A rare Aston Martin kept in storage for the last 16 years is set to sell for £740,000.
The 1965 DB5 Vantage was the first ever to be shipped out of the UK into continental Europe.
It is also only the third to be made left-hand drive.
The luxury car builder made just 65 of the models and 40 of them were right-hand drive.
They boast a top speed of 165mph and a 0-60mph of 6.5 seconds.
This model – with blue paintwork and beige interior – is being sold by RM Sotheby’s at auction this Saturday (25 Nov).
It was shipped to Switzerland as soon as it was made to an Aston Martin dealer.
But the auctioneers admit that it is not known where it went for 30 years before it resurfaced in 1996.
It then showed up in Kuwait in 2007 where it has been ever since.
But due to it being in “dry storage” it will need “recommissioning” before it can be driven on the roads again.
A Sotheby’s spokesperson said: “Aston Martin announced the Vantage engine for the Swiss market on 4 March, 1965.
“The 4.0-litre straight-six powerplant produced 325 horsepower at 5,750 rpm— 40 more than the standard engine.
“The firm stated that the first example would be available to view at the Geneva Motor Show from 11 to 21 March 1965.
“According to Aston Martin build records, chassis DB5/1996/L was the third left-hand-drive DB5 Vantage built and would become the first Vantage-engined car in continental Europe.
“Completed on 27 February 1965, the coachwork was finished in Aegean Blue with Beige Connolly leather, with the car sent directly to Swiss Aston Martin distributor, Garage Herbert Patthey.”
They added: “Specified with a Motorola radio/aerial, chrome wire wheels, Bray immersion heater, spark plug holder and, curiously, a detachable passenger seat headrest.
“It is thought the headrest was specified in such a manner so that a cameraman could sit in the back and photograph road tests.
“The factory guarantee was issued on 5 March, one day after Aston Martin announced the model.
“While the next 30 years of the Aston Martin’s life are unknown, the car resurfaced in 1996 under the ownership of Computer Help AG in Switzerland.
“The firm retained the car until September 2007, when it was acquired by the consigning owner.
“This DB5 Vantage was then exported to Kuwait and placed in dry storage as part of a large collection.
“Please note this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and will require recommissioning prior to road use.
“Today, the car is presented in its factory-correct colour combination of Aegean Blue over a Beige Connolly leather interior.
“As an extremely early left-hand-drive example, this example presents a tempting proposition for the discerning Aston Martin enthusiast.”
It is going under the hammer in Munich, Germany.
