£393k barn find and more at the Silverstone Festival auction

Fast Fords, British classics and much more

Held at the legendary British circuit, the 2025 Silverstone Festival celebrated everything about motorsport.

Alongside the on-track action, Iconic Auctioneers hosted three days of sales. The lots on offer stretched from motorbikes and automobilia, right through to flame-spitting competition cars. There were barn-find Porsches and ex-royal Range Rovers, too.

With the hammer having now fallen, let’s take a look at the 300 vehicles to discover which achieved the most impressive auction results – and which might still be up for grabs now.

1997 Ford Escort WRC

Sold for: £300,375

The Ford Escort and rallying have long been a successful combination, but this particular Escort is more special than most. Originally built by Ford Motorsport at Boreham in 1996, it was later upgraded to full WRC specification by M-Sport.

It made its debut on the 1997 Monte Carlo Rally, driven by Carlos Sainz and Luis Moya, finishing in second place. Contesting multiple other World Rally Championship rounds, the car was later used by Juha Kankkunen, Armin Schwarz and Jarmo Kytölehto to claim multiple podiums.

Now back in its original factory livery, and backed by an extensive history file, the Escort WRC is eligible for historic rallying. Invitations to appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed are certainly possible, too.

2004 Subaru Impreza WRC

Buy it now: £322,000

If you prefer your WRC cars to wear the famous blue and gold livery of Subaru, the Silverstone Festival sale has you covered. Built by Prodrive, this Impreza made several World Rally Championship appearances with Mikko Hirvonen at the wheel.

Its most infamous moment came on the 2004 Rally Finland, where a high-speed accident saw the front suspension destroyed. Prodrive was able to rebuild the car, however, and it retained its original Gold FIA Passport.

Subject to a recent engine rebuild, and with an optional spares package available, this Prodrive Impreza WRC is ready for rally or show use. It failed to sell on auction day, but could still be yours for £322,000.

1970 Ford Mk1 Escort Twin-Cam

Sold for: £45,000

Developed specifically for Group 2 rallying, the Twin-Cam marked the start of the Ford Escort’s connection with motorsport. Power came from a Lotus-engineered 1.6-litre engine.

This is an original works-prepared Escort, used by the late Hannu Mikkola at the 1970 Rally of Cyprus. It would also be driven, albeit not competitively, by British rally hero Roger Clark.

With historic provenance provided by the AVO Club, the Escort has also made numerous magazine appearances, and was even featured in Graham Robson’s respected book, The Works Escorts. Its sale price of £45,000 came in just below the pre-auction estimate.

1988 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Group A

Sold for: Undisclosed amount

The Ford Sierra RS500 is a touring car legend: a dominant force around the world during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Cars like this one, built by Andy Rouse Engineering, were perhaps the most renowned of all.

Prepared for the 1988 British Touring Car Championship, and resplendent in its Kaliber livery, this RS500 was driven by Guy Edwards during the season. It was later sold to Peter Brock, and the car made appearances throughout Asia – even racing in the Bathurst 1000.

Rebuilt in 2017, then returned to the UK in 2019, this classic RS500 is ready to race again. The RS500 did sell on the day, but after the auction. Its price was not disclosed.

1990 Ford Sierra RS500 BTCC

Buy it now for: £278,900

Arguably the biggest attraction at the 2025 Silverstone Festival sale was this particular Sierra RS500, driven by Andy Rouse in the 1990 British Touring Car Championship.

In the final year of the multi-class BTCC format, Rouse claimed four race wins and six other podiums, finishing third in the overall standings. Following the end of the season, the RS500 was immediately retired from racing, and placed on display in the Coventry Transport Museum.

Other than an outing at the 2001 Goodwood Festival of Speed (driven again by Rouse), the RS500 remains in time warp condition. Perhaps the most original remaining Group A Sierra, this was the first time it had been offered for public sale. It remains available to buy now.

1985 Toyota Supra

Sold for: £56,250

The late Barry Sheene remains the last British rider to win the top level of motorcycle Grand Prix racing, having claimed the 500cc title in 1976 and 1977. Despite being famous for his exploits on two wheels, Sheene also competed in cars.

This included racing in the 1985 British Saloon Car Championship, driving the very Toyota Supra offered for auction here. Noted for being only a fraction slower than Toyota’s regular driver Win Percy in testing, Sheene would achieve two podium finishes during the 1985 season.

Featured in a tribute to Sheene at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and with a recent engine rebuild, the Supra is ready to celebrate Barry’s life once more.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze WTCC

Sold for: £67,500

During the early 2010s, the Chevrolet Cruze emerged as the unassuming star of the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). Claiming three titles between 2010 and 2012, the Cruze was transformed into a world-beater by Northamptonshire-based RML.

Available for auction is the Chevrolet Cruze that was driven by Britain’s Rob Huff to second place in the 2011 WTCC. With eight wins throughout the season, Huff finished just three points behind his Chevrolet team mate Yvan Muller in the championship standings.

Huff also took four pole positions, 18 podiums and nine fastest laps during the 2011 season, demonstrating just how quick this car was. Stored by RML until being listed for sale, this is a genuine part of motorsport history.

1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Sold for: Undisclosed amount

Along with remarkable racing cars up for auction, the Silverstone Festival also features a host of road vehicles ready to cross the block.

Among them is this Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, noted as being in original unrestored condition, and with only 27,742 miles on its odometer. Owned by a Ford employee for 32 years, the Cosworth is backed by extensive provenance.

With Sierra Cosworths attracting big bids at collector car auctions in recent years, expectations were high for this special ‘whale tail’. It was sold after the auction for an undisclosed sum.

1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth Lux

Sold for: £81,562

Few vehicles are more synonymous with the 1990s performance car culture than the Ford Escort RS Cosworth. Starting life as a homologation special, its outrageous looks and turbocharged speed made for a true legend.

Noted as having just one owner from new, this ‘Cossie’ is finished in desirable Imperial Blue. As a Lux specification car, it features Recaro seats clad in Raven Black leather, central locking and a CD player.

Recently subjected to a £6,000 refresh by Graham Goode Racing, following years in storage, the Cosworth has only 22,000 miles recorded.

1993 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton

Buy it now: £110,900

So outrageous that it was even mentioned during a debate in the Houses of Parliament, the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton etched itself into motoring infamy during the 1990s. A top speed of 176mph was considered by some as too much for the public road.

First registered in 1993, this example is, like all others, finished in Imperial Green with a grey leather interior. The twin-turbocharged 377hp engine has seen only minimal use during the past three decades, with a total of 29,000 miles shown.

Dry stored throughout its life, this is a supremely well-preserved Lotus Carlton – hence the substantial ‘buy it now’ price.

2003 TVR T440R

Buy it now: £184,000

The TVR T440R was another case of ‘what could have been’ for the Blackpool-based sports car manufacturer. The result of an ambitious aim to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the T440R was aimed at securing GT1 homologation.

This example is claimed to be the only T440R built by TVR to full FIA specification, and was first owned by Lawrence Tomlinson. Now the owner of Ginetta Cars, Tomlinson played an important part in TVR’s motorsport activities during the early 2000s.

Powered by a 440hp straight-six, the T440R is said to be capable of 215mph. It also has an exhaust note unlike any other TVR.

2007 MG XPower SV

Sold for: £41,625

Another product of British optimism, the MG XPower SV was created during the troubled Phoenix ownership of the classic marque. Adding a new, Peter Stevens-designed body to the chassis from Qvale Mangusta resulted in the XPower SV.

Painted in Dusty Blue, this example comes with a 320hp version of the Ford-supplied 4.6-litre V8 engine. This allows a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds, plus a top speed of 165mph.

With low mileage, and recent light recommissioning work, this MG XPower SV represented an affordable piece of British sports car history.

1994 Jaguar XJS 4.0-Litre Convertible

Sold for: £77,625

The Jaguar XJS is undergoing something of a renaissance, with the reborn TWR marque even using it as the basis for a new bespoke supercar.

For those who prefer their XJS in original condition, this example is unregistered, and with only 306 miles on its odometer. Previously owned by Jaguar Land Rover Classic, it remained with its manufacturer from the day it was made.

Equipped with a manual gearbox for its 4.0-litre straight-six engine, the XJS is finished in black with a grey leather interior. With such little use, even the ‘new car smell’ is said to still be present.

1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Speedster

Sold for: £393,750

The Porsche 356 has emerged as a highly collectible car, commanding big prices at auctions across the world. However, this example is more special than many, representing the earliest ‘Pre-A’ specification.

Adding to its appeal is the fact this car was a genuine barn find, discovered at a farm in Ohio. Owned by the same family for 70 years, the Porsche was subjected to a meticulous disassembly and rebuild.

With the bodywork and mechanical components said to be original, this represented a very rare chance to own one of the purest classic Porsche models.

Buyers were clearly drawn to this special Speedster, making it the most expensive car of the weekend.

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS Touring

Buy it now: £546,250

Claimed by some to be the greatest Porsche 911 ever made, the 2.7 RS began life as a homologation special. A flat-six engine enlarged to 2.7 litres, along with the distinctive ‘ducktail’ rear spoiler, created a true icon.

Taken from the second series of 2.7 RS production, this Grand Prix White example was first sold to an Italian collector. Later imported to the UK, this Porsche has been subject to an incredible amount of maintenance and restoration in recent years.

This includes £189,000 spent on a jig-mounted, bare-shell rebuild that lasted four years. It still makes the six-figure ‘buy it now’ price seem like something of a bargain.

1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS

Sold for: £230,625

The 993-generation 911 Carrera RS was the ultimate naturally aspirated version of the air-cooled Porsche. Developed for motorsport homologation, its 3.8-litre flat-six was tuned to produce 300hp, with the kerb weight brought down to 1,280kg.

Thinner window glass, no airbags, lightweight body panels and Recaro bucket seats all contributed to the diet. A rear wing and upgraded brakes were part of the RS package, too.

First sold to a Japanese buyer, this RS came to the UK in 2023. Finished in Polar Silver Metallic, an RS Clubsport aero kit has also been fitted.

1995 BMW E36 M3 GT

Buy it now: £78,200

Compared to the previous Porsche 911, the E36-generation BMW M3 GT offers a more affordable 1990’s homologation special. It also happens to be rarer than its German rival, with just 50 examples produced in right-hand drive.

Kerb weight was reduced by 30kg, with UK cars gaining suspension upgrades, 17-inch BMW Motorsport wheels and an adjustable front splitter. All 50 cars were finished in British Racing Green, with striking Mexico Green leather and part-Alcantara seats.

Some £30,000 has been spent on a recent overhaul and engine rebuild for this car – one of only 25 examples remaining in the UK.

1989 Volkswagen Golf G60 Rallye

Sold for: £45,000

The specification for the Volkswagen Golf Rallye seems wild to read in 2025. With four-wheel drive and a 160hp G60 supercharged 1.8-litre engine, the Rallye was designed to homologate the Mk2 Golf for use in Group A rallying.

A total of 5,000 examples were made, complete with flared wheelarches and bespoke projector headlights. Sadly, Volkswagen never experienced WRC triumph, but the Rallye still became a cult classic.

Complete with a substantial history file, this is an intriguing alternative to fellow Group A homologation specials such as the Ford Escort RS Cosworth and Lancia Delta Integrale.

2006 Range Rover Supercharged – ex-Queen Elizabeth II

Sold for: £175,500

The late Queen Elizabeth II was known for her fondness for driving, and owned a series of vehicles with more interesting specifications than might be expected of a reigning monarch. This even extended to owning a L322-generation Range Rover equipped with a 510hp 4.2-litre supercharged engine.

Finished in Tonga Green over Sand Oxford leather, the Range Rover came with bespoke SVO modifications. These included side steps, extra grab handles and a rear dog guard, all tailored to Her Majesty’s personal specification.

Supplied with the Range Rover will be paperwork confirming its time in the royal household, along with photographs showing it alongside Queen Elizabeth II.

Such a significant former owner meant this Range Rover attracted a record-breaking sale price of more than £175,000.

1989 Alfa Romeo 75 V6 3.0 Veloce – ex-Top Gear

Buy it now: £13,500

Recognise the distinctive paintwork and numerous battle scars on the body of this Alfa Romeo 75? This is the car used by Jeremy Clarkson in Top Gear’s ‘£1,000 Alfa Romeo’ challenge. It formed a part of series 11, which aired in 2008.

Despite the treatment meted out to the Alfa Romeo by ‘Jezza’ during filming, the 75 survived the experience. It was later purchased by the current vendor, still with all the damage present.

Replacement bodywork was supplied with the car to return the Alfa to factory specification. It lives on in search of another owner, though.

1965 Innocenti Lambretta TV200 – ex-Liam Gallagher

Sold for: £12,075

The Iconic Auctioneers Silverstone Festival sale also includes many motorbikes, such as a Lambretta scooter once owned by Liam Gallagher.

Featured at the 2009 launch party for Gallagher’s Pretty Green fashion boutique, the Lambretta comes with a custom Ancillotti seat. The engine panels with leopard print detailing are also bespoke.

The price paid for this Lambretta is likely to be more affordable than purchasing any remaining tickets for the Oasis reunion tour…

1978 Lotus Esprit S2 JPS Edition

Sold for: £49,167

Launched at the 1978 Earls Court Motor Show, the ‘World Championship Commemorative Model’ was the first special edition of the Lotus Esprit. More commonly known as the ‘JPS Edition’ due to its black and gold livery, only 185 are believed to have been made.

The car offered for auction was the exact model displayed at the Earls Court Motor Show, confirmed as number 001 from the production run. Sold to an owner in Ireland, it was brought to the UK in 1989.

An extensive six-year restoration, plus the all-important documents from Lotus confirming the car’s history, will have boosted the sale price.

1970 Datsun Fairlady Z432

Sold for: £94,500

Datsun Z-cars have become hugely popular at auction on both sides of the Atlantic, and the Z432 is more desirable than most. It shares components with the contemporary Skyline GT-R, including its formidable ‘S20’ straight-six engine.

Sold only in Japan, production was limited to 420 units. The car was even used by police forces when new.

Imported to the UK in 2018, the auction price achieved reflects the rarity and importance of this Datsun.

1984 Open Manta 400

Sold for: £112,500

Among Group B rally specials the Opel Manta 400 is, unfairly, pushed towards the margins. Yet it remains a genuine homologation hero, and one of only 245 examples made.

This particular car is even rarer, being right-hand drive, and coming in the combination of Astral Silver paint with an Opel ‘Blitz’ interior. Just 11 others are said to have been made. It also features the striking wide-arch bodykit.

A sale price of more than £110,000 might seem steep for an Opel Manta, but is relatively affordable compared to some Group B machines.