Hammer Falls On Record Silverstone Auctions Sale

RECORDS were broken at the recent Silverstone Auctions event, as the two day sale generated more than £5 million and secured some of the highest prices seen to date.

One highlight of the sale was a 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS, which was hammered away for a premium inclusive £82,225 - more than £50,000 over its lower estimate and a world record for the model.

Not to be outdone, a 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS sold for a premium inclusive £77,050, breaking another world record. More modern Ferraris also proved popular, with a 1996 Ferrari 456 GT selling for £49,450, nearly double its lower estimate.

However, it wasn't just Ferraris that caught the attention of the crowds at the sale, which took place as part of the circuit’s Silverstone Classic motorsport festival.

Topping the bill was a 1950 Healey Silverstone which sold for a total of £212,750, while a 1996 Jaguar XJ220, aptly presented in Silverstone Green, sold for £187,450, more than £17,000 over its upper estimate. A rare and highly stylish 1953 Bristol 403 Saloon also raced past its estimate, eventually selling for £62,100.

Speaking after the sale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: "It’s been a fantastic weekend at the Silverstone Classic and I’m delighted that we have achieved our highest ever sales value, along with a few world records, from what was our best catalogue ever.”

Some very special lots were also on offer. From the world of motorsport came Sir Jackie Stewart’s first ever race car, a 1962 Marcos GT Xylon, which sold for £41,975. From the skies two pieces of RAF history were offered, a 1976 Harrier Jump Jet and a 1988 Panavia Tornado. Both lived up to their pre-sale excitement, selling for £105,800 and £36,800 respectively.

By Press Association reporters