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The Lamborghini Left Abandoned At The Hilton

In the world of luxury and extravagance, few stories are as intriguing as that of the Lamborghini Miura gifted by the legendary Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis to his close friend Stamatis Kokotas, a famous Greek singer. The Miura, a model celebrated as the world’s first supercar, represented the epitome of 1960s automotive innovation and style. Onassis, known for his lavish lifestyle and connections with some of the world’s most prominent figures, purchased the Lamborghini as a gesture of friendship and admiration for Kokotas, whose soulful voice had captivated audiences across Greece and beyond.

The Lamborghini Miura in question was a stunning vehicle and it immediately became a symbol of Kokotas' success and Onassis' generosity. This particular Miura, a 1969 P400S model, was equipped with a V12 engine capable of producing 370 horsepower, making it one of the fastest cars of its time. The car perfectly suited Kokotas' persona—flamboyant, stylish, and full of life. The gift further cemented the bond between the two men, who were both icons in their respective worlds.

However, the story took an unexpected turn when the Lamborghini was reportedly abandoned in the garage of the Hilton Athens hotel in the 1970s. As the story goes, the car was left there after Kokotas experienced engine trouble. Despite his celebrity status and the car’s incredible value, the Miura was left to languish in the hotel’s parking lot, largely forgotten. Over the years, the Lamborghini became an urban legend, a relic of a bygone era hidden away in plain sight, its fate unknown to most.

Decades later, the abandoned Miura was rediscovered, still in the Hilton Athens' garage. Remarkably, the car was in relatively good condition despite years of neglect. It was eventually sold at auction, fetching a high price due to its unique history and connection to Onassis and Kokotas. Today, the story of the Lamborghini Miura serves as a fascinating reminder of the transient nature of fame and fortune, as well as the enduring allure of classic automobiles. The car, once a symbol of opulence and friendship, became a forgotten piece of history, only to be revived years later as a prized collector's item.

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Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | sales@classicmotorsforsale.com  +44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com

From 007 to Collector’s Dream: The Aston Martin DB5

The Aston Martin DB5 is one of the most iconic cars in automotive history, celebrated not only for its exquisite design and engineering but also for its deep association with the James Bond film series. Introduced in 1963, the DB5 was an evolution of the DB4, featuring a 4.0-liter inline-six engine that produced 282 horsepower, allowing the car to reach a top speed of 145 mph. Its sleek, timeless design, characterized by its elegant lines, distinctive front grille, and luxurious interior, quickly made it a symbol of British automotive excellence.

Stratton Motor Company | 1965 Aston Martin DB5 | POA

The DB5’s enduring fame was cemented when it became the car of choice for James Bond in the 1964 film Goldfinger. Outfitted with various gadgets, including machine guns, an ejector seat, and rotating license plates, the DB5 became synonymous with the suave, sophisticated image of 007. This appearance not only boosted the car's popularity but also solidified its status as a cultural icon. The connection between the DB5 and James Bond has remained strong, with the car appearing in several subsequent Bond films, each time rekindling the public's fascination with this automotive masterpiece.

Beyond its cinematic legacy, the Aston Martin DB5 is revered for its craftsmanship and performance. The car was hand-built, with meticulous attention to detail in every aspect, from its aluminum bodywork to its luxurious leather interior. The DB5 was also technologically advanced for its time, featuring an independent front suspension, Girling disc brakes on all four wheels, and a five-speed ZF gearbox. This combination of beauty, luxury, and performance made the DB5 a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors, and it remains highly sought after in the classic car market.

The Classic Motor Hub | 1963 Aston Martin DB5 | £595,000.00

Today, the Aston Martin DB5 is more than just a car; it is a symbol of an era, representing the pinnacle of 1960s style and engineering. Its legacy continues to thrive, with original models fetching millions at auctions and modern reproductions capturing the imagination of a new generation. Whether admired for its role in the James Bond franchise or for its intrinsic qualities as a sports car, the DB5 remains an enduring icon, a testament to Aston Martin's legacy of creating timeless, elegant, and high-performance vehicles.

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Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | sales@classicmotorsforsale.com  +44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com