Peter Sellers' Aston Martin DB4GT

One of the fastest Grand Tourers of its time, this beautiful 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT was put through its paces as the getaway car belonging to Peter Sellers' character 'Pearly Gates' in the film, "The Wrong Arm of the Law", - most notably in the getaway high-speed chase through Uxbridge Moor with a Wolseley 6/90 police car in pursuit.

As Britain's answer to the Ferrari 250 GT SWB, the DB4GT coupé could boast a top speed of more than 150mph, thanks to a combination of its powerful 3.7-litre engine delivering 302bhp, its triple Webers, its 12-plug head and its weight-saving magnesium-alloy body panels, Perspex rear windows and its trademark sloping headlight covers. Most of the 75 production GTs had their rear seats replaced by a carpeted shelf. However, this car was one of just three with factory-fitted occasional rear seats, utilised by character actor Lionel Jefferies as Pearly's accomplice in the on-screen getaway, before the car and its passengers were stopped at Denham airfield.

The Aston was driven by Sellers for the 'hero shots' with most of the fast driving done by Ken Rudd, an Aston Martin dealer, who appeared in the film as a gang member extra. His dealership, KN Rudd in Worthing, had taken delivery of 41 DPX as a demonstrator, equipped with rare features including aluminium bezels surrounding the headlights, a single air scoop for the oil cooler and two air scoops.

It is understood that its original 3.7-litre engine was damaged during filming and was replaced at the Aston Martin factory, with a larger 4.0-litre block fitted in early 1963, and stamped as a 4.0-litre GT engine, according to Aston Martin records – to date the only factory-fitted 4.0-litre DB4GT engine. Meanwhile, another DB4 performed the film's famous flying jump over a bridge. As the scenes were not filmed in sequence, 41 DPX was again in the spotlight for the last scene.

Sellers, a noted car collector and aficionado of luxury marques was particularly fond of Aston Martins and acquired the DB4GT in late 1961 or early 1962. The car was serviced at Aston Martin Feltham where he befriended the late Richard Williams, future founder of eponymous restoration business RS Williams. Sellers hired Williams to look after his collection, which included the DB4GT.

This iconic 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT, previously owned by Peter Sellers, will feature as part of Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale on 14th July 2023. Its estimated value is between £2.2-£2.6m. Photos © Bonhams