Find out how much Daniel Craig's Aston Martin raised at auction
A LIMITED-edition Aston Martin owned by James Bond actor Daniel Craig went under the hammer on Saturday.
It was auctioned by Christie’s at the Rockefeller Center in New York, fetching $468,500.
Proceeds from the sale of the 2014 Centenary Edition Vanquish — numbered 007 — will go to The Opportunity Network, a charity set which helps young people with career development, and of which Craig is a director.
"This Aston Martin Vanquish is a tour de force of automobile engineering and a distinct pleasure to drive," said Craig.
"While I will miss it, I am keen to further the very important work of The Opportunity Network with its sale."
Aston Martin hand-built just 100 of the Centenary Edition Vanquish at the company's global headquarters in Gaydon to celebrate the firm’s 100th anniversary in 2014.
The car has a 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine and an automatic gearbox, with a top speed of 183mph, and a lightweight bonded aluminium structure combined with a motorsport-inspired carbon-fibre exterior.
The interior was crafted from fine luxury leathers, carbon fibre and aluminium.
The left-hand drive car was further customised by Craig, in partnership with Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer, with a unique midnight-blue exterior and deep blue, hand-stitched, luxury leather interior, to mark Craig's preference for denim and dark colours.
The winning bidder will also have the opportunity to visit the Aston Martin headquarters and meet with Reichman for a behind-the-scenes tour of the production facilities, including the chance to observe each step of the car’s manufacturing from start to finish.
Becky MacGuire, The Exceptional Sale's director for Christie's, said ahead of the auction: "We are thrilled at the chance to support Daniel Craig’s generosity to The Opportunity Network with the offer of this unique and gorgeous sports car,.
"With its pristine condition, exceptional craftsmanship and impeccable provenance, the Aston Martin fits perfectly into Christie’s masterpiece sale. It’s like a 21st-century sculpture that comes equipped with an incredibly fine engine."
