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Ten temptations from Iconic Auctioneers’ upcoming Race Retro 2025 sales

Words: Elliott Hughes | Photography: Iconic Auctioneers

Anticipation is building for Iconic Auctioneers’ Iconic Sale at Race Retro, set to take place on February 22, 2025, alongside the annual automotive extravaganza at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

The vehicles consigned are divided across two separate auctions – one for competition cars and another for collector cars. These sales are complemented by a 46-lot automobilia auction that includes everything from a 1950s Austin J40 pedal car to helmets, steering wheels and watches. 

Magneto has already previewed some of the standout consignments, including a one-of-a-kind McLaren Senna prototype and three Group B homologation specials. However, numerous exciting new consignments have been made since then in both the collector and competition car sales: you can discover more about them below.

The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2025 – Competition Cars

1969 Lotus 59 Formula 3 (£65,000-£70,000)

The Lotus 59 (chassis no. 59-F3-08) stands as one of Hethel’s most successful junior formula single-seaters, and it secured wins in Formula Ford, Formula B, Formula 3 and Formula 2. Resultantly, the 59 was driven by many of the 1960’s greatest drivers – and this example is no exception. 

Originally supplied to Jim Russell’s Formula 3 team for the 1969 season, chassis no. 59-F3-08 was prepared by Ralph Firman and raced by none other than Emerson Fittipaldi. The future Formula 1 World Champion proved indomitable, racking up nine wins on his way to the 1969 Formula 3 title. 

The car was then retained by Russell’s team for the 1970 season, when it was raced by Emerson’s brother, Wilson, before being sold to Lotus veteran Pete Lovely in 1971 and modified with Type 69 bodywork. From here, the chassis no. 59-F3-08 spent several decades in the US but returned to the UK in 2012. Following its repatriation, the car was comprehensively restored to its original 1969 specification by Peter Denty. 

It is offered for sale in race-ready condition and is accompanied by HSCC and FIA papers that remain valid until 2028.

2018 Bentley Continental Pikes Peak Special (£800,000-£1,000,000)

This monstrous Bentley Continental GT3-R is a one-of-a-kind competition car that was originally co-developed by Roger Clark Motorsport and M-Sport to contest the 2019 Time Attack Championship. The 750bhp Bentley went on to dominate the series and set multiple lap records. 

Following this success, Bentley invited M-Sport and Roger Clark Motorsport to collaborate on a Pikes Peak project, with the goal of securing the ‘Triple Crown’ of records at the legendary US hill climb in 2021. This led to a host of modifications, including cutting-edge aerodynamic enhancements and an upgraded W12 engine that developed 1000bhp running on sustainable fuel. 

With Rhys Millen at the wheel, the Bentley was 18 seconds clear of the competition in testing, but unfortunately it fell short of winning the event outright because of a mechanical issue and unfavourable weather conditions. Even so, it finished just five seconds behind the Porsche 911 GT2 RS that won the Time Attack 1 class and also won the Development Fuel class.

This one-of-a-kind Bentley is the most powerful Works race car in the company’s history and is offered in ‘as-new’ condition after a comprehensive strip-down and rebuild. It is eligible to compete at high-profile events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed and, of course, Pikes Peak.

1985 Audi S1 E2 Sport Quattro Replica – Pikes Peak Special (£100,000-£150,000)

Originally purchased as a road car, this Quattro was transformed into a high-performance race machine by renowned engineer and driver Keith Edwards. 

The car was initially campaigned at club level in the British Hillclimb Championship before accepting invitations to events across Europe. From here, the car was subjected to major work by renowned Quattro specialist Dialynx, which shortened the wheelbase by 320mm and rebuilt the bodywork with lightweight Kevlar-composite panels modelled on Audi’s legendary Group B challenger. The original ten-valve five-cylinder engine was later swapped for a highly modified 20-valve version that develops more than 800bhp.

In 2018 and 2019, the car was honoured with an invitation to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Unfortunately, it overheated during the 2018 event, while promising pace in 2019’s practice runs was ultimately thwarted by bad weather on race day. Even so, the car remains ready to compete and would be highly competitive in UK hill climbs, sprints and Time Attack events. It can also be enjoyed on the road with some minor modifications. 

This Quattro is accompanied by an expansive history file spanning 18 box files, and has been the subject of extensive media coverage, including two million views on YouTube.

1964 Jaguar E-type Series 1 Coupé (£70,000-£100,000)

This Jaguar E-type Coupé made its first public appearance at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1964. Interestingly, it was fitted with the early 3.8-litre version of Jaguar’s venerable straight-six engine at the event, which was replaced by the more potent 4.2-litre unit afterwards.

The new engine was then used as a testing bed for the modified induction and carburation system that was required for the stricter 1966 Californian emission regulations.

Adding further to this car’s provenance is the fact it was driven in the 1960s by legendary Jaguar engineer and motor sport manager Lofty England. It was then purchased from England by another long-serving Jaguar employee, Jim Graham, in 1972. Graham kept the car for over 50 years.

The next chapter of the car’s life saw Graham prepare the car for competition use, and it was raced in various motor sport events throughout the UK. Its last appearance on track came in 2019 at Classic Nostalgia at Shelsley Walsh. Iconic Auctioneers says the car remains in working order, although it hasn’t been used in recent years. The car is accompanied by a number of spare parts and can be converted back to road specification.

1995 Porsche 911 (993) GT2 R (£800,000-£900,000)

This Porsche 911 GT2 R is one of just 43 race-focused examples that were conceived for motor sport homologation purposes. This particular example, chassis no. 393094 was completed in mid-1995 and features a host of performance modifications, including lightweight aluminium body panels, aggressive aerodynamic enhancements, competition-spec suspension and a 3.8-litre flat-six with upgraded KKK turbochargers and high-lift cam shafts. It develops 450bhp, which is sent to the rear wheels via a close-ratio G50/54 six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

Upon completion, the car was shipped to Japan, where it was only ever driven on the road or at Porsche Japan-organised track days. In 2017, chassis no. 393094 was imported to the UK, registered with the DVLA and kept in secure storage while receiving regular maintenance. The Porsche is highly original, retains matching numbers and is accompanied by a comprehensive history file, Japanese Export Certificate, HMRC and DVLA import documents, as well as an inspection report and a collection of invoices. 

The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2025 – Collector Cars

2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (£50,000-£60,000)

Not only does this Kermit Green-liveried V8 Vantage have a mere 626km on its odometer, but it is also only one of just seven V8 Racing Collection versions that were commissioned by Aston Martin’s “most important customer”.

This particular car was the seventh and final V8 Racing Collection model built, and it boasts a raft of optional extras including V8 Racing Collection plaques, Park Green leather interior trim, cruise control, memory seats and mirrors, red brake calipers, front parking sensors, Sports Pack, Aston Martin 700W Premium Audio, heated front seats, satellite navigation, voice-activated BlueTooth telephone and an auto-dimming interior mirror.

The car was kept on static display as part of a private collection until 2023, before being recommissioned by the Stratton Motor Company in 2024. This V8 Vantage is an affordable way to acquire an incredibly rare Aston Martin that has covered delivery mileage only.

2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition (£800,000-£1,000,000)

This 2021 Ford GT is one of only 50 Heritage Edition models that were built to commemorate the mythical Gulf-liveried GT40 P/1075 that won Le Mans back-to-back in 1968 and 1969. The car is finished in blue and orange inspired by the GT40’s Gulf livery, and it wears the number six that was emblazoned on the car that Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver drove to victory in ‘69.

The interior, meanwhile, features fixed-back Sparco race seats trimmed in black leather and Alcantara upholstery contrasted by Gulf-inspired blue and orange stitching. Emphasising the cabin’s motor sport ambience is exposed carbonfibre on the sills, dashboard and centre console, as well as six-point harnesses. 

Mechanically, the car features adjustable race-tuned suspension, a deployable rear wing plus a front splitter and rear diffuser that generate downforce at high speed. The 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 sends 660bhp to the rear wheels via a snappy seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a limited-slip differential. 

The car was first registered in the UK on May 5, 2021. It has covered just 3413 miles from new and has been consigned for sale by its original owner. Iconic Auctioneers says the car has been “meticulously looked after”, with the owner carefully following the routine servicing schedule despite its incredibly low mileage. This GT is accompanied by the GT ordering kit, factory literature, service records and both keys. 

2000/2024 Prodrive P25 (POR)

The Prodrive P25 is a modern reinterpretation of Subaru’s championship-winning WRC97 Group A rally car. Developed by the Prodrive Engineering Team, the modern version was restyled by McLaren F1 designer Peter Stevens, who also designed the original two-door Impreza WRC car in the late 1990s. 

Just 25 examples were built by Prodrive over a two-year period, and Iconic Auctioneers’ Race Retro sale represents the first time a P25 has ever been consigned in a public auction. This particular car was the first example to roll off the production line, and it has covered just 121 miles from new.

The rally-bred DNA of the original Impreza can be seen in the specification. Based on the lightweight bodyshell of the Impreza WRX STi, the P25 features a heavily revised version of the marque’s EJ25 2.5-litre boxer engine with forged pistons, strengthened connecting rods, ported cylinder heads and a new Garrett turbocharger with anti-lag. Peak power is rated at 440bhp, which is delivered via a rally-style six-speed sequential transmission and an active electronically controlled centre differential. Other features include an improved aero package, Akrapovič titanium exhaust system and AP Racing brakes. The car is said to be fitted with over £17,000 worth of optional extras.

1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth (£85,000-£100,000)

Iconic Auctioneers seems to have taken the mantle as the UK’s leading auctioneer of Fast Fords, having made headlines in 2023 when a delivery-mileage Sierra RS500 Cosworth sold for a scarcely believable sum of £596,250 after fees.

The market has cooled considerably since then, but this example – the 184th of 500 built – still looks set to fetch a healthy sum at the auction block. This RS500 is one of 392 models that were finished in black paintwork over a grey Recaro interior, and it is advertised as being in “outstanding condition” throughout, boasting an original interior and a detailed engine bay. It is believed to have received some mild paint rectification during its life and has covered 52,057 miles from new.

Adding further to the car’s appeal is the fact it has recently been subjected to considerable maintenance work, including a new Garrett turbocharger, a fresh cambelt and tensioner, a new steering rack and fuel tank, as well as a general service. The cherished registration, A500 MAG, was assigned to the vehicle in 1990 and is included in the sale.

2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series (£100,000-£120,000)

The Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series was created by the Three-Pointed Star to rival the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. While the Black Series may ultimately have fallen short of its rival in terms of poise and handling balance, it easily surpassed the Porsche in outright aggression and excitement.

Based on the standard CLK63 AMG, only 700 examples were built worldwide. The example offered by Iconic Auctioneers is one of only 25 right-hand-drive models built for the UK. Beneath the car’s menacing bodywork lurks AMG’s iconic 6.2-litre M156 V8 that sends 507bhp to the rear wheels via a seven-speed SpeedShift transmission and a limited-slip differential.

Aptly finished in Black Metallic paintwork, this 2007 car has covered 24,600 miiles from new and is accompanied by its full service history. The vehicle’s last service work was carried out by Sytner Mercedes-Benz of Bath in November 2024. The muscle-bound Merc is being offered from a private collection after being purchased by the consignor from Dick Lovett in 2022.

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