Silverstone Auctions returned to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, for the third year running to host its biggest ever Race Retro auction.
More than 100 classic cars and motorcycles went under the hammer in the two day sale in February, joining a selection of fine automobilia as well as a luxury lifestyle collection, offered at the historic motorsport show for the first time.
As befitting the surroundings, visitors had the chance to bid on 42 stunning classics from the track and rally stage. Highlights include the instantly recognizable 1977 Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800 Gp4 Historic Rally Car, which was tested by the late Colin McRae and driven by his father Jimmy as well as brother Alister to victory in historic rally events.
E-Type Jaguar
Commenting on the first sale of the year, Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said, “We’re incredibly excited to offer such a fantastic array of classics. It’s quite possibly one of our most intriguing catalogues ever and interest is set to be high.”
Another star lot has to be an incredibly rare 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante X-Pack, estimated at between £135,000 to £155,000. With only 84 examples ever made, there are few cars in the market that both define their era and offer such exclusivity. Another rare British soft-top, in the form of a 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series One Flat-Floor Roadster, will be offered, estimated at between £115,000 to £130,000. The car was restored by respected classic car restoration craftsman, Spellbound Cars of Farnham, which are offering a 12 month or 6,000 mile parts and labor warranty on this special E-Type.
F1 fans had the chance to bid on a 1978 James Hunt race helmet, estimated at between £18,000 to £25,000, and a signed pair of Nigel Mansell racing gloves, that were worn by Mansell when he obtained pole position at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix in July 1990, estimated at between £1,500 to £2,500. A 1992 Honda NSX, used by the late Ayrton Senna, will also be going under the hammer, estimated at between £75,000 to £85,000.
Possibly the finest motorsport book ever made was the very last Opus Formula One Champions Edition. Estimated at between £15,000 to £20,000, this copy was personally signed by Bernie Ecclestone and by all the living world championship winning drivers, plus the late great Phil Hill.
It is such a pity that we cannot get the same level of automobiles in Thailand that they do in the UK, or America. However, the auctions such as this do tend to push car values up (in some cases unrealistically higher), so that the ordinary enthusiast (like me) cannot afford to bid.
