Where: Artcurial Motorcars Rétromobile 2017
When: February 10
Estimate: €4m-8m
Enzo Ferrari asked Pininfarina to build a show car for the 1965 Paris Motor Show: this gorgeous model was the result. Created by designer Leonardo Fioravanti, it set the scene for future Ferraris and, says Artcurial Motorcars’ MD Mathieu Lamoure, its body “fits this competition 206 chassis like a couture dress fits an elegant woman”. It’s been in the Le Mans Museé de l’Automobile since 1967 and budget around €4m-8m to be in with a chance of winning it.
What: Fiat 500 Van
Where: Brightwells
When: March 8
Estimate: £9000-10,000
Maserati specialist Andy Heywood works at the renowned Bill McGrath Workshop in Kimpton, Hertfordshire. He’s well known for his expertise in keeping classic Maseratis running, but lesser known is his fondness for Italian automotive curios.
At Brightwells’ March 8 sale, all will be revealed when his eclectic collection of more than 60 tiny Italians goes under the hammer. Some of the highlights include a fully restored Autobianchi 500 van, a coachbuilt Francis Lombardi MyCar and a Ducati 900SS. Models from Moto Guzzi, Iso, Aermacchi, Piaggio and Innocenti will also be sold, as will an expected big-ticket car – a Lancia Delta Integrale.
What: Basil Green Ford Capri V8
Where: Silverstone Auctions Race Retro 2017
When: February 25
Estimate: £30,000-35,000
A ‘holy grail’ Ford Capri is up for auction at the February Race Retro classic car sale held at Stoneleigh Park. The Perana V8 Capri was built by Basil Green Motors in South Africa between 1970-73. Only around 500 were built, and it’s the only V8-engined Capri ever officially approved by Ford. With its 5.0-litre V8 fully packing an engine bay normally used to taking 1.3-litre fourcylinder motors, this 1972 car is a very desirable Capri indeed, reflected by the £30,000-3 35,000 estimate.
What: 1934 Raleigh Safety Seven
Where: H&H Donington February Sale
When: February 22-23
Estimate: £7000-9000
The Raleigh Cycle Co of Nottingham hasn’t just made bicycles.
In 1933, it introduced a light car called the Safety Seven, a three-wheeler with the two wheels at the rear rather than, as in the Morgan 3-Wheeler, at the front. Raleigh admitted this countered convention: the front ‘cycle’ wheel was used simply for steering, with the V-twin engine’s 17bhp being sent to the rear. This survivor includes the original sales brochure, handbook, logbook and hard-top. It’s covered just 85,000 miles and is estimated at £7000-9000.
What: Aston Martin AMR1
Where: Silverstone Auctions Race Retro 2017
When: February 24
Estimate: £500,000-550,000
The mighty 1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C racer is an extraordinary beast of a racing car. One of just four official works cars, it’s a proven race-winner and, say the auctioneers, the perfect car to enter Classic Le Mans and historic Group C racing. Original drivers include Brian Redman, David Leslie and Swedish Le Mans winner Stanley Dickens. Aston Martin sold AMR1/05 in 1990, but it’s been used extensively since then – and Leslie scored its first-ever international win at Monza in 2003. Find £500,000-550,000 and you too could be on the grid.
What: 1971 Jaguar 7.3-litre V12 E-Type
Where: William George & Co
When: Timed auction ends February 28
Estimate: £210,000-280,000
This astounding Jaguar E-Type is billed as the fastest example in the world. The TWR Group C-spec 7.3-litre V12 engine produces 750hp and 680lb ft of torque. With its aluminium, fibreglass and carbon fibre bodywork cutting kerbweight back to 1275kg, this means on-track performance is electrifying. Aerodynamics are aided by the ex-Jaguar Silk Cut Racing Le Mans XKR9 rear wing and fully adjustable Penske suspension. No wonder the estimate is £210,000-280,000.
What: 1964 Ferrari 330 GT Nembo Spider
Where: H&H Imperial War Museum
When: March 29
Estimate: No reserve
The only right-hand drive Nembo Spider, also the only 330-series 4.0-litre V12 example, the former star of Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain chairman Richard Allen’s collection – this is a rare and very wonderful Ferrari. It’s also being auctioned for charity: H&H will sell it without reserve at Duxford, with all proceeds going to the East Anglian Air Ambulance Service. Some call it the most beautiful Ferrari ever. Who are we to argue?
