Sir Jackie Stewarts first ever race car up for auction.

Silverstone Auctions will be offering racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart’s first ever race car for auction in its sale at the Silverstone Classic on the 26^th and 27^th July. The car is an extremely rare 1960 Marcos GT Xylon, offered at auction for the first time and estimated at between £35,000 and £50,000.

Marcos, founded in 1959 by BRDC member and racer, Jem Marsh, and the engineer Frank Costin, built just nine Xylons with this example being by far the most famous. The car came to be driven by Stewart when, in 1960, the Scottish racing enthusiast, Barry Filer, was having his race cars prepared by the Stewart family garage and invited a young Jackie to test with him at Oulton Park.

Following the test Filer promptly bought ‘G128’ for the 1961 season which Jackie then drove for him and, as a sign of things to come, promptly went on to win four sports car races. Jackie moved on in 1962, turning professional and racing Jaguars, whilst the cars career continued successfully through the 1960s under the guidance of Marcos co-founder, Jem Marsh.

The current vendor came into possession of the historic racer following his purchase of the remains of Marcos Sportscars in the 1990s and has had this famous Xylon tucked away in storage since production ceased at the marque’s Wiltshire factory.

Commenting on the sale of this historic car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “It’s fantastic to be offering this car for auction for the first time in its life. Jackie Stewart is one of the country’s most legendary racing drivers and therefore it’s apt that we are offering it at the home of British motorsport.”

The car is offered in 'barn find' condition, needing a total restoration and fresh preparation for any potential racing.

Nick added: “This is a truly great piece of motor racing history which I can’t wait to see restored and racing again soon.”