Monday, October 14, 2024

10 cars to watch at Silverstone Auctions Classic Motor Show sale

We’re at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, home to Silverstone Auctions’ sale on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November. Here are some of our favourite lots

A Silverstone Auctions sale has long been a cornerstone of the annual Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham and 2022’s running is no exception. Taking pride of place on an expansive blue-carpeted stand in hall 2, this year’s auction features an eclectic mix of established icons, up-and-coming modern classics, storied racers and dusty barn-finds, with classic motorcyles also set to cross the block.

With over 350 lots set to go under the hammer at the show on Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13, we took the chance to beat the crowds on Friday morning to pick some favourites.

For more information on all lots, head over to the Silverstone Auctions website.

1979 Mini 1275 GT

Resplendent in Java Green with gold decals, this 1979 Mini 1275 GT has racked up just over 80,000 miles in 42 years and was restored around a decade ago. Its upgraded interior is a particular highlight, complete with new basket-weave seats.

Recently refurbished and beautifully presented, the robust guide price of ?23,000 to ?27,000 reflects the remarkable condition of this rare survivor.

1999 Subaru Impreza WRC99

Subaru is a brand synonymous with rallying, with six world championships under its belt thanks to a star-studded cast of drivers. The Impreza is perhaps its most iconic model, especially in 90s WRC trim, conjuring images of the likes of Colin McRae and Richard Burns sliding their way to victory.

This 1999 car is WRC99 chassis #15, built by Prodrive for use as an ‘Allstars’ car on two WRC events in 2000 at the hands of Holowczyc Krzysztof. The car gained its eye-catching Cusine de France livery when it changed hands later in 2000, racking up more wins in national events; another new keeper had the car converted to right-hand drive in 2002 and used it to win the National Championship of Ireland in 2003. Its latest owner (the vendor) has racked up an impressive array of rally entries since taking ownership in 2004.

With a recent (and very expensive) full bare-shell rebuild, the car is touted at being the last competing WRC99: a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a keen rally enthusiast or competitor.

1954 Mercedes W186 300 Adenauer

Rare, elegant and seemingly representing great value, this W186 Mercedes’ combination of leaf green paintwork and grey leather looked fantastic under the NEC lights. Taking its nickname from Konrad Adenauer, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, the W186 is a classic luxury saloon fit for high-ranking politicians, royalty – and classic enthusiasts looking for a left-field slice of impressive engineering.

Power comes from the 3.0-litre M186 straight six, good for around 113hp and designed for longevity. The example backs up that mechanical solidity with low miles (just over 45,500) and great condition thanks to long-term dry storage as part of a larger Mercedes collection.

Guided at ?30,000 to ?40,000, this impressive and suitably imposing Mercedes is sure to cause a stir when it goes under the hammer.

1964 Mini Cooper 1275S (ex-works)

More rallying heritage, this time just as iconic but much older. A headline lot for the sale, this ex-works 1964 Mini Cooper 1275S won the 1965 RAC Rally with Rauno Aaltonen at the wheel.

Built in Abingdon in 1964, the car took part in the Acropolis, Swedish and Alpine rallies before its victory at the RAC. A victory at the Scottish Rally followed with Tony Fall at the helm but was subsequently rolled at the 1966 Gulf London Rally. The car returned to active service in 1998 after an extensive rebuild and restoration.

With an alluring combination of impressive competition history, perfect condition and hard-earned icon status, don’t be surprised if bidding outgrows the estimate of ?110,000 to ?150,000.

1992 Honda NSX

The market for Japanese modern classics is still bouyant, as evidenced by the robust reserve price of ?110,000 to ?130,000 suggested for this immaculate Honda NSX. With just 11,618 miles on the clock and one owner from new, this incredible example sports an Aryton Senna-approved specifcation: Formula Red, manual gearbox and no power steering.

With its high-revving 3.0-litre VTEC V6, poised yet forgiving chassis and lightweight aluminium monocoque, the NSX famously offers supercar performance with Civic-like livability. It’s easy to see the appeal – and you’ll struggle to find another quite as spectacular as this.

McLaren M23 replica (Rush film car)

F1 fans take notice: this is your chance to own a 70s McLaren F1 car at a fraction of the cost, all while retaining some credible pedigree despite its replica status. This example is one of two created for use in the Ron Howard James Hunt biopic Rush.

Intended to be indistinguishable from the real thing for filming and promotional purposes, this example has been on static display for ‘a number of years’, with Silverstone noting that it may not need much work to get running again.

It’s important to note that the M23 replica is wholly unsuitable for actual racing, but we’d wager that many won’t care about that in the slightest. An exciting opportunity, even if it’s just for promotional or garage decoration purposes.

1981 DeLorean DMC-12

One of two DMC-12 examples in the sale (the other is 1 of 3 factory right hand drive UK-spec cars), this low-mileage example has already garnered plenty of attention. A true icon of the 1980s, this DeLorean is presented as a garage find ready for recommissioning after over 20 years in storage.

Imported to the UK from Florida in the 90s, the car has received some attention over the years but should be approached as a solid and attainable base for restoration. Guided at ?20,000 to ?25,000, there’s lots of scope for improvement.

1973 Jaguar E-type S3

Offered temptingly with no reserve, this 1973 E-type manual is an original UK-spec car which has been hiding in a barn for many years after being parked up for some minor repairs.

Covered in the requisite barn-find dust (and cat footprints), this example is ready to be restored to its former glory. It could make for a cost-effective starting point for an exciting project as the market continues to wake up to the charm of later, V12-powered E-type Jaguars.

1972 Ford Transit Mk1 LWB

The Transit van was famously the backbone of Britain, a title it still holds in its modern incarnation today. Here’s an exemplary example of the original, resplendent in long wheelbase Custom guise and boasting a mileage of just 7,071 – a figure that’s thought to be genuine given the van’s 40 years of heated garage storage.

Previously part of an extensive Ford collection, this immaculate example is offered with no reserve. The sale even includes a period copy of the Daily Mirror!

1989 Metro City X

Presented in remarkable condition and sporting Rover-supplied colour-coded bumpers, this Flame Red Metro City X is an exceptional survivor with low mileage of just 16,944 miles. Offered without reserve, the Metro features an abundance of interesting original features, including dealer plates and window sticker.

A comprehensive history file is included along with original handbooks, spare keys, tool kit and even a collection of photographs taken by the previous owners. As the Metro becomes rarer, an excellent example such as this represents a solid collector’s choice – or perhaps a very clean starter classic.

by James Howe

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