Rothmans Metro 6R4 leads Autosport auction

A show-condition Metro 6R4 rally car is headlining a star-cast of more than 60 collectable road and race cars going under the hammer at Autosport International.

This particular example one of the lowest mileage examples of its kind, having covered just 3100 miles since it was built in 1985. Its pristine condition is down to the fact that, unusually, it has never been raced or rallied, as it was the original Rothmans show car.

Instead, it was mainly used as a display car at shows, although it was used for the occasional demonstration. As a result, it is almost a box fresh example of the 6R4.

The monster Metro gained revered status in the mid-1980s, when it was developed by Williams Grand Prix Engineering to compete in the short-lived Group B rally class. It came complete with a 3.0-litre, V6 engine that was naturally aspirated - unlike many of its turbocharged rivals. It was only available for a couple of years, until Austin Rover pulled out of motorsport in 1987 after the scrapping of the Group B class.

Also up for sale is a 996 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, complete with racing pedigree. The 2002 car was first built for the Porsche Supercup Challenge, and won at Silverstone and Indianapolis in its debut season, and was driven by Henzler Wolf to finish fourth in the championship. It has been dry stored by the present owner and is race ready.

A concours competition-winning 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GT is also going under the hammer. Owned by the same family for the past 36 years, it comes with a full history file dating. The Ferrari is expected to sell for between £230,000 and £265,000.

Another notable car up for sale is a 1958 Aston DB2/4 Mark III, which has only had two owners in the past 29 years. Only 551 DB Mark IIIs were built, and all of those that survive are highly popular to this day. This example has been meticulously maintained by the current owner, with a full rear suspension rebuild under his custodianship. It is estimated to reach between £130,000 and £150,000.

Other cars going up for auction include an ex-works 1982 Vauxhall Chevette HSR DTV that was previously driven by Russell Brookes. The Chevette retired from rallying in 1989, and was fully restored in 1999. A 1977 Ex-Works Group 4 Ford Escort MK 2 is also being auctioned, with a prestigious list of former drivers that includes the likes of Ari Vatanen.

All the cars and more will go up for auction at 2pm on Saturday 16 January at Autosport International. The show runs from 14-17 January at the NEC in Birmingham.