Frankly, the James Bond Aston Martin is a bit of a flake. Without the gimmicky (and non-operable) gadgets, without the Sean Connery connection, it would be little more than a clapped-out vintage sports car. A similar Aston Martin DB5 in pristine condition sold for far less cash. Apparently fame by association has greater value.

In a hushed auditorium bids rose far beyond the estimated 1.2 million. As the numbers increased even RM's normally exuberent auctioneer was speaking in softer tones. Gradually the bidders gambled; some from America, others from international locales. Bids crept upwards until finally, $1.95 million bought an historic (though not the car seen in the movie) Aston Martin.

Here's how it looked, camera peering over the heads and shoulders of assembled bidders and spectators; the overhead video screens reveal the car and current asking price. On the way out I spotted a pristine 1987 Jaguar XJ6 identical to mine except for color. License: 007SJag. One more digit than allowed in the Canadian province of BC. How would 007Jag rate?