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.”

The latest Silverstone Auctions has somes seriously stunning cars up for auction.

• 95 best of breed classic and sports cars will be offered by Silverstone Auctions at Race Retro on 25^th and 26^th February.
• The auction house has compiled its best ever Race Retro catalogue.
• A 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GT will headline the sale with an estimate of £300,000 to £350,000.

Silverstone Auctions returns to Race Retro to host a two-day Classic Car Sale on Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th February, in addition to its Competition Car Sale on 24th February, at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

With an incredibly varied catalogue, it’s best ever at Race Retro, Silverstone Auctions has brought together the finest classic cars with plenty of rare and low mileage examples, high performance sports cars and collectible modern classics to choose from, as well as a selection of luxury watches and automobilia.

“This is our sixth auction at Race Retro and we have another exceptional line-up of cars this year, perhaps our best ever at the event,” comments Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions. 

“We’re delighted to be part of the show again and, as always, we have some really unique opportunities for buyers and collectors and some really special cars on offer that rarely come to market.”

Headlining the sale is a UK, right-hand drive 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GT featuring the incredibly rare and desirable factory fitted flared wheel arches and Campagnolo wheels. It will be offered for sale for the first time in 22 years at an estimate of £300,000 to £350,000.

Another highlight of the sale is a 1983 Lamborghini Countach LP500S with an impressive 12 British Outright Speed records. 

The rare, right-hand drive, UK delivered Countach LP500S is one of only 25 examples made and was first owned by racing driver and Lamborghini aficionado Barry Robinson. Presenting a unique opportunity to collectors, it will be offered at a sale estimate of £325,000 to £350,000.

For buyers seeking a younger model, a right-hand drive 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SV finished in the striking combination of Arancio Leonis with an Alcantara interior, is offered at an estimate of £240,000 to £280,000.

Also in the sale, a 1956 BMW 502 V8 saloon, one of just 12 right-hand drive examples produced, offers collectorsa rare and stylish road car with lots of provenance. A regular in the St. Mary’s Trophy at the Goodwood Revival meeting over the years, it has been driven by many famous racing drivers including Marc Surer and Alan Jones, 1980 F1 World Champion, and will be offered with a sale estimate of £30,000 to £35,000.

Other luxury classics on offer include a 1962 Rolls-Royce SCT100, one of just 17 long-wheelbase variants in right-hand drive without a division, and the first ever such Cloud III LWB coach built by James Young. It will be offered at £65,000 to £75,000 presented in Velvet Green with a Champagne leather interior, with original luxury walnut features.

A very special 2006 Bentley Azure 6.7 Convertible in Dark Sapphire Blue Azure presents an ultra-rare opportunity to own an 'almost as new' condition, incredibly low mileage, modern classic Bentley. With just one registered keeper from new, it is offered at £135,000 to £155,000.

For collectors looking for something a little more unusual, a 1939 4 1/4 Ltr Blown Derby Bentley "Rusty Turner" Special will be offered with an estimate of £110,000 to £140,000. One of three built by the talented Tony Fabian and converted to a sports racer by 'Rusty' Turner in 1968, it emotes pre-war Bentley with a long and interesting history.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors at Race Retro to our special sale and we hope to help show-goers leave with their dream classic,” concludes Nick Whale.