Peter Sellers’ Lotus Elan and Brunei royal family’s Jaguar XJ220 are among the big hitters at Silverstone’s big two-day NEC sale
Silverstone Auctions’ NEC show sale was a show within a show, the display of cars on offer as intriguing and interesting as any of the show’s main exhibits.
Unlike previous years, Silverstone exhibited cars for both days’ sales in one area for the duration of the show, rather than having individual displays on the Saturday and Sunday.
The first day’s results were more than pleasing, with most cars getting away either within or above estimate.
To no-one’s surprise, it was the Jaguar XJ220 that made the sale’s highest price, at a premium-inclusive £315,000. It had plenty in its favour: sold new to the Brunei royal family and coming from long-term subsequent ownership, it had covered just 5700 miles in that time. It had recently undergone a complete service by XJ220 specialist Don Law and its presentation was first-rate, with the stunning metallic green paint and original interior in particular looking absolutely immaculate.
A 1956 Porsche 356A Cabriolet took the second highest price of the afternoon at a strong £196,875, relegating a 1993 Ferrari 512TR into third place at £185,625. Cars with celebrity connections have always been popular, and Silverstone obliged with a Lotus Elan sold new to actor and comedian Peter Sellers and a Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 once owned by boxer Sir Henry Cooper.
Both cars were tidy, but not concours. The Lotus wasn’t bad, with a good interior and very straight body, though a repaint would have improved things considerably. It was away at a premium-inclusive £50,625.
The Ferrari had lasted well, but there was slight bubbling on a rear arch, which would need to be caught very soon before it gets any worse. Otherwise the body was very good and the tan interior lovely. Offered without reserve, it was bought well for £30,928.
Other Saturday afternoon treats included a recently restored 1967 Alfa Romeo GT Sprint Veloce. In black with
a black interior and bills for more than £20,000, it was subtly personalised and bought well at £32,063. Going for £48,375, the 1974 Ford Capri RS3100 was fully restored and in stunning order. Finding another 3100 as good as this won’t be easy.