Ford Escort and Sierra break records at Silverstone Auctions sale

By Marc McLaren

| 3 Oct 2018

Classic & Sports Car – Ford Escort and Sierra break records at Silverstone sale

Fast Fords made the headlines at Silverstone Auctions' sales last week, with a Escort RS1600 and Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4x4 both setting new world records.

The 1972 RS1600 (above) made £70,875 while the 1990 Sierra went for £52,750 at the auction house's September sale on Saturday (29 September).

There were also some big hitters at the previous day's Porsche auction, where a rare 1998 Porsche 911 (993) turbo S sold for £185,625 – the highest figure across the two days with the exception of a 2018 911 (£191,250).

Sierra set new world record, while quattro, Maserati Indy, Renault 5 Turbo 2 and Jensen were all sold

The September sale was packed with interesting classics. The aforementioned Sierra is particularly notable: it's thought to be one of the first half-dozen available in the UK and was presented in impeccable condition, with just 13,310 miles on the clock.

Other highlights included an ultra-rare Audi quattro – an early pre-production model that is likely to have been the first ever UK RHD quattro, and one of only two prototypes still existing. That made a very reasonable £49,500, whereas a pristine Renault 5 Turbo 2 with just 17,000 miles behind it sold for a whopping £86,625.

A fetching Maserati Indy 4.7 America, one of only 50 such examples, sold for £60,750, while a 1969 Jensen Interceptor Mk1 made only slightly less, the winning bid there being £52,875. We were also quite taken with a Volkswagen Single Cab Pick-up – a South African conversion of the T2 Bay Window Camper, which made £21,375.

Several big lots remained unsold, though, including the ex-Sir John Whitmore E-type, an XK120 with a Hollywood past and a 2006 Ford GT.

Rare ’98 Porsche 911 (993) turbo S realised £185,625

The Porsche-only sale, meanwhile, was a treat for fans of the German marque. As well as the yellow 911 turbo S, above, a couple of 1989 930 turbos stood out. One, an LE model, went for £151,875, while another, this one fitted with a G50 gearbox, made £114,667.

Another highlight came in the form a 964 Carrera RS N/GT. This 1992 example is thought to be one of only 20 'Racing programme' cars out of the 290 N/GT models produced. With less than 30,000 miles on the clock and in great condition, it made £151,875.

Sadly, a 1963 Porsche 356 C Carrera 2 2000 GS Coupé, the biggest lot on offer across either day, failed to sell. Still, that does mean it's still available if you've got a spare £545,000 burning a hole in your pocket.

930 turbo LE (left) and 964 Carrera RS N/GT both made £151,875

Joe Watts, classic car specialist, Silverstone Auctions, was delighted with the results. “To achieve not one but two new world records is a fantastic result for our team,” he said.

“Both our Porsche Sale and September Sale saw some outstanding classics and excellent prices across the two days, with our new auction venue at Dallas Burston Polo Club proving a hit with our customers.”

Combined sales across the two sales topped £3.2m, with a 55% sales rate.