An annual sale of classic Aston Martin sports cars by auctioneers Bonhams has raised a record-breaking £10 million.

The yearly auction takes place at Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, the historic home of the car-maker.

Prior to its move to Gaydon, Warwickshire, in 2007, the Newport Pagnell factory saw 13,000 cars hand-built there, after Aston Martin relocated its original home in Feltham in 1965. This year it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

It is now an approved heritage service and restoration facility as well as a new car dealership, where it is possible to view, purchase, service and restore cars from every era of the marque’s 102 years.

In all the 16th Bonhams Aston Martin Sale auction saw £10.3 million-worth of rare and prized sports cars changing hands, including a vehicle which was once owned by the late British actor Sir Peter Ustinov.

Around 50 Astons were sold at the event, considered one of the key auctions for Aston Martin enthusiasts anywhere in the world.

Vehicles up for grabs by buyers with deep pockets ranged from dusty barn finds in need of restoration to fully restored classics in mint condition.

Highlights of the day included Mr Ustinov’s 1962 DB4 Series IV Vantage Convertible, which sold for £1,513,500, and the top lot of the sale, a 1966 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible in Vantage specification, which sold for £1,524,700.

Barn find and project cars also sold well, with a brace of 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloons performing particularly strongly – one selling at twice its top estimate and achieving £104,540, with the other changing hands for £115,740.

Paul Spires, commercial director at Aston Martin Works, said: “This year’s Aston Martin Sale has been a hugely memorable occasion, with rare and collectable Aston Martin sports cars going to buyers around the world.

“Despite the mixed weather there was a superbly sociable garden party atmosphere among the 2,000 or so guests who joined us here – enjoying the sale and helping us to celebrate our 60 years in superb style.”

Bonhams’ UK head of motor cars Tim Schofield said: “As pioneers of the single-marque sale we’ve returned to Aston Martin Works here in Newport Pagnell for another great auction, exceeding all previous years’ totals.

“The quintessentially British marque of Aston Martin attracts interest from enthusiasts across the world, a fact demonstrated here again this year as we took bids from all corners of the globe.

“The sale attracted a larger and more cosmopolitan attendance than ever before, achieving an excellent result.”