An Aston Martin enthusiast has set himself up for participation in prestigious car races after snapping up a rare DB2 at an auction in London, prestige car hire aficionados may want to know.

The 1950 Aston Martin, which has twice participated in Le Mans races, was sold for more than half a million pounds, way above its low estimate of £250,000 by RM Auctions and Sotheby's, reports Bloomberg.

Boasting fifth and third place in the 1950 and 1951 French 24-hour race respectively, the Aston Martin was sold for £550,000 at the annual Automobiles of London sale in Battersea Park.

"The purchase will give the buyer instant access to exclusive racing events like the Le Mans Classic," Geneva-based classic car expert Simon Kidston told the news provider.

According to Bloomberg, the vehicle has been in the private collection of Aston Martin's chairman David Brown, who came up with the "DB" range, for the past 52 years.

Those wishing to sample a modern DB model can hire an Aston Martin DB9 Volante from vehicle rental firms in London.

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