citizen according to Forbes is Spiros Latsis, a business magnate. Then on June 2, Prince Michael opened the spacious new premises in Milton Keynes (unusually there were no journalists present, so it was a family affair which raised the morale a bit) and then the team went to Le Mans and got one car home in 11th place. George Minden. 2023 - Pendine Historic Cars Limited. Friday April 04 2003, 1.00am BST, The Times. 200 pounds." Tucked away on a leafy street in London is PLU, the vision of Elliot Moss. 1991 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Sanction II Coup, Registration no. It was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. And the year after that the company was bought by Sir Arthur Sutherland. Chassis Number: LML/733 553452, Thank Frankel it's Friday: A brief history of Aston Martin's owners, Thank Frankel It's Friday Remembering Mike Salmon. Starting with Aston Martins 5.3-litre V8, Callaway increased the capacity and designed, developed and installed a chain-driven four-cam system to drive the 32 valves, releasing a lot more power. Red with black interior. Everyones spirits picked up tremendously, and suddenly we felt as though wed shot up to the top of the second division. Retaining its original color combination of Desert White A copy of the original build record for the car shows that Aston martin Agents, Tice & Sons Ltd, sold AM300/1109 to a Miss H Stokes of Severn Stoke near Worcester in June 1956. What are we doing messing about actually building cars when you can sell people bits of paper promising to build them!' This was Mr. Livanos's first Aston Martin, introducing the 22-year-old, already a keen automobile enthusiast, to a brand with which he would become intimately involved. The first one is a nice enough Mercedes with a 5,000 to 6,000 estimate. Their interest is all the more surprising, perhaps, since they are minority shareholders in AML, with 12 % per cent apiece. The location is no stranger to the most esteemed of vehicles, and Aston Martin Wilmslow is a proud addition to the community. He owns the Greek shipping company Ceres Hellenic, and was involved in the restructuring of the shipping company into the group Ceres Hellenic. Thank Frankel It's Friday Which Is Mightier: Ferrari 488 Or Peugeot 308 GTi? It is also important that Zagato have wholeheartedly approved the project. We havent looked back since, and we know that next year well be of age, we wont be the new boys anymore. Boxstrom was clearly under great pressure at Dijon, and a few days later it was announced that hed left the team to concentrate on his Dymag wheels business. Two months later two DB4GT Zagatos, registered '1 VEV' and '2 VEV' and destined to become the most famous of them all, were entered at Le Mans by John Ogier's Essex Racing Stable. Meanwhile, he would still get to enjoy opportunities to drive some of Stirlings old race cars and and passenger is some road cars Stirling would occasionally be testing. - SPANISH REGISTRATION PLATES. The company is presented with the Queen's Award for Export. The last was a GT4 that I raced at Le Mans, the current car is a 1932 International which I am rebuilding myself. This rapid DB4 is a superb fast road Aston Martin. Elliot needed over 200k to fund the dream, and Stirling had pledged to support his son and initial plans had been to name is Stirlings, but sadly ill health took hold and new plans had to be made. I ran that DB5 for 17 years, 60,000 miles, two complete refinishings, and many events. It took a while to my first full-sized car: a DB6 in 1985 subsequently sold in the 90s. Gauntlett's Pace shares were then sold to Greek shipping tycoon Peter Livanos in 1983 who, with ship broker Nicholas Papanicolaou formed a company called Automotive Investments Incorporated (AII) but left Gauntlett running the show. We use cookies to make our services work and collect analytics information. He is seen as one of the most successful Businessperson of all times. We lost wheels, crashed, lost oil, worked all-nighters, thats how it was for weeks on end. The Aston Martin DB4GT joined by Stephen Archer as co-author, 544 pages. [7] His maternal grandfather is the Greek businessman Yiannis Carras, and he is a distant relative of Stavros G. Livanos by his father's side. The warranty card for Mr Livanos is dated 19 th of October 1987 and the car is a year model 1988. That one.". VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated. My first concours entry was in 1975 with fathers Volante and some years later I rebuilt the Brabazon DB2, I was also a concours judge for many years. 2021 saw an exciting and innovative new collaboration with AMOC Racing and BRSCC organising and promoting events. 'All four Sanction II cars were launched at Protech House, Cobham on 22nd July 1991. When the Milton Keynes factory closed it was possible to devote the required attention to the four cars, which after completion were shipped to Italy to be fitted with Zagato's stunningly beautiful, hand crafted body. The uneasy relationship was ended when ALL . The new management team was in installed in 2014 and for a few years while they turned the company around, all was quiet. In 2019 the Aston was imported into Switzerland and carefully recommissioned with a new fuel pump, the brakes disassembled, cleaned and adjusted and new ignition wires installed. Pace owner Victor Gauntlett then sold his share to Greek shipping magnate Peter Livanos in 1983 who owned it with Nicholas Papanicolaou. Chassis number '0198/R' was first owned by Tony Smith, manager of singer Phil Collins and an historic racer, who over the years has owned some of the world's greatest cars. Engine Number: VB6J/299 Three companies controlled by Peter are facing litigation by Nikolaos over FFAs dating from 2007 that were allegedly structured . Boxstrom made some mild modifications so as to partake in Aston club racing. Capacity has been increased to 6.3 litres from the original 6.0 and in tests at Donington, it proved to be 1.2 seconds a lap faster. We had a suspension failure on one car during qualifying which was cured by a small modification, but there was a different failure on Brians car on Sunday morning which involved more development work. Our greatest racing triumph was becoming the first British car home at Le Mans in 1982 when we finished 7th overall (the drivers being Michael Salmon, Ray Mallock and Simon Phillips). We know who could win the F1 championship in 2023, but who will have the car to maximise their talent? He had his big transporter at the circuit with mechanics playing around with a remote-control car, and there were some cars parked out front. Elliot, like his father, is full of personality and will happily talk for hours. Dissolved 0. Ive written a few score Aston articles over the years, and The current color is classic British Racing Green with the lovely patinated brown leather, probably fitted in the early Eighties. via AstonMartins When the 1984 Geneva Motor Show came, Aston Martin Chairman Victor Gauntlett along with majority shareholder, Peter Livanos, discussed the idea of a limited low volume run model with styling done by the Zagato family. Peter Livanos is the son of George P. Livanos, who built up Greece's largest merchant fleet in the 1980s and 1990s. No one else goes. I sit down and I think, "Okay, 5,000 to 6,000. Today we are sat in the dining room at PLU about to embark on an epic 14 course tasting menu. So these numbers just lingered in the record books until 1987 when Victor Gauntlett and Peter Livanos decided that the time had come to put things right: the cars would be built at last . Thomas Dobbie Thomson Walkinshaw. asks Mark Hughes. Shit, this is not good at all. Aston Martin's caretakers Victor Gauntlett and Peter Livanos brought former owner, the vigorous octogenarian Sir David Brown, together with six drivers for a week-end reunion. The DB4GT Zagato made its racing debut at the Goodwood Easter meeting in 1961 in the capable hands of Stirling Moss, who brought the car home in third place. In 1987, the owners of Aston Martin, Peter Livanos and Victor Gauntlett decided to build four more cars using up the chassis numbers left unused from the original series of cars (0192, 0196, 0197 and 0198). The car would spend most of its time on display in a museum and remarkably, Elliot never actually drove it, although he did get to experience a few laps as a passenger at the hands of his father. Filter appointments Filter appointments Current appointments Total number of appointments 2 Date of birth August 1958. barney.ruprecht@broadarrowgroup.com. Ford placed Aston Martin in its Premier Automotive Group subsidiary in 1999 with Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo but, facing record losses, broke it up in 2006. However, the claim was dismissed on grounds of a time bar as the incidents took place between May 2007 . 'Finally, it was a question in our minds both of the unqualified support of our friends at Zagato and of the uncompromising level of quality that would go into the chassis and bodywork. Get closer to motorsport at Goodwood! He said, "Oh, no, not that one. My professional background is banking. Check here for latest versions. Our chairman and a member of our board of directors. Furthermore, '0198/R' will be offered fresh from extensive re-commissioning at Aston Martin Works to include changing the cylinder head gasket, carburettor strip and clean, engine tune, fitting the latest RSW suspension uprights, and a full service at a cost in excess of 12,000, thereby ensuring that the fortunate new owner can drive it from the sale with confidence.With only four Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Sanction IIs made, '0198/R' represents a possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire on of these fabulous cars, which will become increasingly collectible.