International auctioneers Coys, claims to have completed the first ever classic car sale on social media – selling a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 for £825,000 via Apple Pay.
At the same time the sale becomes the largest known in-app purchase as well as one of the highest transactions made via Apple Pay – using the Vero app.
The right hand drive silver birch DB5 with red leather trim has undergone a full restoration – including engine rebuild, suspension and gearbox overhaul following 20 years in dry storage.
Coys had announced at the Paris Motor Show that potential customers would be able to purchase a selection of historic cars via Vero, including the DB5 which featured in their exhibition area.
The buyer, who wished to remain anonymous, bought the DB5 with Apple Pay directly from the Coys profile on Vero after seeing it at the show.
Chris Routledge, CEO of Coys, said: “The proud new owner saw the DB5 at the Paris Motor Show, he was overjoyed to see the car of his dreams and didn’t want to lose it, he was keen to quickly get in front of the queue, so a few days later he hit the ‘Buy Now’ button on Vero to guarantee the purchase.”
Routledge added: “This is an exciting achievement for Coys digital presence, which signals a new era for classic car sales. The ‘Buy Now’ feature on Vero will give informed and savvy collectors a crucial head start in a highly competitive market place. Collectors worldwide fight fiercely amongst themselves to obtain the best machines and we certainly feel that Coys presence on Vero will give our clients that essential edge.”
Ayman Hariri, Co-founder and CEO of Vero, said: “Classic cars set the pulse racing like few other things. We’re delighted that Coys have chosen Vero as the platform to express their love of classic cars. Coys remind us of the influence classic cars have on us through movies such as the Italian Job, Ronin, and of course, Bullitt. With Vero's unique Buy-Now feature, Coys is offering collectors a new way to purchase the cars they've always dreamed of owning.”
Other historic cars currently listed and available for instant purchase on Coys’ Vero profile include a £400,000 Ferrari Dino 246 once owned by Peter Grant (manager of Led Zeppelin), an £800,000 Ferrari Daytona and a £295,000 Bentley Continental S2.