Rock royalty cars go under the hammer

Bonham’s auction in London on December 2 will have a rock star flavour.

Cars owned by Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Star and one used as wedding day transport by Madonna headline the lots going under the hammer.

Tipped to attract bids up to £1.5 million ($A2.625m), the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is thought to be Sir Paul McCartney’s first Aston.

It is chassis number DB5/1652R and McCartney took delivery on September 22, 1964. He apparently drove the Aston for six years.

While Sir Paul owned the car, it was painted in ‘Sierra Blue’ and ran a black interior, but a subsequent owner curiously undertook a complete restoration which adopted the current ‘Silver Birch’ paint and Mulberry leather interior. On the plus side, the engine was enlarged to 4.8 litres.

Continuing the ‘Fab Four’ theme, Bonhams has listed a 1966 Austin Mini Cooper S whose previous owners include Brian Epstein and Ringo Starr. Expected to fetch £120,000 ($A210,000), the Cooper S features a boot modified to accommodate Ringo’s drum kit.

Two Bentley’s previously owned by Sir Elton John CBE are also up from grabs.

He once described the 1959 S1 Continental Sport Saloon as “the most beautiful car, I think, that has ever been designed”, Bidding is expected to reach around £500,000 ($A875,000).

Sir Elton’s other Bentley should see buyers willing to spend £190,000 ($A332,500). It is a 1960 S2 Continental Flying Spur Sports Saloon which he reportedly drove frequently.

But, for the 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud used to transport Madonna to Skibo Castle in Scotland for her 2000 wedding to Guy Ritchie, you could need as much as £800,000 ($A1.4m).

Move fast, slap down your credit card and any one of these could be in Australia in time for a memorable Christmas present.