The ‘attraction of opposites’ is a phrase that well applies to the magnetism of Historics’ 2025 auction season opener at Ascot Racecourse next Saturday, 1st March.
On the one hand there’s a showcase example of one of THE most sought-after exotics in the world – a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB4 ‘Daytona’. This highly original example is just one of 149 right-hand drive models produced and is estimated at £550,000-£625,000.
What better contrast than a unique rendition of the world’s favourite utilitarian workhorse, the ubiquitous Land Rover. Some 200,000 Series I models were produced in the decade from 1948 but this 1957 Land Rover Series I is something really special – the first-ever ‘Landy’ to be delivered to the British Army and in super-rare, two-wheel drive form. Somewhat more affordable than the Ferrari, it comes to sale here with an estimate of £13,500-£17,000.
And staying with Land Rover, ‘special’ is an understatement when it comes to the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 Bond Edition that’s on sale. Celebrating Land Rover’s starring role in the Bond movie ‘No Time To Die’, this imposing jet black leviathan is one of just ten RHD long wheelbase models made for the UK market, with 525bhp underfoot and just 384 miles to its name.
Despite their chalk and cheese characters, the Ferrari (one of three on sale) and Land Rover (a total of ten are entered) are enormously collectable; a feature shared throughout the mighty 190 strong entry.
Take a good look at a fine example of the car that stole the show for BMW in sportscar racing in the 1970’s; the winged-wonder - a 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’. Little more than 1,200 of this magnificent homologation special were built, and just a meagre 500 in right-hand drive form as is this supreme, restored 1972 example. What’s more, Historics has the ideal complement here, offered at no Reserve - the registration plate ‘CSL 538’. Not to be missed.
Upholding the honour for Newport Pagnell is an exceptional Aston Martin DB6 of 1967 vintage.
This ‘gentleman’s express’ is sure to stir collectors, as is an early 1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 ‘Flat Floor Roadster, its desirability amplified by being the 290th right-hand drive car from a total of nearly 15,000 E-Types produced.
And beware of a ‘spring fever’ break-out when it comes to five classics being sold from a private collection. Owned by an extremely well-known music celebrity, they are all well-sprinkled with cosmic star dust! A magnificent and rare ‘end of an era’ 2003 Bentley Continental R Mulliner heads the collection. Together with a nut-and-bolt restored 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SLC.
A 1994 Range Rover Classic in impressive condition has been in the possession of the celebrity owner for ten years, five years less than the equally impressive and affordable, low mileage 1987 BMW 525e Lux.
Finally, the collection includes a strikingly red 1983 Land Rover Series III 88 with a desirable Safari top, restored and presenting excellently. 
For ’one-off’ appeal, the 1934 Lamb ‘Craftsman’ Special takes some beating and is surely irresistible to an avid collector...This tribute to the Harry Miller built Indy cars of the 1920’s & 1930’s features a Ford 4.3 litre flathead V8 with a hand-beaten aluminium body, all built up exquisitely by Lamb Precision Engineering of Salisbury.
Porsche remains a leader in the charge of premium modern classics, well-represented here by the ‘purists choice’ 2004 Porsche 996.2/911 GT3, whilst representing the bullish ‘backdate’ culture is a wonderfully-built, matching numbers 1976 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7RS Evocation in striking Viper Green.
Historics sells a greater number of Mercedes-Benz classics than anyone in the UK and the line-up here will delight enthusiasts. A peerless 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL, in wonderful order after painstaking professional attention over the last 15 years, is one book end to a selection spanning several decades, including a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, its leviathan 600bhp, twin-turbo V12 delivering a hair-raising soundtrack to match the driver experience.
Next year the Lancia brand will be 120 years old...but why wait to celebrate?! Historics is delighted to offer here a 1994 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo II. The competition derivative remains the undisputed holy grail after Lancia trounced the World Rally Championship competition in the 80’s/90’s. This very original homologation express – one of only 220 in striking ‘Giallo Ginestra’ coachwork - is absolutely magnificent in every respect.
Finally, amongst the hugely-varied and enticing menu of British, European, US and Far Eastern classics to suit all tastes and pockets, mention must go to the smallest, lightest and slowest entry - a highly sought after 1962 Austin J40 Peddle Car whose cheeky charm is on show each year in the unique pedal car race at the Goodwood Revival. The grid awaits!
This bristling live auction season opener commences at 09.30 on Saturday, 1st March at Ascot Racecourse, following three full viewing days at the venue.
For full information, details of all 190 entries and to register to bid, in the auction hall, online and by phone, visit www.historics.co.uk
If you want to explore advertising with us, I encourage you to get in touch. Please feel free to contact me directly, and I will be more than happy to provide you with further information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process.
Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale |
+44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com
