We love a classic car auction up here on the top floor of MotorMartin Towers, especially when those classics are a little newer than most and so the following news that for modern classic performance icons, with exceptionally low mileage, are set to thrill sports car enthusiasts when offered for sale by Silverstone Auctions at the Silverstone Classic festival on 29th – 30th July at Silverstone circuit caused quite a stir. And much illicit checking of the sale lists.
Without a shadow of a doubt and no surprise for the many fast Ford fans amongst us, the most remarkable in the trio is a Ford Focus RS500 that has covered just 206km (about 128 miles) since it was delivered as a show car to a Swiss Ford Dealership in 2010. Incredible. The Focus RS500 was created to celebrate the end of production of the second-generation Ford Focus RS, and this example is number 70 of only 500 made.
Indeed, with a muscular 2.5 litre, five-cylinder engine producing 345bhp, in MotorMartin’s opinion, the Focus RS500 is one of the most impressive ‘Hot Hatches’ ever built. Its aggressive looks in matt black, 19-inch wheels, flared arches, deep diffuser and impressive rear wing leave onlookers in no doubt about what this machine is capable of. It is expected to sell for between £50,000 and £60,000.
And then we have a truly legendary car, coming from an earlier era, a very special 1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 (No. 387) joins its younger successor at auction, with an incredible 10,733 miles on the clock having enjoyed a very quiet life for the last 26 years. Recommissioned by Cosworth specialist John Taylor with the intention to present the car in its original unrestored condition while being mechanically sound, today, this car is about as close to original as can ever be found and will be offered with an estimate of £90,000 to £100,000 and I want one.
“Despite their difference in age, these two Fords are both true collectors’ items”, explained Guy Lees-Milne, general manager, Silverstone Auctions to MotorMartin recently.
“Fast Fords are among the most popular modern classics on the market, and with both reading such a low mileage, these could quite easily be the lowest mileage examples in existence.”
The two Fords will be joined in the two-day sale at the world’s biggest classic motoring event by an immaculate 1991 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton reading 4,500 miles and a feather-light 1997 Lotus Elise S1 reading just 1,633 miles.
Silverstone Auctions have explained to MotorMartin that the 1991 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton is number 28 out of a limited production of just 284 UK, right-hand drive models. Supplied new by Moorland Motors of Blackpool in August 1991 and finished in the obligatory ‘Imperial Green’, it presents today in immaculate condition, commensurate with its warranted mileage of just 4,500 miles from new.
Notorious in its day for its top speed of 176mph, the Lotus Carlton is powered by a twin-turbo straight-six engine with a 3.6-litre power unit, uprated and strengthened by Lotus to deliver a remarkable 377bhp. With a six-speed gearbox, AP Group-C derived brakes and specially developed Goodyear tyres, this truly special performance car will be offered with an estimate of £60,000 to £65,000. Incredible.
The fourth car in this extremely special sale is a 1997 Lotus Elise S1 supplied new by Bell & Colvill to a prominent member of the BRDC and a well-known racing driver in the 1960s.
Built in the quest for the lowest possible kerb weight and motorcycle-like feel, it features a lightweight chassis-tub weighing just 731kg with a two-piece ‘clamshell’ fibreglass body, composite brake discs and an aluminium engine cover.
Presented in superb condition in ‘Racing Green Metallic’ with Magnolia hide and fitted with a ‘Momo’ steering wheel, built in driving lights, Perspex headlamp covers, it will be offered with a sale estimate of £20,000 to £25,000.
“As the products of the finest motorsport brains of recent times, these cars are still seriously quick in modern terms, and the opportunity to acquire what may be the lowest mileage examples left is pretty exciting,” shared Guy Lees-Milne with MotorMartin.
To find out more about the Silverstone Auctions Silverstone Classic Sale and the two-day line-up of special cars to be offered, MotorMartin certainly recommends that you visit www.silverstoneauctions.com, just make sure that you’ve set aside enough time to admire the many beautiful cars on offer.
Where will you go?