If you’re a fan of classic cars, then Sotheby’s forthcoming auction is a must. Comprising 17 Ferraris, two Jaguars, and one Bentley — nearly all with just delivery miles – it’s the most exciting auction in recent memory. Sotheby’s, of course, has a tremendous track record in beautiful, expensive cars: in 2018, it broke records when a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti was sold for almost $50m (£41m). None of the models on offer here will quite hit those heights, but there’s still much to be excited about, namely three Ferrari 512 TRs and several notable Ferraris from the 2000s onwards.
Of particular interest is the 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS by Scaglietti, which is expected to fetch the best part of half-a-million pounds (and some will say that’s a steal). The car looks halfway between a dune buggy and a lunar explorer, and is just one of only 1,274 246 Gran Turismo Spiders built between 1972 and 1974. Retaining its classic Nero paintwork over a smart interior, this model still has its matching-numbers chassis and engine.
The 1979 Ferrari 400i is a bargain, with an expected top figure of £80,000. With matching numbers and 4.8-litre V-12 engine, it is one of 883 examples of the automatic 400i made between 1979 to 1984. ‘Of its era, Ferrari’s 2+2 grand tourer platform was a curious step away from its spectacular line-up of thoroughbred sports cars,’ reads the auction notes. We’d agree that this certainly looks like nothing else you’ll find on the roads today.
The 1992 Ferrari 512 TR is another one we’re excited about. Driven by Michael Jordan, Dr. Dre, Alain Delon, and Elton John, the Testarossa is one of Ferrari’s most memorable models. Finished in its factory-correct Blu Sera Metallizzato over Blu Scuro leather, this is one of just 88 models made with UK-specification right-hand drive.
Meanwhile, the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB is perhaps what comes to mind when one thinks of ‘Ferrari’. We’re talking a sleek, low profile; blood-red paint job; and retractable headlamps. Best of all, this particular model is thought to be just one of 14 made with right-hand drive.
The auction also includes a brace of Jaguars: a 1993 XJ220 with 46 miles, and a 1969 E-Type Series 2 roadster. The former is expected to bring in up to £425,000 and the latter a bargain basement £180,000. ‘As the curtain fell at the 1988 British International Motor Show in Birmingham and the long, low and beautifully sculpted shape of the Jaguar XJ220 was first revealed to the public, jaws hit the floor,’ states the auction notes on the XJ220. ‘Unlike anything that had come before, the missile-like XJ220 stole the limelight first for its incredible looks, and then for its spectacular specification.’ Beloved of stars, such as Elton John and Rod Stewart, we’d have to agree that this model is truly special, and speaks strongly to its decade of origin, in the best possible way.
As for the E-Type Jag, everyone from Peter Sellers and Britt Ekland to Austin Powers and, again, Elton John, have spent time behind the wheel of one model or another in their time. Finished in black, this might be one of the coolest classic wheels ever offered for auction.
Rounding out the collection is a 1991 Bentley Turbo R Drophead Coupe, one of just two two-door examples made. The ‘R’, of course, stands for ‘roadholding’ with suspension upgrades and wider tyres on aluminium-alloy wheels subtly upgrading its predecessor, the Mulsanne Turbo, into a more performative ride. Just 7,230 Bentley Turbo Rs were produced between 1985 and 1997 in Crewe, Cheshire, but, from 1987, the Turbo R’s V8 engine was reconfigured with fuel injection for added torque. Produced in 1991, this model is expected to go for £375,000–£475,000.
There’s a lot to look forward to here – the only disappointment being that no one man can drive them all…
- The auction starts 4 November in London. Find out more here.
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