Fords set new records at auction

A restored 1972 Ford Escort RS1600 and a low-mileage 1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4x4 set new records at auction this month. Both the cars went under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions’ September sale.

The Escord offered collectors the chance to own one of the few remaining genuine homologation specials. Fully restored to an extremely high standard and finished in period correct Le Mans Green paintwork, the immaculate example was bought for £70,875 following a long bidding war.

The seond record breaker was elieved to be one of the first six examples available on the UK market, the 1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4x4 was presented in original condition reading just 13,310 recorded miles.

With just one lady owner since new and supplied at auction with a complete history file including the supplying dealer book packs and every tax disc and MoT certificate, the highly collectible fast Ford sold for £52,750 including buyer’s premium, more than £20,000 above its pre-sale upper estimate.

Other highlights of the September Sale included a pre-production 1982 Audi Quattro Coupe, believed to be the first UK right-hand drive example, which sold for £49,500 in original, recommissioned condition after 20 years in storage. A rare, original condition 1984 Renault 5 Turbo 2 in left-hand drive and reading just 16,898 miles far exceeded its guide price selling for £86,625, more than £16,000 above its lower estimate.

A UK-supplied, right-hand drive 1971 Maserati Indy 4.7 America stood out among the traditional classics on offer, selling for more than £10,000 above its estimate at £60,750, while a limited edition 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640-4 'Versace' was the star of the future classics at the sale, selling to a bidder in the room for £157,500.