RECORDS GALORE AT SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS
Publish on: Jul 28, 2014
Silverstone Auctions achieved its highest ever total sales value, more than £5million, and secured some world record prices in its two day sale at the Silverstone Classic, where it achieved a sales rate of 85%.
Wowing the crowds, a 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS in wonderful condition was successfully hammered away for a premium inclusive £82,225, (139,718.36 US Dollar) more than £50,000 over its lower estimate and a world record for the model. Not to be outdone, a 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS sold for a premium inclusive £77,050 (130,924.90 US Dollars), breaking another world record. More modern Ferraris also proved popular, with a 1996 Ferrari 456 GT selling for £49,450 (84,013.08 US Dollar), nearly double its lower estimate.
However, it wasn’t just Ferraris that caught the attention of the crowds at the sale, which took place at the Wing, Silverstone. Topping the bill was a 1950 Healey Silverstone which sold for a total of £212,750 (361,509.05 US Dollar), while a 1996 Jaguar XJ220, aptly presented in Silverstone Green, sold for £187,450 (318,484.11 US Dollar), more than £17,000 over its upper estimate. A rare and highly stylish 1953 Bristol 403 Saloon also raced past its estimate, eventually selling for £62,100 (105,520.01 US Dollar).
Speaking after the sale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “It’s been a fantastic weekend at the Silverstone Classic and I’m delighted that we have achieved our highest ever sales value, along with a few world records, from what was our best catalogue ever.”
Some unique and very special lots were also on offer. From the world of motorsport came Sir Jackie Stewart’s first ever race car, a 1962 Marcos GT Xylon, which sold for £41,975. From the skies two pieces of RAF history were offered, a 1976 Harrier Jump Jet and a 1988 Panavia Tornado. Both lived up to their pre-sale excitement, selling for £105,800 and £36,800 respectively.
Nick added: “I’m pleased we’ve been able to secure such good prices for our vendors and we’re very much looking forward to our new sale at Salon Privé in September, into which some very exciting cars have already been consigned.”
Published on: Jul 3, 2014
Silverstone Auctions will be offering racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart’s first ever race car for auction in its sale at the Silverstone Classic on the 26th and 27th July. The car is an extremely rare 1960 Marcos GT Xylon, offered at auction for the first time and estimated at between £35,000 and £50,000.
Marcos, founded in 1959 by BRDC member and racer, Jem Marsh, and the engineer Frank Costin, built just nine Xylons with this example being by far the most famous. The car came to be driven by Stewart when, in 1960, the Scottish racing enthusiast, Barry Filer, was having his race cars prepared by the Stewart family garage and invited a young Jackie to test with him at Oulton Park.
Following the test Filer promptly bought ‘G128’ for the 1961 season which Jackie then drove for him and, as a sign of things to come, promptly went on to win four sports car races. Jackie moved on in 1962, turning professional and racing Jaguars, whilst the cars career continued successfully through the 1960s under the guidance of Marcos co-founder, Jem Marsh.
The current vendor came into possession of the historic racer following his purchase of the remains of Marcos Sportscars in the 1990s and has had this famous Xylon tucked away in storage since production ceased at the marque’s Wiltshire factory.
Commenting on the sale of this historic car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “It’s fantastic to be offering this car for auction for the first time in its life. Jackie Stewart is one of the country’s most legendary racing drivers and therefore it’s apt that we are offering it at the home of British motorsport.”
The car is offered in ‘barn find’ condition, needing a total restoration and fresh preparation for any potential racing.
Nick added: “This is a truly great piece of motor racing history which I can’t wait to see restored and racing again soon.”
Notes
Formed in 2011 as a joint venture between Nick Whale and Silverstone Circuits – Silverstone Auctions is a world-class, specialist auction house for classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles and automotive memorabilia.
The company holds the exclusive automotive auction rights for Silverstone circuit.
Auctions take place nationally as well as in The Wing, Silverstone circuit’s £27 million building, which has space to display up to 100 auction vehicles and includes seating accommodation for up to 400 attendees.