It’s also enjoyed several small upgrades, including the fitting of an engine pre-heating system and an interior re-trim, and today shows fewer than 32,000 miles.
11. 1983 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus Sll
Guide price: £50-60,000
This one’s an absolute beauty: quite possibly one of the finest Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus cars in the world, and a hot hatch par excellence.
But first, some history. The original Sunbeam was developed by Chrysler and was based on the Hillman Avenger. It was well received on its arrival in 1977 and sold decently, and the US manufacturer decided to use it as the basis of a rally car to take on the dominant Ford Escort RS in Group 4.
Lotus was approached, and so the Sunbeam-Lotus was duly born. To further complicate matters, when the PSA group took over Chrysler Europe in 1978 the Chrysler badge was dropped and it instead became the Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus – and later gained that ‘T’ on the front grille. Still with us?
Whatever it was called, it was a hit on the rally stages, its combination of rear-wheel drive and Lotus’ two-litre engine taking it to the 1981 World Rally Championship title after five second places and one victory.
Remarkably, the example on offer was bought by the current vendor in 1988 with around 7000 miles on the clock and has added less than another 1000 in the 30 years since. It’s unsurprisingly in superb condition and while not cheap, it’ll still probably set you back less than the equivalent Fast Ford.
12. 1936 Ford Model 48
Guide price: £45-50,000
A vision of another era, this pre-war Ford is notable as much for what it’s not as for what it is.
The Model 48 is a favourite among hot-rodders, so despite the fact that millions were made – 820,000 in 1935 alone – few remain in virtually untouched condition.
Thankfully, the 1936 example on auction has survived just fine. It’s had only four owners throughout its 82-year lifespan, and has enjoyed an incredible competition record, having placed first in car shows 128 times, with 24 Best in Show titles among them.
Presented in Ford Black with a Pistachio Green coach-line and detailing, it has a smooth-running V8 and is surely destined for many more awards.
13. 1973 Ferrari 365GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ Spider conversion
Guide price: £450-550,000
Not a genuine Spider or you’d be able to add another zero to that estimate, but a genuine Daytona nonetheless – and that alone makes it worthy of inclusion in this list (and worthy of any car lover’s lust).
Another Pininfarina-designed, Scaglietti-built Prancing Horse, the Daytona arrived in 1968 as the successor to the similarly gorgeous 275GTB and set about writing its own chapter in Ferrari history.
Only 1406 were produced and of those a mere 122 were Spiders, designated 365GTS/4. Understandably, those limited numbers resulted in plenty of frustrated Spider-fans, and to help satisfy demand a number of coupés have been converted to open-top spec over the years.
Delivered new to the UK in 1973, this one is thought to have been modified in 1987. What is clear is that the work included additional strengthening and support as per the original Spiders. Comprehensively restored in the past two years, it now wears its original Verde Pino Metallic colour and has been fitted with power steering, among other changes.
So no, it’s not a genuine Daytona Spider – but if money were no object it’d still be the one you wanted from this list, right?
14. 1979 Aston Martin V8
Guide price: £95-110,000
Launched in 1978, the so-called V8 Oscar India – popularly for ‘October Introduction’, although some say it merely refers to the model’s codename – was the fourth generation of the Aston Martin V8, and for many the best.
For one, it was sumptuously kitted out inside, with luxurious leather seats and premium walnut dash and door trims. On the bonnet, the open scoop was closed off but underneath the Tadek Marek-designed 5.3-litre V8 was still present and correct.
Only 293 were made, and this is one of them: an impeccably maintained, matching numbers, UK-supplied example with 24,150 miles on the clock.
Originally finished in Blenheim Silver, it now wears a rather fetching Windsor Blue, and has been treated to several other subtle upgrades over the years, including twin Vantage exhausts and a new air conditioning unit; in total, it’s had at least £40,000 spent on it since 2002.
It’s said to be “in a very good driver’s condition”, with only a few very minor blemishes on the bodywork, and looks likely to be in demand this weekend.
15. 1960 Facel Vega HK500
Guide price: £130-150,000
If you’ve got your heart set on a combination of European beauty and American power, look no further than the Facel Vega HK500.
The Vega’s third generation arrived in 1959 packing a 5.8-litre Chrysler V8 that was soon further upgraded to a 6.2-litre version. That engine is a monstrous thing, capable of pumping out more than 390bhp at 5000rpm and a top speed of 147mph – yet it was allied to a graceful, if large, body designed by British racer Lance Macklin.
With only around 500 built, all HK500s are rare things. This example is an early right-hand-drive model with a manual gearbox, finished in white with a red-leather interior. The odometer shows just over 35,000 miles and is thought to be accurate, and the vehicle has clearly been lovingly cared for over the years.
Silverstone Auctions’ sale takes place at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, at the NEC Birmingham on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 November.
You can view a full lot list here – and look out for the results on classicandsportscar.com next week.
READ MORE
8 reasons to go to the NEC Classic Motor Show
7 of Jamiroquai star Jay Kay's cars are up for grabs
Steve McQueen’s Willys Jeep is for sale
The 50 most expensive cars ever sold at auction
Finalists announced for Pride of Ownership award
Marc McLaren
Marc McLaren is Classic & Sports Car's Digital Development Editor