SUBSCRIBE TO THE
MAGAZINE NOW
Facebook-f Instagram

Aston Martin Ulster to break world record

16 June, 2014

 

There may be another Aston Martin about to break world records at auction. As seen in yesterday’s article, The Persuaders! vehicle sold for more than NZD$1 million. However, the upcoming Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale may just see another record breaker in the rare Aston Martin Ulster.

The ex-Works Aston Martin Ulster CMC 614 has an incredible racing history  and is one of only 21 production Ulsters ever built. It’s estimated at £1.4 million–1.6 million (approx. NZD$2.8 million–3.2 million) and it is expected to beat the existing world record of £1.3 million set by Bonhams last December for a pre-war Aston Martin at auction.

The Ulster’s racing history dates back nine decades and 100 races. It has raced every year since 1935 — excluding a rest period throughout World War II — and is built for endurance and pace. The two-seater Ulster features a four-cylinder 1496cc engine and is guaranteed to reach speeds of  up to 100mph.

This particular Ulster started its racing career in 1935 at the Mille Miglia. It finished eighth in the 1935 Le Mans 24-hour race and went on to complete the Targa Abruzzo 24-hour sports car event in Italy — finishing third overall and first in class.

As a period entrant in both the Mille Miglia and Le mans races, CMC 614 is not only eligible, but positively welcomed to the great historic motor sport events worldwide. This includes the Mille Retrospective, Le Mans Classic, Goodwood Revival, Monterey Historic, California Mille, and Colorado Grand.

Bonhams Group Head of Motoring James Knight says, “CMC 614 certainly has the potential to exceed the existing Ulster record we established a few months ago. This car has the added benefit of being a Works entry that competed at the very highest international level. It will attract international interest and we are looking forward to an exciting sale.

Project Adder – an MGB with bite

21 November, 2025

Bill and Rae Denize have been active MG Car Club members in Wellington for nearly 32 years. They have held a variety of positions on the club committee, and now that they are both retired, they can be even more involved in the club’s activities. Bill is currently the president of the MG Car Club, Wellington Centre.
The list of cars they’ve owned over the years is testament to their passion for the brand. It includes a 1972 Midget — the round rear-wheel arch model with 1275cc motor; a three-door 2004 MG ZR; a 2005 MG ZR (five-door); and Rae’s 2005 MG TF, which they still own. Bill also raced a 1967 Morris Mini Cooper S at Manfeild for many years. That car featured in an article in the January 2013 issue of this magazine.
In April 2013, Bill sold the Cooper S and decided to buy a low mileage, freshly imported MG RV8 from Japan. He liked the idea as there were only 1983 built in the early 1990s, which, hopefully, would translate into these cars holding their value. More importantly, their bodies were galvanised, which meant fewer rust problems, although Bill and Rae didn’t escape encounters with oxidation unscathed.