A 1950 Allard J2 with Sebring history and an estimate of £325-375,000 is expected to head Coys' Austosport International sale on 12 January. The well known historic racer was originally ordered by Frank Curtis.
In terms of media attention, however, the Allard is likely to be overshadowed by a Ford Capri and a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow.
The 1980 2-litre Capri S wears an astonishing £24-28,000 estimate and could well bust that given its history as the car driven by Del Boy Trotter – complete with tiger fur interior – in two episodes of sitcom Only Fools And Horses.
A more market-level £9-11,000 is predicted for the 1974 Silver Shadow, but because it was owned by Queen frontman Freddie Mercury – though in the name of his production company – and has been in his family ever since, the guide could well turn out to be low.
Competition cars abound in the sale, and a couple more that are likely to fare well include a newly built 1935 BMW 309/328 Veritas rep with FIA papers (£250-350,000) and a 1968 ex-works Alan Mann Ford Escort Twin Cam that is expected to make £60-70,000. Strong money (£55-65,000) is also expected for a 1959 Jensen 541R racer.
The marked appreciation of the Metro 6R4 could be confirmed when a never competed 1986 clubman example goes under the hammer with an estimate of £60-70,000.
Two of the more interesting lots are homologation versions of competition cars. A 1985 Peugeot 205 T16 with just two owners from new (£68-75,000) is in the menacing black full road trim, while a 1992 Schuppan 962 CR looks a steal at £140-160,000 for the performance you will get.
This example is chassis number one of Vern Schuppan's run of road-legal developments of Porsche's Le Mans dominating 962. Built entirely by Schuppan's team, the car hits 60mph in 3.5 secs, has a top speed of 230mph and cost an eyewatering $1.5million new.
