If Historic Racing Is Your Thing Then The Silverstone Classic Auction Has To Be Your Next Stop

Historic racing in its many forms has grown massively over the years and along with it the demand for quality race cars has too. Due to this trend, finding a period-correct racing car, especially one that has been set up by knowledgeable professionals, can often be a long and difficult process. That is why the upcoming Silverstone Classic Sale taking place on the 27 and 28 July is an essential event on any historic racers calendar, as they will be offering up a range of top quality historic race cars eligible for Goodwood, the Masters Series, Historic Touring Cars as well as other classic racing series.

One of the many impressive lots on offer is the Kaliber-liveried Ford Sierra Group A touring car, one of just two built by Andy Rouse for the 1988 BTCC. It underwent some re-engineering work at touring car specialist Pete Brock in 1993 and continued to be raced in the hands of various owners right up until 1997. It was eventually restored back to its original livery in 2017.

Lionel Abbott of Silverstone Auctions commented, “This is a very special car, well known to many in an era when these RS500s were all-conquering. Our vendor has owned this car for many years, and it is now presented in a wonderful condition for the next owner to either go racing or to include in their collection.” Complete with a basic spares package and the option of a complete inventory of parts for further racing endeavors, this car may well exceed its £180,000 top estimate come sale time.

Those looking to take part in the World Sportscar Masters series may be interested in the 1972 Lola T 290, which once took part in the 1974 Targa Florio and comes with full FIA HTP papers ready to do battle on the race track once again. It is estimated to sell for between £110,000 and £125,000. Another interesting lot is the 1973 Triumph Dolomite Sprint (estimated at £20,000 to £25,000) which is waiting for a rebuild to Group 1 specifications to take part in events like Goodwood and the Historic Touring Car Cup.

From a modern 2007 Ferrari 430 GT3 to a rare 1965 Studebaker Lark Daytona 500, there are many more race-ready offerings out there to satisfy one’s need for speed, but the ex-Sir John Whitmore 1965 Lotus Cortina may well end up hogging most of the limelight. It dominated the 1965 season, winning eight out of nine races, and also set a new lap record on the way to winning the Nürburgring 6-hour race in its day. Having been through a number of previous owners, this historically important race car is now offered for sale with an estimate of between £190,000 and £220,000. The sheer variety of competition cars on offer at a variety of price points makes the Silverstone Classic an unmissable event for both amateur and professional historic racers alike.

Images courtesy of Silverstone Auctions