Wednesday 5th July 2017

Labatt's BTCC M3 and RS500 go under the hammer

Need a car for Silverstone Classic? We've got two!

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You know what they say about ex-Tim Harvey touring cars... you wait forever for one and then two come along at once! In this case, it's a 1991 BMW M3 and 1989 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500, both raced by the former champ, which are set to go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions' Silverstone Classic Race Car Sale on July 27th.

The 80s were cool, weren't they?

Both the M3 and RS500 still wear their original Labatt's liveries and both also come with entries into the Super Touring Car race at the Silverstone Classic on July 29th - prospective buyers better be ready for a quick turn around then!

Claimed to be the only surviving Sierra Cosworth RS500 in its original BTCC spec, anticipation for the fast Ford is particularly high, with this year of course being the car's 30th anniversary. It's still got a lot to give though, having taken the fastest lap and second place when it was reunited with its former driver at the 2013 Silverstone Classic. With a full Mountune engine rebuild since, the 560hp Cossie is described as being in "race-ready condition", which explains the estimate of £180,000-£220,000.

Actually, the 90s weren't bad either...

The other Labatt's car on offer is a BMW M3 raced by Harvey in 1991, the season before he became BTCC champion. The car, described as "fiercely competitive" includes several period technical innovations, including a flat floor section, side exit exhaust and a Hollinger dog-engagement gearbox. It is expected to go for between £140,000-£180,000.

Reflecting on his time with the cars Harvey recalls, "The M3 was a totally different proposition to the RS500. With the Sierra it was all about exiting corners and straight line speed. The two-litre rules were in their infancy in 1991, and you had to adjust. It was all about momentum and carrying speed through the corners. I remember that car very fondly."

Should those not hit the spot, there is a host of other notable machinery up for grabs. In particular this ex-Juha Kankkunen Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evolution and this 1985 Toyota Supra touring car, once piloted by motorcycle legend Barry Sheene.

Those, the Labatt's cars, and a lot more, will all be on sale at the Silverstone Classic Race Car Sale at the Wing Building, Silverstone, on July 27th. Bagsy first go if you buy one!

[Lead image: LAT photo]

 

[Dafuq]

Fak me.........

These, or a new green very ordinary but expensive Audi, all on the same day.

Choices, choices.

[adingley84]

The Lancia just looks like an absolute weapon...and the Juha's pedigree proves it was!
Any of these would be an amazing purchase!!

[E65Ross]

Dafuq said:

Fak me.........

These, or a new green very ordinary but expensive Audi, all on the same day.

Choices, choices.

What's the choice? One's road car, for the road....the others are race cars which can't be used on the road

[99dndd]

Dear Camelot,

I've been a good boy, please let my numbers come up on Friday.

I'll even promise to say it "wouldn't change my life too much" when the Daily Mail ask.

Yours sincerely,
99dndd

[BarbaricAvatar]

Or. Something for the display er...room:

[exgtt]

Imagine turning up to a track day in the RS. Hope it doesn't end up in a museum or worse a private collectors garage.

[j90gta]

Can't believe the estimate for the ex-works Lancia is so much less than the touring cars. Looks an absolute bargain.

[Dafuq]

E65Ross said:

Dafuq said:

Fak me.........

These, or a new green very ordinary but expensive Audi, all on the same day.

Choices, choices.

What's the choice? One's road car, for the road....the others are race cars which can't be used on the road

Ugggh, keep up!

I was being all ironical and highlighting the gulf of desireability between these very attractive and exciting items and the dull green sack of sht realeased as an RS5, a supposedly exciting sports car. 🙄

[ChevronB19]

Not gonna happen (although I'd be happy to be proved wrong). Cars eligible for HSCC Superoturing have been hovering around 100-120k for a bit, but quite a few are getting out and prices have dropped a bit. The advantage these cars have are they are comparatively cheap to run compared to the accords etc, which are so far removed from the road cars they cost a bloody fortune to run. The 80's/90's cars are much more viable as an historic racer in terms of running costs and aren't far off the pace. If they make the reserve I'd be amazed, they're not far off double what other cars with similar history have been going for.

[John.Taylor]

I'd write them a cheque for the top estimate of Lot 110 now if they'd take it out of the auction!

[Glasgowrob]

E65Ross said:

What's the choice? One's road car, for the road....the others are race cars which can't be used on the road

all It takes is a sympathetic MOT tester

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd want the Lancia out of those mentioned.