You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment. Restored around five years ago and remaining impressive.

• Fitted with the desirable manual gearbox and overdrive

• Finished in gleaming Leyland White with a smart Black vinyl interior

• Matching numbers. Engine fully rebuilt. Immaculate engine bay

• A really superb example of Triumph's innovative design

• The market for Stags of this quality has been warming for some time

Like the Triumph 2000, from which it was developed, the Stag was styled by Italian maestro Giovanni Michelotti and featured the monocoque construction, independent suspension, disc/drum brakes, power-assisted rack and pinion steering and driveline of that saloon. The power plant, though, was an all-new OHC, V8 of 3,000cc capacity fed by a pair of Stromberg carburettors. The newcomer received a warm reception at the time of launch in 1970.

Offered as part of The Anthony Hamilton Collection, this Triumph Stag is finished in Leyland White with a black vinyl interior and is, without doubt, one of the best examples available. Originally delivered to Leyland dealer, Newbury Motors Ltd on 21st April 1977 and first registered on the 3rd of June fitted with a number of factory options including a Hardtop, Alloy wheels, Sundym windscreen, Overdrive, Inertia-reel safety belts, and headrests.

Having been enjoyed by four previous owners, it was decided in 2015 that the car deserved a full restoration and the history file contains a comprehensive photographic record of the process. The engine was totally rebuilt at this time and a photo of the engine number confirms it matches the original registration documentation. The mileage is currently 57,283 which is substantiated by a sales invoice from 1985 at circa 34,000 miles and older MOTs. The history file contains a pristine copy of the original sales brochure.

This is a really stunning example, well restored, in a lovely colour combination and fitted with a manual/overdrive gearbox, the most desirable transmission option.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

• Rare transition car with factory-fitted TR3 and 3A parts

• Originally in left-hand drive and destined for North America finished in Pearl White

• Returned to the UK in 1995 and was selected in 2003 as an ideal base for a full restoration

• Stripped back to bare metal, converted to right-hand drive and restored

• Particular attention was paid to panel gaps and shut lines

• Fully painted in Signal Red and the interior retrimmed in red-piped black

• Fully detailed engine bay with a chromed rocker cover and polished dashpots

• Chrome wires, chrome headlight grilles, sill guards, wind-deflectors, wood rim wheel

• Now presents superbly with the quality of the restoration much in evidence

Long famed for their rugged reliability and idiosyncratic good looks, the 'side screen' TRs have attracted a fanatical following over the years. The final evolution of the Triumph TR2/TR3 sportscar line (save for the American market TR3B), the TR3A was introduced in September 1957. Great fun to drive, its tough box-section chassis featured independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and disc/drum brakes. (The first British production car to have front disc brakes as standard). Fitted with a 1991cc four-cylinder OHV unit developing around 104bhp and 117lbft of torque, it was reputedly capable of 110mph. A great sales success on both sides of the Atlantic, the model provided a rather more visceral alternative to its MG and Jaguar competition.

Arriving in 1957, the TR3A was never officially badged as such and was, in fact, a minor revision of the TR3 with updates including a new wide grille, exterior door handles, lockable boot and a full tool kit. Offered here as part of The Anthony Hamilton Collection is a charming Triumph TR3A finished in Signal Red with black trim. The commission number confirms this car was produced in the late summer of 1957 and this was a 'change over' period for Standard-Triumph when many parts from the earlier TR3 were still in stock and were incorporated into the revised TR3A. This explains why this car is fitted with a TR3 front apron with the smaller grille, however, it does have the 3A's external door handles. It was originally in left-hand drive and was destined for the North American market finished in Pearl White. It returned to the UK, we believe, in 1995 and was selected in 2003 as it was a particularly sound, ex-California car, as an ideal base for a full restoration.

It was stripped back to bare metal, converted to right-hand drive and restored paying particular attention to panel gaps and shut lines before being fully painted in Signal Red, the interior retrimmed in red-piped black and all the brightwork refinished. The engine bay was fully detailed and is an absolute delight with a chromed rocker cover and polished dashpots. Sitting on a set of new chrome wires and with its chrome headlight grilles, stainless sill guards, wind-deflectors, wood rim wheel and white hood and tonneau, the little Triumph presents superbly with the quality of the restoration much in evidence.

The owner's file contains various invoices for service and maintenance keeping this striking TR in the best mechanical condition. No history of British Sports cars would be complete without the venerable TR3 and a rare transition car (3/3A) in this super condition will always be eminently collectable.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.Originally left-hand drive and destined for Miami, Florida

• Repatriated to the UK in 2012. Fully restored and converted to right-hand drive

• Classically finished in gleaming British Racing Green, Black tonneau

• Silver wire wheels, fresh chrome and a chrome luggage rack

• Smart black leather interior, Wood rim steering wheel. Overdrive

• Heritage Certificate, US paperwork, details and photos of the restoration

Introduced in 1956 to replace the Austin-Healey 100 (later known as the 100-4), the 100-6 was a two-seat roadster produced by the British Motor Corporation, initially at Longbridge and later at Abingdon, and remained in production until 1959 when it was replaced by the 3000. Over the years, all three models have become known collectively as "The Big Healeys".A couple of inches longer than its predecessor, the Healey 100, the new model was fitted with a more powerful straight-six engine (BMC-C series previously fitted to the Austin Westminster) producing 102bhp which in 1957 was improved to 117bhp. Externally, the car differed by being slightly more streamlined, having a smaller, wider grille, an air scoop on the bonnet and a fixed windscreen. The car was marketed as being more luxurious than its predecessor, however, the luxury was obviously comparative as the 1957 brochure claims "To suit individual needs, there are numerous items of equipment such as a heater, overdrive and wire wheels which can be fitted at extra cost". Another "Wow" factor from the brochure is the availability of "Aluminium framed side-screens which have one fixed and one sliding panel for ventilation or hand signalling" The 100/6's performance was quite exciting for the period, roaring up to 60mph in just over 10 seconds and going on to 104 miles an hour at a time when a Ford Popular would struggle to reach 70mph. This latest Healey was available in two model designations, the 2+2 BN4 from 1956 onwards and 2 seat BN6 in 1958/9 and was listed in 1958 at £1,307 including purchase tax.

Amongst Big Healey aficionados, the 100/6 is the one to have in terms of purity. The earlier 100/4s, whilst gorgeous to look at were a bit "agricultural" and are now becoming very expensive whilst the later 3000s were being adorned with more and more creature comforts with the consequential increase in weight. As long as the 100/6 was properly set up with attention to camber and castor and all the other factors in suspension geometry, they handled superbly and were a dream to drive. With the top down, the burble from the exhaust note was a delight in a 1950s, six-cylinder, down a country lane in a black and white movie, sort of way and on the overrun had more 'snap, crackle and pop' than a box of Rice Crispies.

Offered here from the Antony Hamilton Collection is an Austin Healey 100-Six 2+2 (BN4) finished in British Racing Green with a black leather interior. The Heritage Certificate confirms that it was destined for the North American market originally finished in Ivory White and delivered to a dealer in Miami, Florida. The specification included wire wheels, overdrive and a heater. It was repatriated to the UK in 2012 when it was fully restored and professionally converted to right-hand drive. The history file contains various receipts and sales invoices from a dealer in Birmingham, Alabama from 1995. There is also a photographic record of the restoration showing the original state and the finished article.

This is a great practical classic with occasional four seats and the joy that is a big Healey.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.850cc, Mk1 'Woodie' that has been carefully restored

• Its first owner was Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma

• De Luxe model. Heater, over-riders, chrome sill edging, filler cap and wheel trims

• Finished in Tartan Red with a smartly trimmed red interior

• Interesting history file with resto documents and photographs and Royal correspondence

The popularity of the Mini spawned a variety of models targeting different markets, but all are based on Sir Alec Issigonis iconic design. The Morris Mini Traveller and Austin Countryman were two-door estate cars with double, barn-style rear doors built on a slightly longer chassis of 84 inches compared to 80.25 for the saloon. From the start of production, both models had a decorative, non-structural, Ash wood trim on the rear body, in the style of a pre-war shooting-brake giving the car a similar appearance to the larger Morris Minor Traveller and inevitably led to them becoming known as 'Woodies'. It's a popular misconception that the difference between the Traveller and the Countryman is the wood trim as all-steel versions of both the Morris Traveller and the Austin Countryman without the wood trim were launched for export markets in April 1961.

Offered here from The Anthony Hamilton Collection, himself a real Mini enthusiast, is a very special Mini Traveller. The original buff logbook, which remains with the car, shows the first owner as Lord Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma. The comprehensive history file contains an amusing letter (11th April 1991) from St. James Palace and the Prince of Wales' private secretary replying to the car's owner at the time, thanking them for the opportunity, but advising that the Prince would not be interested in acquiring his uncles old Mini Traveller. We understand that the little Traveller was restored in the Nineties and the history file contains numerous receipts and a photographic record of this restoration.

Finished in Tartan Red with a smartly trimmed red interior, the restoration still holds up very well today and the Mini remains 'Collector's Quality'. In 1965, Travellers were only available in 'De-Luxe' trim level, which included a heater, over-riders, chrome sill edging, filler cap and wheel trims, all of which feature here.

These little estates remain as practical as they are cute and this delightful example, fresh from an important collection and with Royal provenance, will be deservedly popular.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment. Built by The Swallow Coachbuilding Co. (1935) at The Airport, Walsall, Staffordshire

• Box-section tube chassis, TR2 mechanicals. 1991cc, OHV, 90bhp, 4-cylinder

• Doretti production ceased in 1955 after only 276 had been completed

• Superbly restored out in Australia by The Classic Factory

• Interior restoration and reupholstery were executed by Moore Style in Sydney

• Finished in metallic Maroon with Tan-piped Oatmeal leather, red carpets and a black soft top

• Quite a number survive and there is an active Owner's Club

The Doretti sports car was built at Walsall in Staffordshire by the Swallow Coachbuilding Company (1935) Ltd, which was the part of William Lyons' empire that specialised in building motorcycle sidecars. Somewhat paradoxically, another of Lyons' companies, Swallow Sidecars, made the 'SS' cars that adopted the 'Jaguar' name post-war. Sold by Lyons to Tube Investments after the Second World War, and facing a declining market for sidecars, Swallow used its spare capacity to launch the Doretti sports car in 1954, aimed at the Californian market. The stylish two-seater adopted the Triumph TR2 engine and running gear, which went into a bespoke chassis fabricated from Reynolds 531 tubing and clothed in aluminium outer body panels supplied by Panelcraft. The design was the work of one of TI's engineers, Frank Rainbow, who, working alone, managed to get the Doretti from drawing board to the prototype stage in a mere ten months. Robustly built with a chassis longer and wider than Triumph's TR2, the Doretti handled more securely and had more refinements including a heater and fitted luggage. The 18 strong workforce at Walsall turned out about 5 cars per wee k. The styling was unashamedly borrowed from the contemporary Ferrari 166MM 'Barchetta' and the name 'Doretti' was an Italian derivation of the first name of Dorothy Dean, a California Triumph distributor.Offering 100mph performance at a relatively bargain price, (although more expensive than the TR2), the Doretti sold well in California where its hand-built exclusivity had much appeal. More than half of the total production went for export. One of its chief rivals was the Jaguar XK120, consequently, Lyons was not best pleased and pressured TI to axe the Doretti, threatening to look elsewhere for the components they supplied to Jaguar. TI complied and the Doretti ceased production in 1955 after only 276 had been completed. Testimony to the build quality and the discerning nature of the original customer base is the high survival rate of the marque and model.

Offered here from The Anthony Hamilton Collection, a Doretti enthusiast for several years, is a beautifully restored example of the car that rattled Jaguar in the fifties. It's finished to an excellent standard in a stunning shade of Maroon with Tan-piped Oatmeal leather, red carpets and a black soft top. The history file contains a dating certificate from the TR Register confirming the chassis number satisfies as being built by The Swallow Coachbuilding Co. (1935) at The Airport, Walsall, Staffordshire, England.

The restoration to a very exacting standard was carried out in Australia by The Classic Factory, a well-respected restorer in Smithfield, Sydney, New South Wales. Their website carries photographs of the Doretti in various stages of preparation for the final finish. Their specialities include the pre-preparation of alloy bodies, as with Dorettis, the bodies were a masterclass in alloy by Panelcraft. The interior restoration and reupholstery were executed by Moore Style in Sydney incorporating the fine stitching detail synonymous with the marque.

This rare, fast and superbly presented fifties British sports car would be welcome at any event and with a fascinating story to tell.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment .Frequently acknowledged as "the best in the world", by bemused Marque specialists

• A previous Auto Glym champion and now a benchmark for Concours judging

• This was a multi-thousand hours restoration and it shows

• Superbly presented in Wedgewood Blue over a Powder Blue interior

• Accompanied by its rare Surrey Top and the car's story

• We urge you to make an appointment to view this remarkable TR in order to fully appreciate what can actually be achieved with Steel, Rubber, Glass and Paint

When Michelotti’s sharp-suited new TR4 was unveiled at the London motor show in 1961, the car looked thoroughly modern, especially when compared with the old-fashioned TR3A that it replaced. However, the reality was that, under the skin, the car was still very much a TR3A as little more than the outer skin was actually new. Despite this, the TR4, and the TR4A that succeeded it were among the fastest affordable sports cars on offer throughout the 1960s. Cheap to buy and run, the cars’ road manners, however, left a little room for improvement over the TR3A, despite the TR4 having gained rack and pinion steering, wider front and rear tracks to make it more surefooted, and an all-synchro gearbox. However, as stylish transport, they were pretty much unbeatable. All it cried out for, to compete with the new wave of saloon GTs was more power. Lots. The stock 2-litre GT6 engine was tried and, although smooth, was actually no quicker than the old tractor-derived four-pot. The answer was simple though – enlarge the straight-six by a massive 500cc to give a lusty 2.5-litre and make it breathe easier. With a better cylinder head and wilder camshaft, the engine worked well, although it was a bit lumpy at low revs until fuel injection was fitted to better monitor fuel delivery. All this led, in October 1967, to the launch of the TR5. Outwardly the car was barely discernible from the TR4A, but the new engine, complete with Lucas fuel injection, turned the TR into a genuine performance car, with a handy 150bhp on tap. Because of strict emissions regulations in North America, the export version was hampered with twin carburettors instead of fuel injection, and cars destined for this market were badged TR250 instead of TR5. In truth, the TR5 was little more than a testbed for the new engine (which quickly found its way into the 2000 saloon). Realistically the car was effectively a stop-gap and only had to last around two years until Karmann had finished its work on the replacement, the TR6. However, with the benefit of hindsight, the TR5 is arguably the best of the lot, enjoying the great unsullied looks of the TR4 but with the raunchiness of the TR6.

Offered here from The Anthony Hamilton Collection is a TR5 that has been frequently acknowledged as the best in the world, an Auto Glym champion and a benchmark for Concours judging. Various marque specialists have been left bemused that a car could be taken to this level and remain this stunning. The story of this TR5 come alive when it was purchased by a Mr McGowan of the west country who embarked on the exacting restoration. Suffice it to say that everything was completely restored but where this rebuilds differs from most is the quality of the paint finishes. The internal flitches to the engine bay have the same finish as the external surfaces, all engine parts and brackets have extraordinary paint finishes and are a deep gloss and the engine bay looks like it has its own lighting source. Although originally green, it's now finished in Wedgewood Blue and the interior has been retrimmed in the correct Powder Blue material. In common with every aspect of this TR, the dashboard, gauges and all the switchgear are perfect and the TR's (better than) showroom looks are set off by a matching Surrey Top.

One of the signs of a quality engine rebuild on these early Lucas petrol injected six-cylinders is that when the car is started, it does indeed run instantly on all six with no recalcitrant injectors, fuel pumps or metering units. This supreme TR5 does just that allowing the cold start pull to be inst

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment. Beautiful restoration of a Giovanni Michelotti design

• Lusty Triumph reliability and performance

• Classic Italian design with styling cues from Maserati and Ferrari

• Heritage Certificate and intact original Vignale built plate.

• The 157th Vignale built Triumph Italia 2000 GT

Offered from The Anthony Hamilton Collection, himself a Triumph sports car enthusiast, is perhaps the most stylish coupe to display the Triumph name, the Italia 2000 GT which was designed by Michelotti and built by Vignale on a Triumph TR3 rolling chassis.

The project was the brainchild of Signore Salvatore Ruffino, the managing director of CESAC, the company that distributed Standard and Triumph cars in Italy. He approached Standard-Triumph about supplying TR3 chassis and other components, which the British firm was happy to do. Giovanni Michelotti, who had done work for S-T since the update of the Standard Vanguard, penned a handsome notchback coupe, which was built by Carrozzeria Alfredo Vignale under contract to Ruffino S.p.A. Industria Construzione Automobile of Naples.

The new car debuted at the 1958 Turin Motor Show to a more than positive press acclaim. Production began in July 1959, the finished car owing much to Michelotti's design for the Maserati 3500. The bodies were built in steel and the car's appeal was enhanced by deep, melodious Ascari silencers. The Leyland takeover of Standard-Triumph in 1961 ultimately squelched the deal as the new management apparently didn't like it, and perhaps viewed it as competition for the soon to be launched, TR4, to which it bore a suspicious resemblance.

Added to the collection in 2018 after a long search when a visit to the German owner resulted in a deal and the car came to the UK. The Heritage Certificate confirms a rolling chassis left the UK to be completed by Vignale Coachworks in Turin and, once completed, it was despatched on 4th May 1960 to Cesac Spa c/o Zust Ambrosetti Italy and delivered to its first Italian owner. It seems that it found its way to Germany in 2004 where it was restored to very high standard possibly by Peter Schaaf. The Vignale build plate confirms it as the 157th Italia 2000 GT.

These stunning Coupés offered the best of lusty British reliability and performance wrapped in the most stylish of early sixties design with styling clues that carried over into Maserati and Ferrari designs.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

• Introduced in 2003 and developed jointly with the McLaren Technology Centre

• Powered by a hand-built 5.4-litre, supercharged all-aluminium V8 producing 617bhp/575lb.ft

• AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission with three manual modes

• Just less than 11,000 miles from new. Recent SLR-specialist service and MOT

• Superbly presented in Designo Black Metallic with a red-stitched black Alcantara interior

• On offer from a significant private collection with a close relationship with Mercedes and McLaren

Manufactured between 2003 and 2010, their new supercar allowed Mercedes-Benz and its then Formula 1 partner, McLaren, to showcase their collective experience in the development, construction and production of high-performance sports cars and, just like its legendary 300 SLR predecessor of 1955, it incorporated technological developments that were ahead of their time. Yet the term 'supercar' does not do full justice to the SLR, which, its peerless performance notwithstanding, is a luxurious and finely engineered Gran Turismo in the best traditions of Mercedes-Benz. Rather than creating an all-out, no-compromise supercar, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren decided to take a slightly different route. Instead of placing the engine behind the cabin, the car had a front-mid-engine layout, with the engine sitting behind the front wheels and just ahead of the cabin. This, near-perfect, weight distribution not only helped to improve the SLR's handling but also provided the car with a rather spacious cabin and a decent boot, not common in cars boasting such performance credentials. As it was supremely engineered and built to incredible standards at McLaren's facilities in Woking, it boasted a very high level of fit and finish, absolutely appropriate for any car wearing a Mercedes-Benz badge.

The heart of any car is its engine, and that of the SLR McLaren is truly outstanding. Produced at Mercedes-Benz's AMG Performance Division, it's a 5.5-litre, 24-valve, supercharged V8 producing 617bhp, making it one of the most powerful engines ever found in a series-produced road-going sports car. Impressive though this peak horsepower figure is, it's the torque produced by the Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger that is its most remarkable feature. The torque curve is almost flat: there is already 440lb/ft by 1,500 rpm and well over 500lb/ft between 3,000 and 5,000 revs, and acceleration is equally phenomenal, with 0 to 60 mph taking just 3.8 seconds and the quarter-mile only 11 seconds. Of course, a car with such impressive speed credentials also requires an equally impressive braking system. An automatic airbrake and Mercedes-Benz's Sensotronic "brake by wire" system assist the massive carbon-ceramic disc brakes and help bring the SLR McLaren down from 120 mph to a stop in less than 240 feet.

Of course, it’s only right that the Anthony Hamilton Collection included a McLaren so synonymous with the name and four successful F1 years with the marque and, looking very much the part, this left-hand-drive example is finished in Designo Black Metallic with a red-stitched black Alcantara interior.The owner's file indicates it was serviced in 2013 at 8,995 miles by Mercedes-Benz Brooklands and has recently been MOT'd and serviced by an SLR specialist. The current mileage is approximately 10,990.

A rare collaboration between two iconic powerhouse manufacturers coupled with ultra-low production numbers and insane performance figures, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLarens represent incredible value in today's market and are sure to be coveted by future generations. An excellent opportunity to acquire a superb example with interesting motorsport provenance.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are ther

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

• St Louis-built in early 1957. Fitted with a 283bhp, 4.6-litre V8 and manual gearbox

• Restored in 1996 by the world-renowned Glen Vaughn Restorations from Post Falls, Idaho

• Finished in Onyx Black with a fabulous bright red interior, the whole car is spectacular

• All major components are 'year-correct' stamped in accordance with 1957 factory numbering

• This Corvette is one of the most exacting and best restorations Silverstone Auctions has ever seen

Chevrolet pulled something amazing out of the hat for 1957: fuel injection. First trialled in 1956 at Sebring, the Rochester Ramjet injection was a response to Mercedes-Benz, which featured fuel-injection in the 1954 300SL. The innovation solved a fuel starvation problem caused by fuel moving to one side of the float chamber when cornering hard and allowing air into the system. Not a problem on the road as it was almost impossible to maintain the prolonged lateral forces generated by race conditions. The fuel injection system also enabled Chevrolet to gain bragging-rights by achieving, for the first time in a standard road car, 1 hp per cubic inch of displacement with their 283 cu.inch,/ 283 hp engine.

To keep this development in perspective, consider this; almost all of the high-priced, supposedly advanced competition, including Jaguar, Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini, did not utilise fuel injection until the 1970s or later in their road cars. At $484.20, this one option added over 15% to the price of an entire Corvette. Buyers found it irresistible, however, with 1,040 ticking the box on the order form in '57. Current Corvette enthusiasts would acknowledge that in terms of desirability, there is a premium for a "Fuelie" (as they are often called), compared to their more mundane carburetted cousins.

This fabulous example was built in the St. Louis Missouri plant in late February 1957 fitted with the 283bhp, 4.6-litre V8 and three-speed manual transmission. The car was restored in 1996 by Glen Vaughn Restorations, a world-renowned top-end business in Post Falls Idaho, who have a reputation for carrying out the whole process in house and only outsource really specialised components. Now finished in gleaming Onyx Black with an immaculate Bright Red interior, the quality of the restoration is evident by the fact that the Corvette remains at a 'Concours' level of presentation. Without a doubt, this Corvette is one of the most exacting and best restorations Silverstone Auctions has ever seen. It's just beautiful and is totally year-correct with every component from the engine, gearbox, back axle etc. being correctly numbered as from the factory. Everything, right down to the unique distributor and coil is correct and the build quality is almost beyond comparison.

This stunning Corvette would grace any world event and is simply a beautiful piece of automotive history to drive and enjoy. Early Corvettes are becoming seriously cool and this lovely example, in this colour combination, and in this condition is verging on 'Polar'.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment. Assembled in Wixom, Michigan in January 2006 and finished in Mk IV Red Clearcoat

• 550bhp, 5.4-litre, dual overhead camshaft, electronic fuel injection, supercharged, V8

• Fitted with active safety belts, airbags, optional forged BBS wheels and racing stripes

• US-supplied and unregistered with just 43 miles

• This rare GT is worthy of a place in any collectors stable and should not be missed at today's guide

The Ford GT began life as a concept car designed in anticipation of the carmaker's centennial year and as part of its drive to showcase and revive its heritage models such as the Mustang and Thunderbird. At the 2002 North American International Auto Show, Ford unveiled a new GT40 concept car. Camilo Pardo, the then head of Ford's Living Legends studio, is credited as the chief designer of the GT and worked under the guidance of J Mays and Carroll Shelby, the original designer of the Shelby GT500, was brought in by Ford to help develop the GT including performance testing of the prototype.

The GT is similar in outward appearance to the original GT40 but is bigger, wider, and most importantly four in (100 mm) taller than the original's 40 in (100 cm) overall height; as a result, a potential name for the car was the GT44. Although the cars are visually related, structurally, there is no similarity between the modern GT and the 1960's GT40 that inspired it. Three pre-production cars were shown to the public in 2003 as part of Ford's centenary celebrations, and delivery of the production version, simply called the Ford GT, began in the Autumn of 2004.

The ultra-high performance Ford GT showcases the finest in advanced technologies, constructed on a lightweight aluminium chassis clothed in superplastic-formed lightweight composite and aluminium body panels. Powered by a mid-mounted, hand-built, supercharged quad-cam 550bhp V8 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transaxle and featuring racing-derived suspension and braking systems, the GT is hugely powerful and delivers astounding performance. It can accelerate from 0-60 in about 3.5 seconds, hurtling on to some 205mph before the speed limiter kicks in. When production ceased in 2006, with just over 4,000 Ford GTs produced, 101 were delivered new to Europe and only a handful to other markets, this epic Ford had made its mark on automotive history once again - and became an instant collector's car.

From its VIN number, we can tell that the car on offer today was assembled in Wixom, Michigan during January 2006. It was specified with active safety belts and driver and passenger airbags and was powered by a 5.4-litre, dual overhead camshaft, electronic fuel injection, supercharged, V8. It left the factory finished in 'Mk IV Red Clearcoat' with a Centennial White stripe and an Ebony interior bound for distributor Autofair Ford Inc. of Manchester, New Hampshire prior to being dispatched to its first lucky owner in Madrid.

In 2014, it was imported into the UK and the history file contains the NOVA, making UK-registration a formality if required with all taxes paid. It was purchased from David Jones', dedicated Ford GT specialist, GT101 Ltd. by our vendor and, at the time of cataloguing had covered just 43 miles. The history file contains all the relevant records, Certificate of Origin and title documents tracking its passage to the point today, where it's possible to acquire a delivery-mileage Ford GT.

Given its inimitable heritage, prolific performance, stunning design, and the thrilling driving experience, the Ford GT is a very special creation that will undoubtedly be revered for many years to come.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment. One of only 2,111 MGA Twin Cams produced

• 1588cc with a light-alloy head producing 108bhp at 6,700rpm

• Despatched in late December 1958 to Northern America in left-hand drive

• Returned home in 2014. Superbly restored and converted to right-hand drive

• Very smart in gleaming BMC Black with a classic red leather interior

• Good history file with a full photographic account of the restoration

Coaxing more power from the standard MGA engine was becoming increasingly difficult, so MG concentrated on developing a twin-overhead-camshaft cylinder head for the B-Series block. Conceived at Cowley by BMC engineer Gerald Palmer and introduced in 1958, the new 1,588cc engine did not disappoint. It featured a special light alloy cross-flow cylinder head with hemispherical combustion chambers and carried twin overhead camshafts with valve operation via Coventry Climax-style inverted bucket tappets, producing an impressive 108bhp at 6,700rpm. Considerably faster than the standard MGA, the Twin Cam could comfortably exceed 110mph, and to cope with the increased performance Dunlop disc brakes were fitted all round and Dunlop centre-lock wheels were a distinctive addition. The only other visual identifier was the script 'Twin Cam' near the vent aside the bonnet. A high price and an unjustified reputation for unreliability discouraged sales and the model was dropped after just two years. Production totalled 2,111 cars, a mere 360 of which were sold on the home market, and today the Twin-Cam is one of the most sought-after of post-war MG sports cars.

Offered here is undoubtedly one the finest restored MGA Twin Cams available anywhere today. Finished in what can only be described as the most stunning combination of Black coachwork (BMC code BKI) with a red leather interior. It was despatched on 30/12/1958 to Northern America in left-hand drive finished in black with a green interior with the factory options of disc wheels and heater. It returned to the UK in 2014 when a full restoration was started by the new owner and converted to right-hand drive. The history file contains a full photographic account of the restoration accompanied by all the invoices and details of the specialised engine parts. The result is a spectacular Twin-Cam Roadster that fires up instantly with a pleasing raspy engine note and performs impeccably.

We cannot eulogise enough about the quality of this stunning MGA Twin Cam that would be admired at any event in the world. These rare cars are now recognised as real classics that drive very well and deservedly have a niche in the MG history book. This lovely example is now ready to begin the next chapter of its life.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

• The TR3A was never officially badged as such and was, in fact, a minor revision of the TR3

• Updates included a new wide grille, exterior door handles, lockable boot and a full tool kit

• Ex-California car. Totally restored and converted to right-hand drive by the Northern TR Centre

• The intention was to create the ultimate Concours-winning TR3A and they did

• The chassis has a full two-pack gloss black finish to a very high standard

• Engine fully rebuilt including new liners and pistons and the crank reground

• Superbly finished in Dark Racing Green over BRG-piped Stone leather

• Previous Autoglym Gold Champion. The best we have ever seen

Offered from the Anthony Hamilton Collection is, without doubt, one the finest TR3As available anywhere today and a past Autoglym Gold Champion in the nineties. It was re-imported from California in 1988 with the intension of creating the ultimate Concours-winning Triumph TR3A and that appears to have been the result.

The Northern TR Centre were entrusted with the car's restoration, ideally using as many of the original parts as possible. It was converted to right-hand drive and the chassis was fully restored and refinished in two-pack gloss black to a very high standard. The engine was fully rebuilt including new liners and pistons and the crank reground. The immaculate paint finish is Dark Racing Green, the interior has been superbly retrimmed in BRG-piped Stone leather with matching carpets and all the instruments were rebuilt. The engine bay is immaculate, almost showroom fresh and the silver-painted, sixty-spoke wires are wearing a decent set of Michelin 155/15 tyres.

The quality of this restoration is remarkable and this benchmark 3A features in Bill Piggott's book, "The Original TR2, 3 & 3A". As well as being 'drop-dead' gorgeous, we understand that this little Triumph drives as well as it looks.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

• No London-based celebrity would be seen without a Radford or a W&P Mini in the sixties

• In 1965, Radford introduced the Mini de Ville GT which had the option of a hatchback with a folding rear seat

• This remarkable example is W&P commissioned Cooper 1275S that moved across the road to Radfords to be fitted from new with a Mini de Ville hatchback

• The history file contains original build specifications from W & P and a ticked personalisation list

• The extras on this list came to £3,487.50 (in 1971 a brand new Ford Cortina was £968.00)

• 48,372 miles, and four owners from new, the first for 27 years

• Still presenting really well, it's worth booking an appointment to view this remarkable little car

Synonymous with the Mini badge, Wood & Pickett had been converting, tuning and supplying parts for Minis since the 1960s. Proprietors and founders, Bill Wood and Les Pickett mastered their craft at Hooper & Co Ltd. in London before joining forces and setting up their own company in 1947. Spotting a gap in the market, they were determined to offer Mini conversions better than that of leading rival Radford and the 'Margrave' Mini was their first offering, featuring a distinctive leather & walnut fascia panel, leather or Dralon seating and front and rear nudge bars, to which customers were invited to add from a long list of individually-priced options.

The aforementioned 'Radford' was, in fact, Harold Radford, a successful South London coachbuilder, known for his work on Bentleys and Rolls-Royce, who formed a separate company creating bespoke bodywork and interior conversions for the Mini range, culminating in the celebrity-acclaimed Mini-de-Ville. In October 1965, Radford developed the Mini de Ville GT and amongst the options was the availability of a hatchback with a folding rear seat.

In 1960s London, the Mini was the epitome of cool. When you are in one of the world’s best rock/pop groups, and you can have anything in the world, the ultimate toy for around town was a coachbuilt Radford Mini Cooper. All four of the Beatles had one as did Mike Nesmith from the Monkees, Ginger Baker from Cream, George Best, Peter Sellers and Britt Ekland. However, in the end, W & P produced more modified Minis than Radford with customers including Elton John, Denny Laine, Mick Jagger, Paul and Linda McCartney, Hayley Mills and Twiggy.

Offered here from the Anthony Hamilton Collection, a life-long Mini enthusiast, is an exceptionally rare derivative. It's an unusual car as it was ordered new from Wood and Pickett and unbelievably, considering the fierce rivalry between W&P and Radford in the early years, was specified with a Mini-de Ville hatchback by Radford. However, as we all know, time is a great healer and Radford and W&P started to work together. The brand new car was delivered to Radford for the hatchback to be fitted and trolleyed across Abbey Road, Park Royal to be finished by W&P.

Possibly unique, but definitely fascinating, is the original "Personalise your Mini with Wood & Pickett Conversions" quote. It runs to six pages and 92 options and the lucky person who purchased this particular 1275 has ticked most of them in a ball-point pen. It makes really interesting reading and is part of social history when you consider that the final amount totalled £3,487.50 which, at the time, would have bought you three and a half Ford Cortinas or a couple of terrace houses in Bradford.

Registered as 4 JEA, this car was enjoyed by its first owner for 27 years with three subsequent keepers. Old MOTs in the file run from 21/11/77 @ 18,193 miles through to 17/09/2012 @ 48,303 miles. The Mini was part of the remarkable James Hull Collection before joining Anthony Hamilton. The history file contains everything that is relevant to this ‘groovy’ Wood & Pickett Mini even down to an unused WP key fob and tax disc holder. This was almost certainly one of the last examples to leave the Abbey Road, Park Royal, Wood & Pickett premises in 1971, however, it remains in lovely condition and will be a real conversation-starter anywhere.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remain the utmost pr

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment. An elegant, matching numbers TD21. Understated and quintessentially Alvis

• First registered in Jersey in 1959 covering relatively few miles early on in its life

• Subject to a ground-up/chassis off body restoration in 1998 that cost in excess of £30,000

• Now finished in a lovely Deep Blue with blue-piped cream leather and silver wire wheels

• More recently the engine was rebuilt by Fields Engine Services, new radiator, lead-free conversion

• Entire electrical system replaced. All hydraulics and the braking system overhauled

• A genuine car that will need some minor recommissioning prior to use

The TD21 was conceived in 1956 and was quite a departure from the lovely, but rather 'post-war' TC21 however, on its arrival in dealer's showrooms, it quickly set about changing established views of the Alvis. Following the loss of coachbuilders Mulliner and Tickford (who were now tied to other companies), Alvis turned to the Swiss coachbuilder, Graber whose tradition of producing sleek, modern and very elegant saloons and dropheads proved a good fit in terms of the way Alvis saw their future. Graber first presented this new style to the Alvis board in late 1957 who were very impressed with the Swiss company's flowing design and commissioned the body to be built on the new TD chassis. To ease logistical problems, Park Ward of London, built the Graber designed bodies in the UK.

The Alvis Three Litre TD21 Series I was produced between the end of 1958 and April 1962 and was powered by the TC's 2993 cc engine, uprated by 15bhp to 115 as a result of an improved cylinder head design and an increased compression ratio. A new four-speed gearbox from the Austin-Healey 100/6 was incorporated, whilst the suspension remained similar to the car's predecessor, independent at the front using coil springs and leaf springs at the rear, but the track was increased slightly and a front anti-roll bar added. From 1959 the all drum brake set up was changed to discs at the front retaining drums at the rear.

This particular car was first registered in Jersey in 1959 and the history file reveals it covered relatively few miles early on in its life. By 1998 it needed a ground-up/chassis off body restoration costing in excess of £30,000 at the time! (all pictures available on file). Since then a rolling programme of maintenance has kept the car in good order until becoming part of the Anthony Hamilton Collection from which it is offered today. This maintenance over the intervening 25 years has included a complete engine rebuild by Fields Engine Services with a new radiator and lead-free conversion of the cylinder head. The rear springs have been replaced and the front suspension rebuilt. The entire electrical system has been replaced as well as all hydraulics and the braking system overhauled. Today it presents well and will need some minor recommissioning prior to use, but offers the basis of a genuine car today that will once again be a pleasure for someone to own and enjoy. It is after all an Alvis ~ which is a very special and traditional British experience.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment. Dating from 1968, this 1275 Mini Cooper S Mk1 displays all the correct Australian-market features

• Wind-up windows with quarter lights, flared wheel arches (dealer-fitted), twin tanks, stainless steel over-riders and corner 'nerf bars', steel 4.5" x 10" wheels and slightly different badging

• Returned to the UK and fully restored

• Now finished in Almond Green with an Old English White roof and a very smart interior

• As a fully restored, Australian-market car, it's comparatively rare and would grace any collection of unusual Minis

Offered here from The Anthony Hamilton Collection is a charming Mini Cooper S Mk1 originally built to Australian-spec and shipped to Oz when new. Dating from 1968, this 1275 Mini Cooper S Mk1 displays all the correct Australian-market features including wind-up windows with quarter lights, flared wheel arches (dealer-fitted) capable of accommodating wider wheels, twin tanks, stainless steel over-riders and corner 'nerf bars' on front and rear bumpers, steel 4.5" x 10" wheels with 9 ventilation holes around the inner hub, and slightly different badging. There was a much wider choice of colours available and the interior trim was available in single colours. Pleasingly, its Chassis (YKG2S") and Engine Number (9FSAY) prefix match the correct ones for that market.

It seems that when this Cooper S arrived back in the UK a full restoration was undertaken. Naturally in right-hand drive, it's now finished in Almond Green with an OE White roof and a superbly-restored interior. Sitting on a smart set of Minilites, this 1275S really is a fine example which may start a few conversations as UK Mk1 Coopers never had wind-up windows and quarter lights.

As a fully restored, Australian-market car, it's comparatively rare and would grace any collection of unusual Minis.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment. A right-hand drive, press launch TR8 Convertible with 124 miles from new.

• A rare survivor of the mass disposal of Triumph TR assets in 1981/1982

• Purchased through a BL dealer by a 'friend of a friend' and spirited away

• Finished in striking Pharaoh Gold with a tan leather and plaid interior

• Effectively delivery mileage and carefully stored since

The TR6 that was replaced in 1975 by the four-cylinder TR7 was, without doubt, a flawed and old-fashioned design, however, it did maintain a heritage of open-topped TRs that originated in the early 1950s. Its demise came at a time when cutting costs and component sharing were the driving force behind Leyland product planning, leading enthusiasts to fear for the future of their once-proud brand.

Yet, waiting in the wings but delayed by constant strikes, lockouts, bickering, and bloody-mindedness was a V8 version of the TR7 that would make its appearance more than three years after the four-cylinder. A batch of 150 cars carrying the ‘TR7 V8’ designation had been built during 1977 but one of Leyland’s now-legendary strikes ended the attempt to bring the model to market for 1978. Two years on and after shifting production to the Rover plant at Solihull, North American buyers were finally granted their first glimpse of a Triumph sports car that offered some serious performance attributes. Its tenure, sadly, was destined to be short-lived.

The TR8 that appeared on the North American market in July 1979 used the all-alloy 3.5-litre V8 engine that had been powering Rovers since 1966. Most of the initial build cars came with dual Zenith Stromberg carburettors – only those sold into emission-conscious California using fuel injection from the outset. Early TR8s were only available in Coupe form – the much-admired convertible not reaching the market until October of their introductory year.

Features of the production TR8s included standard power steering and a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. The wedge-effect styling wasn’t to everyone’s taste and the trim in very ’70s tartan-insert cloth dated even faster than the sheet metal, however, interior space and overall practicality were high on the list of positive attributes.

All but around 300 of the TR8s made were convertibles reflecting the preference of US buyers for open-top sports cars – especially since their domestic manufacturers had virtually forsaken the soft-top – but also to maximise the viability of the open-top TR7.

Offered here is a fabulous part of the Triumph TR story in the shape of an unregistered TR8 with just 124 miles from new. British Leyland had finally decided to introduce the TR8 to the UK and European markets in November 1981 and had assembled just fourteen right-hand drive cars at the Lode Lane Solihull plant some weeks before. These cars went to the press shop at the Triumph works in Canley Coventry for final preparation, detailing etc. prior to the press launch. However, chaos continued to rule at BL and the management picked this moment to cancel the whole TR range and plans to build the TR8 in any volume were scrapped. The order was subsequently given by senior British Leyland management to clear all vehicle stocks which included the fourteen un-registered and unsold TR8s languishing at Canley.

Happily, this particular car was spared from the impending disposal and was purchased by its first owner 'out of the back door' having been tipped off by a BL director friend and the sale was channelled through a British Leyland dealer. The history file contains the original V55/4.

The car is finished in striking Pharaoh Gold with a Tan and plaid interior and remains in a condition commensurate with its 124 miles. This special performance TR convertible is a very evocative piece of Triumph history that has been saved for posterity.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneaucti

• Built by The Swallow Coachbuilding Co. (1935) at The Airport, Walsall, Staffordshire

• Box-section tube chassis, TR2 mechanicals. 1991cc, OHV, 90bhp, 4-cylinder

• Doretti production ceased in 1955 after only 276 had been completed

• Superbly restored out in Australia by The Classic Factory

• Interior restoration and reupholstery were executed by Moore Style in Sydney

• Royal Blue metallic with Royal Blue-piped Red leather, red carpets and a dark blue soft top

• Quite a number survive and there is an active Owner's Club

The Doretti sports car was built at Walsall in Staffordshire by the Swallow Coachbuilding Company (1935) Ltd, which was the part of William Lyons' empire that specialised in building motorcycle sidecars. Somewhat paradoxically, another of Lyons' companies, Swallow Sidecars, made the 'SS' cars that adopted the 'Jaguar' name post-war. Sold by Lyons to Tube Investments after the Second World War, and facing a declining market for sidecars, Swallow used its spare capacity to launch the Doretti sports car in 1954, aimed at the Californian market. The stylish two-seater adopted the Triumph TR2 engine and running gear, which went into a bespoke chassis fabricated from Reynolds 531 tubing and clothed in aluminium outer body panels supplied by Panelcraft. The design was the work of one of TI's engineers, Frank Rainbow, who, working alone, managed to get the Doretti from drawing board to the prototype stage in a mere ten months. Robustly built with a chassis longer and wider than Triumph's TR2, the Doretti handled more securely and had more refinements including a heater and fitted luggage. The 18 strong workforce at Walsall turned out about 5 cars per week. The styling was unashamedly borrowed from the contemporary Ferrari 166MM 'Barchetta' and the name 'Doretti' was an Italian derivation of the first name of Dorothy Dean, a California Triumph distributor.Offering 100mph performance at a relatively bargain price, (although more expensive than the TR2), the Doretti sold well in California where its hand-built exclusivity had much appeal. More than half of the total production went for export. One of its chief rivals was the Jaguar XK120, consequently, Lyons was not best pleased and pressured TI to axe the Doretti, threatening to look elsewhere for the components they supplied to Jaguar. TI complied and the Doretti ceased production in 1955 after only 276 had been completed. Testimony to the build quality and the discerning nature of the original customer base is the high survival rate of the marque and model.

Offered here from The Anthony Hamilton Collection, a Doretti enthusiast for several years, is a beautifully restored example of the car that rattled Jaguar in the fifties. It's finished to an excellent standard in a simply stunning shade of Royal Blue metallic with the seating in Royal Blue-piped Red leather, red carpets and a dark blue soft top. The history file contains a dating certificate from the TR Register confirming the chassis number satisfies as being built by The Swallow Coachbuilding Co. (1935) at The Airport, Walsall, Staffordshire, England. The indicated mileage is 92,445 but, with a car restored to this standard, it's a bit academic.

The restoration to a very exacting standard was carried out in Australia by The Classic Factory, a well-respected restorer in Smithfield, Sydney, New South Wales and their website carries photographs of the Doretti in various stages of preparation for the final finish. Their specialities include the pre-preparation of alloy bodies, as with Dorettis, the bodies were a masterclass in alloy by Panelcraft. The interior restoration and reupholstery were executed by Moore Style in Sydney incorporating the fine stitching detail synonymous with the marque.

This rare, fast and superbly presented fifties British sports car would be welcome anywhere and with a fascinating story to tell.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 / lionel@silverstoneauctions.com to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail. The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.

• Based on Wolseley's redesigned and extended 1930 Morris Minor chassis

• Powered by a 1271cc overhead-camshaft, twin-carb, six-cylinder engine

• Fitted with a John Charles of Kew bespoke body designed by Freddie March

• Subject to a full, no expense spared, restoration including an engine rebuild

• Superbly restored, delightfully presented and real provenance

Although its image in later years became ever more difficult to distinguish from that of other makes within the British Motor Corporation, in the early 1930s Wolseley occupied the front rank of British sports cars alongside MG, Riley and Frazer Nash. The single model responsible was the Wolseley Hornet.Introduced in 1930, the Hornet saloon deployed Wolseley's 1271cc overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine in a lengthened Morris Minor chassis equipped with hydraulic brakes. Its power-to-weight ratio was exceptional amongst contemporary 1.3-litre cars, the smooth and flexible six pulling from walking pace to more than 60mph. The model was revised for 1932 with a shortened, chain-driven overhead-cam engine (repositioned further forward to improve cabin space) and a four-speed 'silent third' gearbox. Increased performance was offered by the Hornet Special chassis, which came with 12" hydraulic brakes and remote-control gearchange. The Special used the shortened engine equipped with twin-carburettors and an oil cooler, in which form it produced 45bhp, good enough for a top speed, depending on coachwork, of around 75mph. The Special chassis rapidly became that of choice for the multitude of independent coachbuilders already using the Hornet as the basis for a sporting two-seater.The Hornet Special was soon making its mark in competitions, one noteworthy achievement being the victory achieved by a team of three Eustace Watkins-bodied Hornets (two EW Daytonas on the Special chassis, one EW International on the standard chassis) in the 1932 relay race at Brooklands at an average speed of 77.57mph.

Kevill-Davis and March Ltd. of Bruton Street, Mayfair marketed a number of Wolseley Hornet ‘specials’ from early 1932 onwards and one of the most successful was a pretty little open two-seater, as we have here, with a body supplied by the coachbuilder John Charles of Kew to a design by Freddie March. There is a strong claim that these March-designed bodies were the first to feature fully swept front wings, a styling cue that was to become a design hallmark of British thirties sports cars

Offered here from The Anthony Hamilton collection, a Hornet enthusiast himself, is a beautifully presented example of one of the seven March-bodied 'Specials'. This fabulous little car has been subject to a full, no expense spared, restoration including an engine overhaul with the larger stud modification. The engine bay is an absolute delight with vitreous enamelled manifolds, fully rebuilt carburettors, a chromed rocker cover and new wiring loom. Every part was either properly refurbished or replaced. The small cockpit (by today's standards) is dominated by a large sprung Bluemels steering wheel and a 100mph speedometer and a 6,000 rpm tachometer (both a tad optimistic for 1932) feature prominently. There is a small brass plate on the dash displaying Kevill-Davies and March. The rest of the car appears to have been restored to the same standard and the overall result is a very striking Hornet with a beautiful raspy engine note only available from a small capacity six-cylinder.

This is one of the best looking of the 'Hornet Specials' and would have turned a few heads when Frederick Charles Gordon-Lennox, Earl of March and Hugh Somerset Kevill-Davies popped out to lunch in Mayfair in their newly created special. Superbly restored, it will continue to provide all the fun of a Thirties sports car with the added cachet of Lord March and Anthony Hamilton provenance.

You can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between 16th and 30th July. Please contact Lionel on 07831 574381 /&