Spoilt for choice? Here’s every car in the Concours of Elegance 2023 auction

Lots to see

Held in the picturesque setting of Hampton Court Palace at the same time as Concours of Elegance, Gooding & Company’s London Auction returns on 1 September 2023.

From a Rolls-Royce woodie to a Reutter-bodied Porsche cabriolet and a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, there’s plenty of variety on offer.

Listed in chronological order, let’s take a look at all of the classic cars going under the hammer at this sale.

1. 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Tourer (est: £500-700,000)

Take seven of your nearest and dearest for a jaunt in this eight-seat, coachbuilt Silver Ghost.

It’s known as ‘The Melbourne Ghost’ among model connoisseurs. 

Sporting restored bodywork that echoes its original tourer coachwork, this car has been used for adventures in Australia and the UK.

An old photo shows the car at Hampton Court Palace in 1913; it will return to the historic building 110 years later when it crosses the block on 1 September.

2. 1922 Aston Martin 1½-Litre Twin-Cam Grand Prix (est: £250-350,000)

Aston Martin made its international racing debut at the French Grand Prix in Strasbourg in 1922 with two cars designed for 1500cc voiturette racing: TT1 and TT2.

The cars were built to compete in the Isle of Man TT, hence the name, but weren’t ready in time.

The complex history of this car has been unravelled by marque historian Stephen Archer, and the sale includes his report.

Based on a shortened pre-1926 Aston Martin chassis, this hodgepodge racer has a replica grand prix body and TT2’s original twin-cam engine, which needs to be recommissioned before it’s used.

3. 1924 Gwynne 8 Brooklands (est: £40-60,000)

This is another car in Gooding & Company’s forthcoming sale that was originally sold new Down Under. 

London-based manufacturing company Gwynne found itself with surplus staff at the end of WW1. It decided to use their skills to produce a series of lightweight cars. 

The competition-prepared Brooklands models had modified engines and special coachwork.

Shipped new to South Australia, this Gwynne 8 Brooklands remained with the same family for 70 years – it’s now one of two known to exist.

A rare opportunity, then, when it crosses the block with Gooding & Company on 1 September 2023.

4. 1924 Alvis ‘200-Mile’ works racing car (est: £175-225,000)

Alvis entered this one-of-three racer in the British Junior Car Club 200-Mile race at Brooklands in the mid-1920s.

Following a sixth-place finish at the event, the Alvis was bought by tyre brand Dunlop and used as a research car between 1925-’27.

It was restored in the 1960s and campaigned in various outings with the Vintage Sports-Car Club up to the ’80s.

The sale includes a big file of period photos and articles relating to this rare Alvis.

5. 1925 Lancia Lambda 4th Series Torpédo Tourer (est: £200-300,000)

Although the Lancia Lambda was unveiled more than a century ago, it exhibited technologies that are taken for granted in modern cars: a unitary construction, independent front suspension, all-wheel braking and more – no Apple CarPlay, mind…

The restored 4th Series heading to Gooding & Company’s London sale has Torpédo coachwork, a dogleg windscreen and a period-correct interior.

6. 1927 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Model Sports Tourer (est: £225-300,000)

This four-owner Vanden Plas-bodied Bentley has been with its current owner since 1988.

It’s in highly original condition and comes with invoices stretching back to the 1920s.

Featuring a four-speed ’box, 2996cc four-cylinder engine and four-wheel drum brakes, the 3 Litre comes from an era when Bentley was on top form at Le Mans, racking up six wins between 1924 and 1930.

7. 1928 Bentley 4½ Litre Tourer (est: £600-800,000)

Sold new to a university lecturer in Australia in 1928 and remaining in the country until 2014, this 4½ Litre still has its original engine and bodywork.

In 2014, the 90,000-mile Bentley benefited from a mechanical overhaul that preserved the car’s patina. 

Now, this fabric-covered Tourer is ready for its next adventure.

8. 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Shooting Brake (est: £100-150,000)

Originally fitted with a limousine body, this Rolls-Royce was given its woodie coachwork in the early 1940s. 

Used by the RAF to transport tools and mechanics during WW2, this shooting-brake Phantom was given a new lease of life as a pace car at Aintree Motor Racing Circuit in the 1950s – the same time that motorsport greats like Stirling Moss competed at the Merseyside track.

9. 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Folding Head Coupé (est: £825,000-1.25m)

Emerging from a 49-year ownership, this largely unrestored Bentley is sure to attract plenty of attention at Hampton Court Palace. 

An evolution of the 6½ Litre Bentley, 100 8 Litres were built, including 35 short-chassis examples, such as this car.

Marque expert Dr Clare Hay reports that, other than the steering column, all the mechanical components in this vintage Bentley are original.

10. 1933 Horch 780 Sport Cabriolet (est: £400-550,000)

Horch was Auto Union’s flagship brand, creating luxurious offerings for wealthy clients.

In all, it produced 300 examples of the 780 in various guises.

This cabriolet spent most of its life in The Netherlands and was once registered to the Dutch government.

A proven winner, the Horch was displayed at last year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and received the top prize in its class.

11. 1934 Bentley 3½-litre Drophead Coupé (est: £90-130,000)

This green Bentley looks resplendent with body-coloured wire wheels, a red-leather interior and a matching coachline that stretches the length of the body.

It’s been cared for by the same owner for 44 years and it was restored in the mid-1980s.

Just 14 Barker-bodied drophead coupés are believed to still exist.

12. 1936 Bentley 3½-litre Sedanca Coupé (est: £150-200,000)

This blue Gurney Nutting-bodied Sedanca Coupé was one of the last Bentley 3½-litres produced.

Inside, there’s a light-blue interior and a walnut dash.

Under the bonnet, the 'Silent Sports Car' is powered by a 3669cc six-cylinder engine with twin SU carburettors.

A prize-winning appearance at the 2013 Gawsworth Hall Classic Car Show reflects its condition.

13. 1936 Squire 1½-Litre Lightweight (est: £500-700,000)

Short-lived car maker Squire Motors produced a handful of sports cars, and gave Bugattis and Alfa Romeos a run for their money in the 1930s.

The company’s cars were delivered with a 100mph guarantee – a much more tantalising promise than the multi-year warranties attached to modern vehicles.

The car on offer from Gooding & Company was the sixth Squire built.

It was used competitively by different owners and a 1942 letter to The Autocar praises the car’s performance, even with 42,000 miles under its belt.

14. 1937 Jaguar SS100 2½-Litre (est: £220-320,000)

This SS100 was sold new to a friend of Jaguar founder William Lyons, who wasted no time in putting its sporting credentials to the test.

Just days after it was registered, first owner JFC Wellings drove his new car to John O’Groats to participate in the 1937 Rallye Monte-Carlo.

Since then, its varied life has seen it displayed in museums, appear in motoring magazines and take part in more international rallies.

It’s being sold with a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate.

15. 1937 Alvis 4.3-Litre Short-Chassis Tourer (est: £275-350,000)

The culmination of Alvis’ pre-war engineering prowess, the 4.3-Litre built on the success of its Speed 20 and Speed 25 predecessors.

Depending on the body style, the 0-60mph dash was over in 11.3 secs and flat out the Alvis could hit 100mph.

This Vanden Plas-bodied example comes with a history file that dates back to 1954, when the interior was repaired after a fire.

It was restored in 1978 and bought by its current owners in 1997.

16. 1952 Land-Rover Series One (est: £25-35,000)

One of the more affordable classics heading to Gooding & Company’s London sale, this restored Series One Land-Rover is ready for whatever challenge its next owner might throw at it.

It has apparently been restored to concours condition by marque expert Ken Wheelwright, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still get mucky tackling some local green lanes.

17. 1953 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Series III (est: £125-175,000)

Swooping bodywork, a spacious interior and V6 power marked the Lancia Aurelia as one of the ultimate 1950s GTs.

This Series III car was owned by racing driver David Piper and later by motoring journalist ‘Sammy’ Davis.

Kitted out with bucket seats, a Nardi steering wheel and race harnesses, this B20 GT is calling out for more historic motoring adventures.

18. 1953 Ferrari 166MM/53 Spider (est: £2.5-3m)

With an orchestral V12 Colombo engine at its heart and a team of passionate employees poring over every detail, it’s little surprise that the 166 is a legend of Ferrari folklore.

The 166 Mille Miglia (MM) was the most successful iteration, winning Le Mans, the Targa Florio and, of course, the Mille Miglia.

The limited-run 166MM/53 featured further modifications that squeezed more power from the 2-litre engine.

This one-of-six Spider was raced extensively in period and has been cared for meticulously by a string of owners since.

It’s never been offered at auction before.

19. 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 ‘Indiana’ Spider (est: £1.2-1.8m)

American businessman Stanley Harold ‘Wacky’ Arnolt was a distributor for MG, Morris and Riley cars.

Spurred on by the success of a series of Nuccio Bertone-penned MG TDs that he commissioned, Arnolt turned his attention to Bentleys, Bristols and eventually Aston Martins. 

He enlisted the help of Carrozzeria Bertone, Franco Scaglione and Giovanni Michelotti to style eight DB2/4 chassis that he bought from Aston Martin.

This Bertone-bodied example, LML/762, was Arnolt’s personal car.

20. 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa (est: £1.25-1.5m)

Clarence Leon Brown was a successful Hollywood film director – so successful, in fact, that he bought this 250 Europa new in 1954.

Just 22 examples of this model were produced between 1953 and ’54, when it was replaced by the Europa GT. 

The car for sale at Concours of Elegance is finished in a striking combination of Grigio Metallizzato grey with a red-leather interior.

21. 1955 Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupé (est: £70-90,000)

Following a recent refurbishment, this two-owner XK140 is ready to hit the road once more.

A meticulous restoration was commissioned by its second keeper in the early 1990s and it was enjoyed for many years.

The car was put into storage in 2014 and stayed there until marque specialist Twyford Moors got the car back on the road in 2021.

Described by the vendor as ‘warmly patinated’, this much-loved classic Jaguar has a £70-90,000 pre-sale estimate.

22. 1955 Fiat 8V Berlinetta (est: £1.5-2m)

From Ghia to Vignale, some of Italy’s most renowned design houses created bodies for the Fiat 8V.

Fewer than 30 Zagato-penned Berlinettas, such as this car, were made.

It was sent to Carrozzeria Zagato in 1954 and the Milanese coachbuilder fitted this sophisticated bodywork.

A 2019 restoration included a new lick of paint and refreshed interior, so expect this Fiat to be looking and feeling factory fresh.

23. 1956 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce Alleggerita (est: £200-300,000)

Aluminium body panels and Plexiglass windows helped to shave 150lb (68kg) from the standard Sprint Veloce on which this lightweight Alleggerita was based.

This rare model completed the 1000 Miglia Storica in 2019.

The sale includes plenty of history, restoration photos and a FIVA Identity Card.

24. 1957 Porsche 356A 1500 GS Carrera Coupé (est: £550-650,000)

Gold? Green? Brown? However you’d describe it, the colour of this classic Porsche 356A is certainly unusual.

Just 225 Carrera Coupés were built, split between the GS variant, set up for road use, and race-ready GT cars.

Both versions are powered by Porsche’s type 547, four-cam engine.

This car was repainted red by a previous owner, but was returned to its original shade during a 2011 restoration.

25. 1959 AC Ace Bristol (est: £250-300,000)

Just 466 AC Aces were fitted with Bristol’s 2-litre ‘six’ from the factory.

With an electric cooling fan and fuel pump, this Sage Green example has been prepared for long-distance adventures.

It’s believed that the black-leather interior, chrome details and wet-weather gear are all original.

26. 1960 Lancia Flaminia Sport (est: £300-400,000)

This Flaminia Sport’s connection with design house Zagato goes deeper than the coachbuilt bodywork.

Prior to 2020, it was owned by members of the Zagato family, and work on the car was reportedly done in the company’s Milan workshop.

The sale includes the owner’s manual, toolkit and jack.

27. 1960 Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupé (est: £160-200,000)

Finished in a sleek combination of silver paint with a red-leather interior, it’s maybe no surprise that this restored Bentley S2 won First in Class at the Bentley Centenary Concours at Salon Privé in 2019.

The S2 Continental improved on the S1 by using a Rolls-Royce V8, a new four-speed gearbox and restyled dashboard.

This rare Park Ward of London-bodied example is sure to grab attention at Concours of Elegance.

28. 1961 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur (est: £150-200,000)

Famed coachbuilder HJ Mulliner was given the job of turning the two-door Bentley S-type Continental into a more accommodating saloon car.

It fulfilled the brief successfully, retaining the original car’s charm while providing better access and egress for rear-seat passengers.

Just 125 examples were produced and this car, finished in Circassian Blue, has been well cared for by a string of passionate owners.

29. 1961 Jaguar E-type Series 1 3.8-litre fhc (est: £1-1.4m)

Even at the height of E-type mania, this car’s guide price appears eye-wateringly expensive.

That is until you find out that this example was the first right-hand-drive coupé built.

Early cars are the most coveted E-types as it is, and chassis 860001’s background makes it even more special.

Its history is backed up by a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate.

30. 1961 Jaguar E-type Series 1 3.8-litre roadster (est: £900,000-1.2m)

Another significant Jaguar E-type will cross the block at Gooding & Company’s 1 September auction.

This car, chassis 850004, was the first production E-type sold.

It was bought by then Jaguar Managing Director Frank ‘Lofty’ England who loaned the car to journalists during its early days, shortly after the E-type’s launch.

It’s been extensively restored and comes with a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, too.

31. 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (est: £1.3-1.5m)

A star of Gooding & Company’s upcoming sale, this matching-numbers 300SL is highly original and has never been restored.

Sold new in Pennsylvania, USA, and finished in off-white with a red-leather interior, the car comes with its original black hardtop roof.

Although replica seats are fitted to the car, the sale includes the original set, too, plus a two-piece fitted luggage set.

32. 1964 Porsche 356C Carrera 2 Cabriolet (est: £900,000-1.1m)

Just 30 356C Carrera 2 Cabriolets were made, as Porsche began to wrap up production of the 356 to make way for the 911.

Originally sold in New York via Max Hoffman, this car was well cared for while in the US and eventually it was bought by an Italian collector.

Finished in Ivory with a green-leather interior, this American-spec 356 is sure to attract plenty of attention.

33. 1965 Aston Martin DB5 convertible (est: £1-1.3m)

The first owner of this rare drop-top Aston Martin DB5 splashed out on the factory options, including a Motorola radio, chrome-plated wire wheels and a full tonneau cover.

Still wearing its original numberplate, 236 GDA, the car was restored between 2016-’19 and could achieve a seven-figure price on 1 September.

34. 1965 Morris Mini Cooper ‘S’ (est: £50-60,000)

Built to let the Mini go racing, the Cooper ‘S’ featured a raft of mechanical upgrades.

Even more handy, this particular car is fitted with the optional fresh-air heater.

It was one of 15 Minis restored by specialist Scott Turner and has a £50-60,000 pre-sale estimate.

35. 1976 Ferrari 308GTB Vetroresina (est: £75-100,000)

Successor to the Dino 246, the Pininfarina-penned Ferrari 308GTB was released in 1975. 

The earliest cars were built in glassfibre by Scaglietti, before a switch to steel panels around 1977.

Opinions vary, but one reason for the switch was probably due to the release of the 308GTS, which required steel panels for rigidity, and the subsequent need for uniformity between the two cars’ production.

Lighter and rarer than the later cars, the Vetroresina models command a premium.

The example for sale with Gooding & Company has been with the same owner for more than 25 years.

36. 1980 Ferrari 512BB (est: £150-200,000)

The 365GT4 Berlinetta Boxer was the first Ferrari with a 12-cylinder engine plonked in the middle of the chassis.

Its successor, the 512BB, further refined the formula with a higher-capacity flat-12.

This car is being sold for the first time in almost three decades and requires some mechanical work before it’s back on the road.

37. 1993 Jaguar XJ220 (est: £400-525,000)

More than 1000 orders were reportedly taken for Jaguar’s new supercar when the V12-powered XJ220 concept broke cover at the 1988 British International Motor Show.

The cost to develop the 200mph car rocketed: a twin-turbo V6 replaced the V12 engine and scissor doors were ditched in favour of more conventional items.

The end product was still exotic and blisteringly quick, but just 282 were built.

This two-owner example heading to Gooding & Company’s sale at Concours of Elegance has just 455 miles on the clock.

38. 1993 Porsche 964 Carrera RS 3.8 (est: £850,000-1m)

By shedding as much weight as possible and squeezing the maximum power from a 3.8-litre, racing-derived, flat-six engine, Porsche created what could be described as the ultimate 964-generation 911.

This car, one of 12 finished in Speed Yellow, has 76,552km (c47,500 miles) on the clock.

It was delivered new to Germany before being shipped to Japan, returning to Europe in 2007. It’s been with its current custodian since 2012 and, we’re told, has been carefully looked after.

39. 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta (est: £300-350,000)

Not one to settle for a birthday cake and candles, Pininfarina marked its 70th anniversary with the V12-powered Ferrari 550 Barchetta, of which 448 were produced – this is number 138.

This example has covered a mere 565km (351 miles) since new and comes with the Ferrari helmets that were supplied with the car, still in their original bags – it even wears its factory-fitted Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Its first owner was in Hong Kong and it has been back in Europe just a few years.

40. 2012 Porsche 911 Club Coupé (est: £275-325,000)

Next we’ve another car built to mark an anniversary.

Porsche created the 911 Club Coupé to celebrate 60 years of Porsche clubs. The 13 produced reflected the first club’s 13 founders.

Exterior upgrades included body-coloured wheels and a ducktail spoiler, while an X51 Powerkit engine and ceramic brakes were among the mechanical modifications.

This is a one-of-two, right-hand-drive model.

41. 2012 Land Rover Defender 110 SVX Concept ‘Spectre’ (est: £175-225,000)

A true James Bond car, this Land Rover Defender is reportedly one of 10 built for the 2015 film Spectre.

Kitted out with beefier suspension, a rollcage and chunky off-road tyres, the Spectre cars were modified by Land Rover specialist Bowler.

Apparently just seven Defenders survived the movie’s shooting, which won’t be a surprise to anybody that’s watched the epic car-chase sequence.

42. 2016 Land Rover Defender 90 Adventure Edition (est: £60-80,000)

Fitted with off-roading goodies from the factory, the Defender 90 Adventure Edition was a run-out special to mark the end of the car’s near 70-year production lifespan.

Additional skid plates and an intake snorkel were among the upgrades.

This example has been owned by the same person since new and has covered fewer than 8000 miles. Don’t be afraid to get it mucky.

Get full details of Gooding & Company’s London Auction on 1 September 2023 at Hampton Court Palace here.