Cars are definitely the stars

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This month’s lots…

Le Mans posters, Aston Martin grand prix cars and Group 5 BMW DRM cars – all the stuff we love

Despite the doom mongers’ predictions that the global historic car market is heading for a tumble, prices continue to head northwards, especially in the US. Prices of cars with corroborated Stateside racing history, such as the Cobra pictured below, have recently gone stratospheric.

Here’s a selection of some of the most desirable racers and related memorabilia to be auction-bound over the coming months.

1 MGB 1965 Le Mans model

Price guide / £140-£180 Custom-made Hopkirk/Hedges MGB replica, 1/43rd scale. Offered at Transport Collector Auctions’ June sale. TCA: 01460 55955

2 Aston Martin GP racer
Price guide / no estimate As we close for press, Coys is auctioning this significant 1.5-litre Aston at the Donington Grand Prix Collection. Sold new to Captain George Eyston, who scored a win with it at the 1925 Whitsun meeting at Brooklands. Coys: 020 7584 7444

3 Ex-works Shelby Cpbra 289
Sold by RM for $1,650,000 Star of RM Amelia Island sale in March was this Shelby Cobra 289 used in the latter half of 1963 by Bob Bondurant and Lew Spencer. In ’64 it was driven by Ed Leslie to SCCA A-Production honours.

4 BMW 320i Group 5
Price guide / £45-55,000 This 700bhp (ex-Winkelhock) Schnitzer-built BMW 320i was raced to third in ’79 DRM series. Coys: 020 7584 7444

5 MG brochures/automobilia
Price guide / £20-£100 (each) Collection of T-series and earlier sales literature. TCA: 01460 55955

6 Le Mans posters
Price guide / €25,000-30,000

These fabulous — and original — Le Mans posters are to be offered as one lot at Bonhams’ Monaco sale. Representing 1923-25, each is mounted on linen backing, and is said to be in good condition. Bonhams: 020 7468 5801

7 Ferrari 250GT Lusso
Price guide! no estimate In the same sale is one of three Lussos made for racing. Chassis 4965GT was campaigned in the ’65 Targa Florio (Robert Blouin/ Jean-Claude Sauer), where it didn’t feature in the final results.

8 MG-Lola Le Mans 2002
Price guide / £170-220

TCA is also offering this unique MG-Lola Le Mans diorama at its Silverstone sale. The factory cars are accurately modelled. Same too for the buxom pit bunny and lecherous photographer.

Diary
May 20 2006

Lotus F1 cars, pre-war Maseratis and more are promised at Bonhams’ ‘Les Grandes Marques à Monaco’ sale

May 24 2006

H&H returns to Syon Park, London where a Cooper T51 and Merc 500K are on offer.

May 28 2006

Bonhams’ ‘Best of British’ sale at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire for British cars up to the value of £20,000

June 24 2006

Transport Collector Auctions is offering a wealth of MG-related items at the MG Car Club’s annual get-together at Silverstone.