Emirates Palace hosts Swiss artist Dante

This December, Emirates Palace – Abu Dhabi’s iconic and luxurious 5-star destination - will host a spectacular exhibition by award-winning Swiss artist Dante. Following the excitement of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Emirates Palace will race into December with a showcase of Dante’s critically-acclaimed sports car series, including a unique interpretation of the legendary Lamborghini Miura P400 SV. 

From 10th to 16th December 2012, a collection of seven magnificent limited edition gold sculptures - including interpretations of Picasso’s Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, the Aston Martin DB5, made famous in 1964’s Bond film Goldfinger, and the ‘most expensive car in the world’ the Ferrari 250 GTO – will reside in the beautiful palatial surroundings of Emirates Palace.

The highlight of the collection is set to be the unveiling of Dante’s unique 1:24 scale interpretation of the legendary Lamborghini Miura P400 SV: the fourth sculpture in Dante’s series. The world premiere of this exceptional piece will take place in the presence of Swiss Ambassador to the region, H.E. Andrea Reichlin at a glamorous cocktail reception and VIP launch in the stunning domed atrium of Emirates Palace.

Other high-profile events taking place during the exhibition include those in association with the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (11th December) and Ferrari World (13th December), alongside a number of special afternoon teas and early evening cocktails. Over the six days, visitors and guests to Emirates Palace can enjoy an exclusive opportunity to purchase their own bespoke silver and 24 carat gold or solid 18 carat gold sculptures, individually created by Dante. For more information, please visit www.kempinski.com/en/abudhabi/emirates-palace/welcome or www.dantedesign.ch

RM Auctions Annual Sale generated £14,266,030

Continuing a six-year track record of achieving fantastic results, RM Auctions’ annual Battersea sale generated an incredible ￡14,266,030 in sales with an impressive 84 percent of total lots sold before a packed house in central London this week (31 October). The top performer of the evening sale was the simply beautiful and extraordinarily rare 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’, which attracted spirited bidding from eager collectors, selling for a strong ￡1,960,000.

Proving that Italian exotics still reign supreme in the desirability stakes, the gorgeous 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Testa Fissa, driven to Tourist Trophy glory by the great Tazio Nuvolari, sold for ￡784,000 to secure the position as the night’s second biggest seller. The British cars stole their share of the limelight too, with Aston Martins continuing to shine in the market. Headlining the group of 11 Astons on offer was an elegant 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible, which achieved a highly impressive ￡632,800 to round out the night’s top three sales.

1964 Aston Martin DB5 (copyright: Tim Scott Fluid Images)

One lot attracting significant pre-sale interest was the wonderful and historically significant 1964 Aston Martin DB5, delivered new to Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney and owned by him for some six years. Presented in fabulous, restored condition, the car achieved ￡344,400, reinforcing its significance to collectors and the enduring appeal of Beatles-related provenance.

Paul McCartney's Aston Martin For Auction

This is one of Aston Martin's most iconic models, the 1964 Aston Martin DB5, and was originally ordered by Sir Paul McCartney. This November, it will be put on auction at RM Auction's London, where over 90 collector cars will be crossing the block. 

Aston Martin Preview Screening of Skyfall

Hugh Laurie

On Wednesday, 24th of October, a select number of Aston Martin guests enjoyed an exclusive preview screening of the new James Bond film, Skyfall, in the fashionable surroundings of London’s Curzon Cinema, Mayfair. 

The British luxury sports car maker – which has supplied the world’s most famous secret agent with his transport in no fewer than 11 of the 23 films – arranged the hugely anticipated preview screening for 150 guests. Following an intimate champagne reception hosted by Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez, London influencers, VIPs, Aston Martin customers and the finest in business took their seats to watch the thrilling new Bond film. 

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Attendees included: Hugh Laurie, Hugh Bonneville, Allen Leech, Princess Beatrice York, Dave Clark, Princess Eugenie York, Holly Branson, James Middleton, Ben and Mary-Clare Elliot, Richard Whitehead and Amber Nuttall.

Silver by Aston Martin

Celebrate the summer season with 'Silver by Aston Martin'

'Silver by Aston Martin' launches its elegant Aston Martin picnic hamper in time for the English summer season.

Designed for two, the 28-piece Aston Martin picnic hamper combines luxury and functionality to complement the lifestyle of its owner. The stylish outdoor dining service will be sought after at every high society event this summer, from Royal Ascot to Henley, Goodwood Festival of Speed to Glyndebourne.

The hamper is part of the exclusive 'Silver by Aston Martin' collection designed by the fine London silversmith Grant Macdonald, and is available online and through the W-One Aston Martin showroom. Hand-crafted by Grant Macdonald's expert silversmiths the silver collection fuses premium technology and traditional craftsmanship, celebrating the very best in contemporary British design.

The inspiration for the collection is the elegance, craftsmanship and engineering excellence that has been built into every Aston Martin since 1913. This simple yet enduring design ethos influences every piece within the hamper, from the sleek stainless steel cutlery set to the Irish damask linen table cloth, Scottish lambswool rug and fine bone China plates.

The 'Silver by Aston Martin' luxury picnic hamper retails at £2,750 and is available from www.grantmacdonald.com/astonmartin/ and at selected Aston Martin dealers.

For further information, visit www.grantmacdonald.com/astonmartin/

Aston Martin Heritage Launch

NICHOLAS MEE & CO LAUNCHES THE UK’S FIRST HIGH STREET ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE SHOWROOM

·      Highly regarded Aston Martin specialists open UK’s first ‘high street’ Heritage Showroom in West London.

·      Outstanding new premises will showcase fantastic examples of classic and pre-owned new era Aston Martins   

·      Official opening celebrated on February 1^st, 2011 with exclusive party attended by Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd 

London, 2^nd February, 2012: Nicholas Mee & Co, the world renowned, London-based, Aston Martin Heritage specialist, has now significantly expanded its business and officially opened its outstanding new West London premises, creating the first ever ‘high-street’ located, officially endorsed, Aston Martin Heritage showroom.

The company, which was established 21 years ago, has built an enviable reputation for the sales, service and restoration of all Aston Martins models. With the increasing international awareness of the Aston Martin brand and its heritage, classics from the DB4 of the 1960’s through to the Vanquish, have become globally collected.

The full address of the new West London Showroom, which is now fully open for business, is: Brackenbury House, 158-160 Goldhawk Road, Hammersmith. Full details can be found at http://www.nicholasmee.co.uk/