This no-reserve classic car collection is packed with Porsches and Ferraris

Former diplomat’s menagerie of motors could yield bargains this month

Between acting as a US ambassador, developing real estate, launching a bank and founding an institute, Ted Gildred somehow found the time to curate a sizeable collection of classic cars.

Dominated by pristine Porsches and exotic Ferraris, the ex-diplomat’s assortment of vintage machines is certainly varied – and the whole thing is now up for grabs.

What’s more, there’s no reserve set on any lot, so there’s every chance you’ll be able to bag a bargain when they go under the hammer at Bonhams’ Quail Lodge sale this August.

Here’s the lowdown on these 12 special lots.

1956 Porsche 356A 1500 Carrera GS

Estimate: £400-480,000

It’s easy to see the appeal of this pristine Porsche 356A: a beautiful coupé shell, famously good handling and the revvy promise of its 1.4-litre four-cam Carrera motor.

Finished in 1956, chassis 56118 spent much of its life in the Rene Mauries collection and has always been well maintained.

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

Estimate: £48-60,000

In the market for something newer? This 9-year-old 911 Turbo is surely a future classic.

Ordered by Ted Gildred in the same colour scheme as a 356 he’d driven in the ‘50s, this second-gen 997 has been enjoyed and loved in equal measure, with 27,000 miles on the clock and a record of stellar care. And, presumably, the same 500bhp punch for which he bought it.

1950 Oldsmobile 88 Holiday

Estimate: £20-28,000

One of the few non-Italian machines in the Gildred collection is this mid-century Oldsmobile. Wrapped in an evocative shell redolent of ‘50s Americana, it remains a picture of stylish cruising muscle, complete with impeccable silver finish, 5-litre V8 block and all-important Deluxe radio.

1950 Oldsmobile 88 Club

Estimate: £48-64,000

Or, for something bolder, try this souped-up 88 from the same year. All gleaming chrome, white-wall tyres and sculpted fenders, the powder-blue coupé has been more than restored, with a 470bhp V8 and Mustang II suspension among the upgrades to this award-winning machine.

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia

Estimate: £130-150,000

The youngest of the Gildred lots at the Quail Lodge sale is this fine 458 Italia. With its Pininfarina-designed shell as arresting as it ever was, the 570bhp machine remains a superlative sports car in every sense, from the Formula 1-inspired steering wheel to the 202mph top speed. This one’s covered just 5600 miles, too.

1998 Ferrari F355 Spider

Estimate: £56-72,000

For an older Ferrari that’s just as fabulous to drive, this late-’90s F355 has it all: a mid-mounted V8 good for 375bhp, addictive drivability and those poster-worthy pop-up lamps.

Equipped with a gated manual transmission and finished in the classic Maranello shade of Rosso Corsa, it’s got fewer than 11,000 miles on the clock.

1957 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster

Estimate: £300-360,000

Another stunning Stuttgart machine from the mid ’50s, this streamlined 1600 Speedster is as capable as it is elegant, with a featherweight build and a motor good for 100mph.

Rare today, the restored T2 model shipped new to the USA, then spent a while in Australia, before returning to the States via Canada.

1959 Porsche 356A 1600 Convertible D

Estimate: £140-180,000

One more 356A? Why not: this stunningly restored Convertible D is one of just 1300 or so drop-tops built by Drauz of Heilbronn. And, far from keeping the German rarity in wraps, Ted Gildred took it on countless tours and rallies, deploying an enhanced period engine (the original is included in the sale) to cover the many miles in streamlined style.

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

Estimate: £360-440,000

A legend among Carreras, the RS 2.7 is a dream car for countless Porsche enthusiasts, offering the ultimate combination of classic Stuttgart looks and 210bhp of race-bred performance.

Finished in Touring trim – offering more creature comforts over the pure Lightweight spec – chassis 1446 has seen plenty of rally action over its lifetime, with a servicing schedule to suit.

1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8

Estimate: £220-260,000

From one RS to another, the 3.8-litre model of the 993 Carrera was a true icon of the ’90s, offering a pared-back racing experience for the street – albeit one you could specify with all the mod-cons, as the first owner of this one did.

Well-maintained and highly optioned, chassis 390226 is a lovely example of this sought-after Porsche.

1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia Competizione Spider

Estimate: £32-48,000

As weekend warriors go, this classic Alfa’s hard to resist. Bonny at the nose and buzzing at its heart, the race-prepared, lightweight Italian has deployed its authentic 1.6-litre motor in countless events since its 1963 inception. Upgraded in all the right places, it’s a stellar bet for any vintage meet.

1966 Ferrari 330GTC

Estimate: £440-520,000

Undoubtedly the highlight of Ted Gildred’s collection, this glorious 330GTC is a picture of mid-’60s Prancing Horse performance and grace.

Bodied by Pininfarina, powered by a 4-litre V12 and built to tour the open road, this luxuriously equipped example comes complete with Borrani wire wheels, a period Becker Europa radio and bags of style to boot.

Bonhams’ Quail Lodge auction takes place on 15-16 August. You can view a full lot list here.