James Bond's Aston Martin sold for £2.6m

(GETTY)

A James Bond Aston Martin dubbed the most famous car in the world was sold at auction for £2.6 million.

The silver DB5, which was driven by Sir Sean Connery as the super-spy in Goldfinger and Thunderball, had been expected to go for more than £3 million.

A spokesman for the auctioneer said: "It's still a lot of money and I don't think anyone's disappointed."

American broadcasting boss Jerry Lee bought the 1964 car for 12,000 US dollars in 1969, and since then it has spent much of its time in the United States.

He has said he plans to donate proceeds from last night's sale to his charitable foundation.

He said previously: "The James Bond car has brought me much enjoyment for some 40 years.

"Even as I sell it and use the proceeds to fund the Jerry Lee Foundation, the car will continue to give me great pleasure as it furthers the mission of the foundation to do good around the world."

Mr Lee set up his foundation more than 10 years ago to support education and anti-crime projects internationally.

The car was sold at Battersea Evolution in London by RM Auctions, together with Sotheby's.

The model was dubbed Most Famous Car in the World in a 1993 book of the same title by Dave Worrall.