Unregistered 6R4 at Silverstone Classic auction

A seven-mile 6R4, Revival racers, manual Ferraris and more at Silverstone Auctions' sale

By Matt Bird / Tuesday, 4 June 2019 / Loading comments

Hopefully it won't have escaped your attention that the Silverstone Classic is now only a couple of months away. Beyond a 60th anniversary for the Mini, a 50th birthday party for the Ford Capri, 100 years of Bentley and a PH presence, Classic-goers will be treated to a weekend of great racing. Plus, for those with the means, what looks like being a fascinating auction on July 28th.

Silverstone Auctions' sale at the Silverstone Classic understandably has a focus on motorsport, with some incredible racing cars to be sold. Arguably of greatest significance is this Metro 6R4, 34 years old and unregistered; delivered in 1986 to its first owner as a kit to avoid Type Approval, it's only covered seven miles (with just one other owner) since then. It has spent time in the Donington Museum, too. Now being offered with a £200,000 - £240,000 estimate, don't be surprised to see it go higher - there's not going to be another opportunity like this one for 6R4 fans.

There's far more besides, with less intimidating estimates. Visitors to Goodwood in recent years may have seen the Studebaker Lark Daytona 500 compete, and now there's the chance to own it; currently campaigned by Silverstone Auctions' MD Nick Whale, it's the only racing Daytona 500 in Europe - which should guarantee a few prestigious invites. Given all that, an estimate of £65,000 - £80,000 seems more than fair.

While race cars are set to dominate the sale - see this ex-John Whitmore Lotus Cortina, for example - there are a good few road cars going under the hammer too. This Ferrari F430 manual must be one of the best left, with just 4,500 miles and a service history described as "impeccable". Once owned by Gordon Ramsay, it's expected to make between £115,000 and £135,000. Amazingly, this Maserati Gransport could sell for £100k less - the estimate is £24,000 - £28,000, which looks very appealing given its 25,000 miles and single owner from new.

Finally, it's worth noting the Mercedes Gullwing duo that are up for grabs. The SLS AMG is from 2010 but has covered just 690 miles - expect to pay in the region of £170,000. That said, it could take anything up to a million to add the 300SL, this car first imported from the US 30 years ago. Loved and driven extensively by its current owner since 1993, the Gullwing is described as "ready to be used and enjoyed this summer and provides a rare opportunity into the privileged world of Gullwing ownership." What a pair they could make...

The Silverstone Classic is taking place 26-28th July. General tickets are available from £45, click here to get yours. For full details on what PistonHeads is up to, click here.