25 tempting classics for sale at Race Retro

Lots to get excited about

Race Retro is back for 2023 at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, and it’s not just about watching race and rally cars and getting set for the new year, you can buy your next classic car, too.

Silverstone Auctions’ sale on 24-25 February is bigger than ever, offering a selection of collector cars and competition vehicles.

Here’s our pick of the lots from the two-day event, presented in chronological order and with their pre-sale estimates. Don’t blame us if you get tempted…

1. 1929 Chrysler Series 75 Roadster (£18-24,000)

Potentially eligible for events including the Mille Miglia and Le Mans Classic, this 75 Roadster has been loved by collectors across Europe and America.

As one of the sportiest Chryslers of the period, 75s had great success at the 1929 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Spa. 

This example has been cared for in vintage collections and was recently treated to a new mohair hood from William Marston Ltd.

Suitable for competition or road use, a Chrysler 75 Roadster in this condition is an unusual sight in the UK.

2. 1932 MG F2-Magna (£45-55,000)

On offer at Race Retro 2023 after 35 years in an eclectic collection, this is thought to be one of 14 F2s remaining from the original 41 made.

Quite accomplished for the period, the MG’s 37.2bhp drove the rear wheels to a top speed of around 72mph. 

As reportedly a two-owner vehicle this F2 has been meticulously maintained, retaining its matching numbers, and the vendor’s family fondly remembers learning to drive in this six-cylinder two-seater.

As few MG F2s remain, this is a rare opportunity to find one in good condition with a well-documented history.

3. 1952 Arnott 500 F3 (£15-18,000)

Built out of hours at the Arnott Garages in Harlesden, north-west London, Daphne Arnott and George Thornton’s private venture produced nine cars in total.

Intended for series production as a Formula Three car, the Arnott 500 saw some racing success. 

This particular vehicle was driven in 1952 by RD Beenan and has been campaigned on circuits and hillclimbs ever since. Fitted with a self-starter, Jap 498cc engine and a four-speed Norton clutch and gearbox, the 500 Owners’ Association has confirmed it’s mated with its original chassis. 

4. 1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 (£120-140,000)

Presented in its original Florida Green over Ivory colour scheme with black interior and hood, this is a stunning, matching-numbers, 100M BN2 factory-built conversion.

Its first owner was a US serviceman working in Yokohama, Japan, and after his tour concluded he took it back to America. 

Discovered as a genuine factory 100M whilst on display at a restaurant, the vehicle was purchased and restored in America before coming back to the UK in 2011.

Its then-owner commissioned a mechanical going-over with model expert Dennis Welch, which included an engine rebuild and ended up costing around £50,000.

Today, with its Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens and Motorsport UK paperwork, it’s a fine example of the 640 built and is perfect for road or competition use.

5. 1960 Aston Martin DB4 ‘Lightweight’ (£200-240,000)

Converted to a ‘Lightweight’ model in the ‘70s, this DB4 has a well-known racing history with the likes of Andy Jenkinson, Peter Wheeler and Sean Brown.

In 2018 it was returned to a fast-road specification to be used for road trips and touring. 

An engine rebuild, new five-speed gearbox and full retrim contributed to the roadgoing refurb, and power-assisted steering was installed, too.

Officially recognised as an Aston Martin DB4 ‘Lightweight’ and included in the Lightweight register, this DB4 would be welcome at Aston Martin Owners’ Club events.

6. 1962 Porsche 356B T6 Coupé Super 75 (£80-100,000)

Fitted with a zero-mileage Super 90 engine in 2010, this classic Porsche 356B has covered a mere 2500 miles since then.

Although, the crankcases with correct numbers come with the sale if the new owner wishes to restore it so it is a matching-numbers example. 

A major restoration around this time also saw it stripped to bare metal and resprayed in its original Ruby Red.

Described by Silverstone Auctions as being in ‘virtually concours standard’, this is an excellently cared-for right-hand-drive model that’s certain to attract Porsche enthusiasts when it crosses the block this month.

7. 1966 Lotus Elan S3 Drophead Coupé (£80-120,000)

This classic Lotus is being offered from the Piddington Collection that features Elans owned by celebrities including Peter Sellers, Keith Duckworth and Jochen Rindt.

This particular car was gifted to Diana Rigg, the actress who played Emma Peel in 51 episodes of the ’60s TV series The Avengers. 

Rigg learned to drive for the series so the car was used very little outside of filming – the 2552 miles on the odometer are thought to be genuine.

This Elan has been featured at Peter Nelson’s Cars of the Stars Museum and the Dezer Collection at the Miami Auto Museum.

It will be sold with several pieces of The Avengers memorabilia.

8. 1967 Ghia 450 SS Spyder (£40-50,000)

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia, this is one of 57 examples produced.

With direction from Hollywood producer Burt Sugarman, Giugiaro designed the 450 SS to Sugarman’s vision. 

This car is thought to be the latest chassis number in existence, of the 37 believed to have survived.

9. 1971 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible (£70-80,000)

In an unusual Ming Blue with a matching blue interior, this lovely looking Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible was first owned by Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Showing just 39,719 miles, more recently it has been part of a private collection. 

Despite the overwhelming demand for Rolls-Royce vehicles at the time and years-long waiting lists, this generation of Corniche was in production for just six years from 1971 to 1977.

This is an early example from the 1232 that left the factory and spent its first seven years with Forsyth.

10. 1972 Renault Alpine A110 (£60-70,000)

Also going under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions’ Race Retro sale is this A110 which has a genuine 812 Gordini engine that’s been enlarged to 1296cc hiding under its bonnet.

Rebuilt by Renault engine specialist Salv Sacco, he also fitted forged pistons and balanced the engine’s internals.

It is coming to auction from two decades of private ownership, and this A110 has regularly taken part in Manx Classic Car Club events, and has been enjoyed on road trips across the UK and Europe.

11. 1972 Lotus Elan +2 S130/5 (£60-70,000)

This is one of the most significant Lotus Elans from the Piddington Collection, because it once belonged to Colin Chapman.

Chapman used it for around 6600 miles, and since then it has travelled only 300 miles, thanks to its residence at the Lotus Museum. 

This classic will be sold with a Lotus Classic Certificate of Vehicle Provenance confirming it was Chapman’s personal vehicle.

It’s also said to be the second example painted Tawny with a Silver roof and Oatmeal Vinyl interior.

12. 1976 Alfa Romeo GT Junior (£28-34,000)

Converted to race specification in the noughties, this Alfa has since been raced in South Africa, winning the Western Cape Classic Car class in 2013 and 2014.

Brought to the UK in 2017, it’s been restored with red Cobra Monaco Pro bucket seats, GTA alloy wheels, Michelin tyres and yellow Koni dampers. 

In 2022 a full health check was completed along with suspension adjustments to meet ‘fast-road’ specification and it was resprayed in period-correct Alfa Rosso.

Once an accomplished racing car, it’s now road legal and retains its race seats and rollcage.

13. 1976 Ford Capri Mk2 Group 1 (£85-95,000)

Presented as a replica of the Mk2 Capri raced by Holman Blackburn and Mike Crabtree in 1974 and 1975, this vehicle was built by Dave Weir, a member of the original team who worked on the Mk2.

Blackburn was also consulted during the build to ensure it was an accurate replica. 

After completion, Dave Weir owned the vehicle unused until 2017, at which time the current custodian bought and then raced it.

Racking up several wins in the Tony Dron Series, this Capri retains its period livery and replica decals.

14. 1976 Fiat 131 Abarth Rally Stradale (£120-150,000)

One of 400 homologation specials produced, this 131 was discovered in Italy in 2005. At the time it had driven around 11,000km (c6800 miles) and since has travelled only 1000km more.

An engine rebuild was undertaken using genuine Abarth pistons and the correct twin IDF Webers were retained. 

This example appears to be in remarkably original condition and the low mileage is reflected in its seemingly spotless interior.

It’s presented in genuine rally specification that would be perfect in any Fiat collection, or ready to compete in historic rallies or show at car club events.

15. 1982 Ferrari 512BBi (£150-180,000)

With only 9047 miles from new, this Rosso Corsa over Black Ferrari is presented in what appears to be superb condition.

Marque specialist Terry Keys, said, “It is very rare to find such an unmolested example.” Previously sold by Silverstone Auctions in 2016, it’s covered a mere 40 miles in the past seven years. 

Inside the focal point is the original steering wheel, stereo system and fully functioning graphic equaliser. All dials mirror the red and black colour scheme with Ferrari emblems, and the interior boasts detailed black-leather trim.

16. 1982 Kougar Jaguar 3.8-Litre (£35-40,000)

Based on Rick Stevens' original concept, the Kougar was built by Crosthwaite & Gardiner and fitted with a modified Jaguar 3.8-litre, six-cylinder engine with triple Dell’Orto carburettors. This example is said to have been finished by Stevens himself. 

Designed as a sprint and hillclimb car it’s been campaigned in the Jaguar Drivers’ Club’s 4-Hills & Sprint Championship.

What’s more, this car was previously owned by Classic & Sports Car’s Editor at Large, Simon Taylor.

In recent times it’s been campaigned by Geoff Mansfield at Harewood, Shelsley, Anglesey and Prescott.

17. 1985 IMSA GTO Pontiac Firebird (£50-60,000)

Sporting its Coca-Cola livery it wore when it was raced by Duane Smith in America, this vehicle was imported to the UK a few years later by Brian Chatfield.

In 2021 it was driven by historic race car exponent Michael Lyons to a class-winning finish at the Silverstone Classic. 

Powered by a small-block 6.5-litre Chevrolet engine that’s recently been rebuilt, dyno testing shows it delivers 610bhp and 550lb ft of torque.

18. 1986 Ford RS 200 S (£300-350,000)

Despite good intentions to complete 200 RS 200s, only 144 materialised before the demise of Group B.

20 of these were bought by Murray DeWertto to achieve his goal of creating ‘the best RS 200s ever’, hence the RS 200 S was born. 

This example is thought to be the 16th RS 200 S, and still sports red Recaro seats and matching red-leather steering wheel against a grey trim.

Having only covered 1200 miles, it looks to be going to auction in exceptional condition after being cared for by two collectors.

19. 1987 ex-works Mitsubishi Starion Turbo (£40-50,000)

This Starion was first campaigned by Colin Blower, who claimed he won more races in it than in any other car he’d owned, chalking up more than 20 victories during the 1987/’88 production saloon car season.

It was also entered at the 1988 24-hour Willhire endurance race at Snetterton, with Tiff Needell at the wheel. 

Wearing its period-correct livery, this classic racer is accompanied by correspondence with Colin Blower confirming its provenance and a large file of race history, magazine articles and photographs.

20. 1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS 500 (£150-180,000)

The Sierra Cosworth was impressive in its own right, but this is one of 500 that were converted to RS 500 specification by Aston Martin Tickford.

Presented in outstanding original condition, the odometer shows a mere 5192 miles. 

The current owner has meticulously restored this classic Ford with particular attention to sourcing genuine period parts.

A period set of wheels and tyres was also purchased, so the date-stamped originals could be safely stored. These are set to be refitted for February’s Race Retro auction, to display the car in its full as-new specification.

21. 1990 JaguarSport XJR-S (£30-35,000)

Built in collaboration with Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw’s TWR, this JaguarSport model is not to be mistaken for a Jaguar-Sport creation.

Mechanically and cosmetically distinct from the production XJR, the XJR-S was mated with a 6.0-litre V12 engine. 

Of the production run of around 500 vehicles, only 115 right-hand-drive models were completed before production ceased in 1993.

Presented in Solent Blue with Saville Grey leather piped in Isis Blue, this example has covered fewer than 40,000 miles.

22. 1991 Jaguar XJ-S Le Mans V12 (£40- £50,000)

To celebrate Jaguar’s success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1988 and 1990, a special-edition XJ-S was released.

The model was sold in four colours and this example wears its original Signal Red paint, and has a cream-leather interior piped in red. 

Offered at auction from its first and only owner, this limited-edition classic Jaguar has clocked up just 2804 miles.

Cosmetic changes that set the Le Mans edition apart include, maybe unsurprisingly, ‘Le Mans’ badges, interior motifs and 16in lattice alloy wheels.

23. 1993 Lancia HF Integrale Evo II (£65-75,000)

Noteworthy not only for its rare Lord Blue colour, but this Evo II has been consigned to Silverstone Auctions’ Race Retro sale by the comedian and actor Rowan Atkinson.

It joined his collection in 2021, and he’s since commissioned detailed services and a light paint refresh to ensure its impeccable condition. 

The interior reveals a leather three-spoke Momo steering wheel and Tan Alcantara Recaro bucket seats with diagonal stitching.

Imported to the UK from Japan in 2011, this vehicle has covered just under 90,000km (c55,900 miles) and has a good history file from its time in Japan and the UK.

24. 1998 Subaru Impreza S5 WRC (£340-380,000)

First campaigned by Colin McRae at the 1997 Rallye Monte-Carlo, ‘P2 WRC’ originally belonged to chassis number three, but an accident in the rally meant it was mounted to Prodrive chassis number 21 from then on.

Following its time with McRae, it went on to be a successful rally car, winning the Hungarian championship in 1998 and 1999. 

A few hundred miles ago the engine was rebuilt by Autosportif and it was previously converted to right-hand drive.

Fit to continue rallying having spent almost 20 years in private ownership, this Impreza has proved very competitive against more modern cars and presents bidders with a special link to the late, great McRae.

25. 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI RS450 Extreme Ralliart (£50-58,000)

Built for the UK market, this RS450 Extreme was the only example finished in white and is one of three remaining of the four produced.

It’s equipped with a Ralliart-prepared engine capable of 438bhp and 412lb ft of torque – that ‘Extreme’ title certainly feels justified. 

This example currently sits on Speedline Turini 18in alloy wheels with Toyo R888R semi-slick tyres, but the original Work Meister wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres are also included in the sale.

Inside, the Recaro bucket seats are said to be a necessity to keep you in your seat when piloting this RS450 Extreme.

The Silverstone Auctions sale at Race Retro kicks off at 2pm on Friday 24 February 2023 and continues at noon the following day – check out the full lot list here.