Le Mans-winning Aston racer for sale

This could potentially be the most significant Aston Martin racing car... in the world.

It's called the Aston Martin DBR1, and is a slice of late 1950s racing memorabilia that redefines even the broadest interpretation of what you'd call ‘smashingly good'. And it's now come onto the market for sale. Pay attention at the back.

The baseline stats are thus: it features a 3.0-litre straight-six mated to a five-speed gearbox, with around 250bhp, all wrapped up in a beautiful package weighing less than one tonne.

But this car is much more than just numbers. It debuted at the Spa 1000km race in 1957. And won. It also raced at the 1957 1000km Nürburgring race and the Spa Grand Prix. And won both.

The following year, despite retiring on three occasions (Sebring, Nürburgring and Le Mans), it would become famous as Sir Stirling Moss - partnered with Brooks - piloted the green-hued DBR1 at the 1958 Goodwood Tourist Trophy. They won, naturally.

But its most auspicious date with destiny came in 1959. Not only did Sir Stirling regain the Tourist Trophy crown, but some chaps named Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori - with a little help from engineer Ted Cutting - would finish the gruelling Le Mans 24hrs on the podium.

Said Mr Shelby - yes, that's Mister Shelby to you - of the '59 Le Mans race: "I had dysentery during the entire race. And back then it was very different - everything was a series of compromises. There was no automatic rev limiter, only our feet, and the gearbox and clutch were not very strong. One slip and you could blow the engine."

It's being put up for sale by Talacrest (who actually sold this very car to its previous owner). The price? A cool £20 million. Caught your breath back?

Says Talacrest: "Cars of this calibre and undisputed provenance are rarely available on the open market and will surely present the new owner with invitations to just about any event in the world."

It might just be the most significant Aston racer ever, but it's also laced with poignancy too. Sure, you'll be able to sit in the same seat that Sir Stirling Moss raced in, but you'll also be sharing the same cockpit that housed Carroll Shelby, Roy Salvadori and Ted Cutting, the Le Mans-trio who all sadly passed away earlier this year.

Check out the advert for the DBR1 here