Low mileage modern performance icons line-up at Silverstone Classic sale

Three low-mileage modern classic performance icons are going under the hammer later this month. The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500, Vauxhall Carlton, and Series One Lotus Elise will be offered at the Silverstone Classic auction over the weekend of 29-30 July.

The 1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 (No. 387) has 10,733 miles on the clock, having enjoyed a very quiet life for the past 26 years. Recommissioned by Cosworth specialist John Taylor, the car is mechanically sound while the body work is original. The car is expected to fetch between £90,000 and £100,000.

The second performance icon on offer is a 1991 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton. Number 28 out of a limited production of just 284 UK right-hand drive models, it was supplied new by Moorland Motors of Blackpool in August 1991. Finished in Imperial Green, it has covered just 4500 miles from new.

Notorious in its day for its 176mph top speed of, the Lotus Carlton is powered by a 3.6-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine, uprated and strengthened by Lotus to deliver 377bhp. With a six-speed gearbox, AP Group-C derived brakes and specially developed Goodyear tyres, it carries an estimate of £60,000 to £65,000.

Finally, a 1997 Lotus Elise S1 is up for grabs. It was supplied new by Bell & Colvill to a prominent member of the BRDC and a well-known racing driver in the 1960s (you’ll have to take the auction house's word for this - no name has been released).

Finished in Racing Green Metallic with Magnolia hide and fitted with a Momo steering wheel, built in driving lights, and Perspex headlamp covers, it should fetch £20,000 to £25,000.

For more information, visit silverstoneauctions.com.