Latest Silverstone Classic auction had a hit rate of 76%, with some stunning cars up for sale.

• Silverstone Auctions achieves a 76 per cent sales rate and total sales of £5.7million in three days of auctions at Race Retro.
• The results were the highest ever at Race Retro.
• More than 130 classic and competition cars went under the hammer over three days between the 24^th and 26^th February.

Joined by hundreds of historic motorsport and classic car enthusiasts over three days at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, Silverstone Auctions achieved a sales rate of 76 per cent and total sales of £5.7million at Race Retro, over £1million more than last year’s sale and its highest ever result at the show.

Headlining the results was a 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GT, which sold for an amazing £439,875, nearly £140,000 over its lower estimate. 

The beautifully presented car, with the rare factory fitted flared wheel arches, was subject to a long bidding war between a buyer in the room and another on the phone, with the phone bidder eventually winning out.

From the same private owner, who was delighted after the sale, came an equally impressive 1998 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta with an incredibly low mileage of just 7,017 miles from new. The car sold for £136,125, more than £50,000 over its lower estimate. Another special supercar, more than living up to its pre-sale hype, the 2005 Ford GT, formerly owned by Jenson Button, sold for £264,375.

Jaguar collectors were clearly impressed by the fully restored, matching numbers 1960 Jaguar XK150 3.8 SE Drophead Coupé. A long bidding war led to the car selling for £132,750, more than double its lower estimate. Another bidding war led to the stunning 1953 Alfa Romeo 1900 Barchetta Modificato selling to a buyer in the room for £94,500, nearly £30,000 over its lower estimate.

A definite speciality for Silverstone Auctions, all 12 Porsches offered in the classic car auction were sold, headlined by a 1980 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo, which sold for £109,125. Continuing to prove in demand, six fast Fords were sold, with a 2010 Ford Focus RS with just 1,800 miles selling for £41,063, more than £9,000 over lower estimate.

Speaking after the sale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “Wow, what a fantastic set of results for our vendors. I’m delighted that once again our winning combination of sensible estimates and reserves, presentation, pre-sale marketing and auction atmosphere has paid dividends.

This was certainly our best ever Race Retro catalogue and buyers clearly agreed, so it’s wonderful to see so many going home incredibly happy with their purchases.”

Beginning the weekend by selling 27 competition cars, Silverstone Auctions sold a 1961 Emeryson Formula 1 Climax FPF (FIA), the last surviving example of just four ever made, for £174,380. Immortalised as part of the BBC’s '100 Greatest Sporting Moments', and another highly regarded race car in motorsport history, the 1968 Chevrolet Camaro prepared by Bill Shaw Racing sold for £65,250.

Silverstone Auctions’ May Sale takes place on Saturday 13^th May back at its spiritual home of Silverstone circuit. Entries are now invited into the auction and potential sellers are invited to speak with Silverstone Auctions as soon as possible.

Nick added: “This has been a great start to the auction season and we now look forward to our next sale and speaking with prospective sellers soon.”