An enormous lineup of 123 classics is set to cross the block at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show this weekend, with a number of cars boasting Royal and celebrity connections expected to draw plenty of interest.
Silverstone Auctions has dubbed the set the 'Jewels in the Crown' collection, which counts among its lots a 1994 Audi Cabriolet (£50,000-60,000) which once belonged to Diana Princess of Wales, a more recent Bentley Mulsanne (£215,000-235,000) which served Her Majesty the Queen, and Sir Elton John’s 2005 Rolls-Royce Phantom (£135,000-155,000).
The first production Lotus Elite is also set to cause a stir. First owned by jazz legend Chris Barber, the car was more recently the subject of an extensive restoration by For the Love of Cars’ Ant Anstead. It is expected to fetch between £75,000 and £100,000.
A 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage which was also restored by Anstead and featured in the television series is estimated at £140,000-160,000.
A quintet of fine Land-Rovers will also go under the hammer. The best of the bunch? A 1948 Series I, which is expected to achieve £26,000-29,000, which will be joined by a concours-winning 1950 Series I estimated at just £1000 less.
The Land-Rovers will be followed by a number of love-mileage fast Fords, headed by a 1993 Escort Cosworth with just 20,600 miles on the clock. It is estimated at £35,000-40,000.
A 1990 Escort RS Turbo S2 with even fewer miles – just 12,000 – and one owner from new could sell for as much as £20,000, while a 1991 Ford Fiesta RS Turbo wears the same estimate.
A 1969 Morris Mini Super Deluxe which was restored by the MG Owners’ Club Workshop will be auctioned for charity. The restoration was commissioned by headline sponsor Lancaster Insurance and will be offered without reserve, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Prostate Cancer UK.
“We’re delighted to be returning to the Classic Motor Show for another year and with what I would say is our most special and varied catalogue of cars yet, from Her Majesty the Queen’s personal conveyance to a very special Lotus Elite race car,” said Silverstone Auctions’ Nick Whale. “It will be an honour for our team and, we hope, a landmark sale for Silverstone Auctions.”
