Tag: Silverstone Auctions

ON THE BLOCK: How to Buy Your Dream Porsche

July 20, 2015 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Silverstone, 20 July 2015 – When you’re buying your dream classic car, it’s crucial to arm yourself with expert knowledge – which is why Silverstone Auctions has put together a new buyers’ guide ahead of its sale at the Silverstone Classic this weekend.

Presented by classic car collector, Harry Metcalfe, and filmed at Porsche specialists Autofarm, the video puts a pair of incredible 911s, a 1972 2.4 S and 1991 964 RS, under intense scrutiny before they go under the hammer at the Silverstone Classic sale on 24-26 July*.

Metcalfe, one of the founders of performance car magazine, evo, and most recently best known for YouTube channel Harry’s Garage, shares his years’ of experience in buying and selling classic cars. He shows viewers what to look for when buying a Porsche 911, a model that has seen unprecedented growth in the classic car market in recent years.

Focussing first on the 1972 Porsche 911 2.4 S, Metcalfe walks viewers around the car, looking at tell-tell signs of originality and even how to age the car by its oil filler cover. As probably the best example of its type on the market right now, Metcalfe doesn’t uncover any issues – but points out the importance of original paint and where to spot ‘hidden’ repairs.

With an estimated auction price of £130,000 – £150,000, Metcalfe explains why this original and unmolested example, complete with extensive history and provenance, is a perfect collector’s piece for any enthusiast. The car will go under the hammer on Saturday 25 July.

At the other end of the spectrum, he turns his focus to a 1991 Porsche 964 RS N/GT. This 1991 example, also in the Saturday 25 July sale, was one of the first cars off the production line as the first-ever N/GT (Clubsport) car made. Due to its exclusivity, this 964 RS is a collector’s dream.

Marked out by its roll cage, racing bucket seats and omitted ‘creature comforts’ such as air-conditioning and carpets the car has had a very interesting history, being gifted to Porsche-only endurance racing driver Ulrich Richter. Metcalfe tells the story of this very special car while also looking at ways to check its originality.

Having recently been treated to an engine overhaul as well as a glass-out respray in factory Maritime Blue paint, Metcalfe shows how to look for accident damage including panel gaps and removal of vital stickers marking its authenticity. With an estimate of £230,000 – £260,000, this driver-focussed 964 RS is regarded as one of the most exciting examples offered on the open market.

Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, says: “It is a delight to be able to present these two iconic air-cooled 911s for sale, alongside many other important Porsches in the Silverstone Classic Sale this week. Condition, history and provenance are some of the most important factors to consider when buying a classic car – and indeed when selling one, too. These examples are testament to why I have enjoyed buying and selling the Porsche marque for many years.

“Harry has worked with us at Silverstone Auctions, since buying his Ferrari Testarossa at last years Silverstone Classic sale. He is a well-respected member of the classic car community and I am humbled that he could take the time to share a fraction of his knowledge in this video. I’m sure you’ll see a lot more from him, as well as a few more high-quality cars for sale in the future.”

For the full list of lots available in The Silverstone Classic Sale, please visit:

www.silverstoneauctions.com/the-silverstone-classic-sale-2015/view_lots

ON THE BLOCK: Rare Right-Hand-Drive Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet Featured at Silverstone NEC Sale

November 4, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

One of the rarest Mercedes’ ever produced, a 1970 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet, will be offered in Silverstone Auctions’ sale at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show on the 15^th of November. This car, estimated at between £200,000 and £250,000, is a right-hand drive floor mounted automatic, the rarest of all the variants and one of just 68 produced.

When the model was lanced in the early 1970s many people believed Mercedes had created the finest automobile in the world. For those who preferred the open air, and had the money to pay for it, there was no finer choice than the 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet. It featured a powerful 3.5-litre V8 and was the fastest, most sumptuous and most expensive convertible that money could buy at a Mercedes-Benz dealership.

Purchased by the current vendor in the UK 11 years ago it was then exported to Australia. Since then the car has lived a privileged existence. It was then entrusted to expert and marque restoration specialists Sleeping Beauties in Brisbane for what would be a five year, $200,000 plus restoration.

Commenting on the beautiful car, classic car specialist and general manager of Silverstone Auctions, Guy Lees-Milne, said: “This is a beautiful example of the car many regard as one of the finest in the world. Rarely do we see a car that has had this level of care and attention lavished on it.”

Following this restoration the car was scored at 95.5 out of 100 by the owner, who himself owns one of the world’s largest restoration companies. It was then sent it to his own facility for more extensive work with the instructions “make it as good if not better than the way it came from the factory”. The car is now presented in concours condition to match the best in the world.

“Not only is this a rare and expertly restored classic car but could prove a fantastic investment. Prices for the more abundant left-hand drive model have topped $425,000 recently,” Guy added.

For more details on the car or Silverstone Auctions’ two-day sale, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, please visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/1970-mercedes-280se-35-cabriolet-1-of-66-right-hand-drive.

ON THE BLOCK: Rare Bentley Headlines Silverstone NEC Sale

October 21, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

An incredibly rare and special 1954 Bentley R Type Continental Fastback, one of just three right-hand drive automatic examples produced, is set to headline Silverstone Auctions’ final sale of the year at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show on the 15^th and 16^th of November.

The late D Series car, estimated at between £800,000 and £900,000, is presented in impeccable, close to concours condition having benefitted from major works over the last few years.

Chassis number ‘BC9D’ was ordered on the 31^st March 1954 by Mr. Alan G Clark. Clearly a discerning customer, Mr. Clark specified the car with an automatic gearbox and a number of special features including electric window lifts, flat petrol tank, Smiths ventilation and heating system and two RD 8187 Foglamps in place of the standard centre lamp. Being the late D Series it also benefits from having the larger 4.9-litre engine.

Like many of these Bentley models, the chassis was produced at the Rolls-Royce factory in Crewe while some 170 miles to the south, the lightweight, aluminium coachwork was being handcrafted by H. J. Mulliner & Co. The current owner has maintained the car to the highest standard regardless of cost.

The car is offered for sale with an extensive history file for major works undertaken to it during the last few years. This includes a full respray in Shell Grey complimented by a mid-blue hide interior and dark blue Wilton carpets.

Commenting on the impressive car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “This car is a beautifully styled masterpiece, offering gracious classic motoring with just a hint of modern convenience. It is beautifully presented and testament to the pampered existence it has lived.”

The Bentley joins an eclectic offering at the two-day sale taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, which contains more than 100 classic and modern sports cars and 12 historic motorcycles spanning some 58 years.

The full list of cars on offer can be viewed at http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/nec-classic-motor-show-sale-2014.

For more information on the Bentley please visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/1954-bentley-r-type-continental-fastback-4629.

ON THE BLOCK: RHD Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso at Salon Privé

July 8, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Regarded by many as the most beautiful of Pininfarina designs for Ferrari, an extremely rare 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L ‘Lusso’ is to be sold at Silverstone Auctions’ inaugural sale at Salon Privé on September 4^th, estimated at between £1.75 and £2million.

Just 22 right hand drive cars were built, with some reports suggesting that today just 17 examples remain. First appearing at the 1962 Paris Salon, the car generated much admiration for its exquisite proportions. This particular matching numbers car is so special thanks in part to the comprehensive restoration, which it received by respected craftsmen Auto Restorations NZ of Christchurch in the years to 2010.

Confirming its quality, the car was crowned Winner in the Masters’ Class of the NZ Classic Car Weekend Intermarque Concours d’Elegance and it beams in Rosso Cordoba coachwork with contrasting Tan leather interior. It now joins the sale from a significant UK collection.

Commenting on the sale of this very special motorcar, Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “It’s a privilege to be able to offer this exciting and beautiful car in our new sale. Salon Privé deservedly enjoys its reputation as one of the UK’s most prestigious luxury automotive events and this car is sure to be one of the highlights of the auction.”

The model joins a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Series II Coupe, estimated at between £375,000 and £425,000, and a 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Sedanca by Knibbs & Parkyn, once owned by a Costa Rican diplomat, estimated at between £80,000 and £100,000.

More exceptional cars have already been consigned into the new auction, taking place following the signing of a joint venture between the event organisers and Silverstone Auctions. Details of these cars will be announced over the coming weeks.

Silverstone Auctions is still inviting entries into the sale and so those that would like to have their vehicle considered for entry into the sale should contact Silverstone Auctions on +44 (0) 1926 691 141 or visithttp://www.silverstoneauctions.com/salon-prive for more information.

ON THE BLOCK: Ferrari Dinos, Porsches Continue to Dazzle at Silverstone Sale

May 27, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Two very special Ferrari Dinos wowed the bidders at Silverstone Auctions’ May Sale, helping achieve a sales rate of 71 percent and a total sales value of over £1.7million, continuing the run of strong results from the auction house already achieved this year.

Just weeks after the highly successful inaugural Restoration Show Sale, a barn find 1973 Ferrari Dino sold to rapturous applause, for an astonishing premium inclusive total of £132,250. In polar opposite condition, a recently restored 1971 Ferrari 246 GT Dino, that was the show car at the 1971 Earls Court Motor Show, was successfully hammered away for a premium inclusive total of £250,700, more than £70,000 over its lower estimate.

However, it wasn’t just Ferraris that proved popular with the crowds at the sale, which took place at the Wing, Silverstone.

Proving that Porsche prices are continuing to rise, a 1973 Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa sold for a premium inclusive £105,800, more than £20,000 over its upper estimate. A 1989 Porsche 911 930 Turbo, with just over 24,000 miles on the clock, sold similarly well, achieving a total of £92,000, nearly £40,000 over its lower estimate.

Speaking after the sale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “These are another fantastic set of results for us and I hope our vendors are as delighted as we are. The team brought together a very exciting catalogue with many of the cars on offer impossible to ignore.”

Setting a believed new British auction record, a 1963 Fiat 500D Convertible was sold in a frenzied bidding battle for £20,930. From the world of Hollywood came a 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster, formerly owned by Gerard Butler, which sold for £60,375 and an unregistered 1990 BMW Z1, with only 197km on the clock, sold for £54,050.

Nick added: “We now look forward to our flagship sale of the year at the Silverstone Classic in July as well as our new sale at Salon Privé in September which are sure to attract some fantastic entries, so I would encourage those looking to sell their classic car to get in touch with us soon.”

For the full list of results from Silverstone Auctions’ May Sale or to find out more about submitting an entry in its upcoming sales, visit www.silverstoneauctions.com.

ON THE BLOCK: First Last Original Crewe-Built Rolls-Royce Headed to Silverstone

April 24, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

A great piece of British automotive history is heading to auction next month when the first example of the last Rolls-Royce model to be built at the original Crewe factory goes under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions.

Estimated at between £95,000 and £105,000, the Rolls Royce Corniche, chassis number 001, was purchased by the current owner in 2001. Its first owner was Rolls-Royce themselves who are believed to have used the car for testing and development, along with promotional marketing of the new model.

A significant motorcar in the history of the marque, the last of the ‘proper Rolls-Royces’, it was the final model to be developed at the original Crewe factory when the company was still independently owned. The car was also the first Rolls Royce to be launched in the 21st Century, an era which would see, and continues to see, huge changes having been taken over by BMW in 2003.

The car will be offered at Silverstone Auctions’ May Sale on May 24^th at The Wing, Silverstone Race Circuit and comes 110 years after the unveiling of the first ever Rolls-Royce, the 10HP in 1904.

Commenting on the car, Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “It’s a delight to be able to offer such a historically significant motor car for auction. Rolls-Royce is truly one of the world’s most admired car marques and it’s fantastic to be able to play a part in the history of a very significant example.”

The interior of the car offers a degree of comfort and luxury that has become a hallmark of the brand. As regards the power train under the bonnet, there’s no modern BMW V12 unit, but a 6.75 litre V8-engine whose Chrysler origins date back to the 1950s.

Fully maintained as per Rolls Royce factory requirements, the first five stamps in the service book were completed by Rolls Royce themselves at Crewe and the total mileage of the car today is just 24,926. Presented with the car is a substantial history file of service invoices and also the official sales brochure from Rolls Royce featuring the car itself.

For more information on the car please visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/2000-rolls-royce-cornich-chassis-001