British classics steal the show at Race Retro Auction

The largest classic auto auction in the UK was held this weekend as Silverstone Auctions hosted the 2013 Race Retro and Classic Car sale. Over £1.4 million ($2.12M) in classic and retro cars were sold.

Highlights included a stunning 1967 Aston Martin DB6, which sold for £123,750 ($187,630) and a 1952 Land Rover 80 Series 1 which sold for £32,850 ($49,807 - over double its pre-sale estimate). Probably the most surprising and sought-after cars of the show, however, was the 1953 Connaught AL 10 historic Grand Prix car (pictured) that had been driven by legends such as Roy Salvadori, John Coombs, Kenneth McAlpine, Ron Flockhart and Bill Whitehouse. That irreplaceable piece of racing history fetched £196,875 ($298,500) at auction, one of the highest-grossing cars of the weekend.

“With its passionate and knowledgeable crowds, Race Retro has once again proved itself as a fantastic venue to host a classic and competition car auction,” comments Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions. “Not only have we achieved some great returns for vendors of road-going classics but a significant number of competition cars have also been acquired by new owners, just in time for the start of this year’s race season.”

Other notables at auction were a 1985 Ford Sierra Cosworth Group N rally car (£39,900), a 1995 Austin FX4 London taxi, a 1962 Leyland Routemaster bus (£20,250).

The Silverstone Auctions Race Retro and Classic Car sale takes place at the Silverstone Racing Circuit. It's an annual event that has grown a reputation for featuring some of the most sought-after and exclusive legendary race cars and showcases of classic automotive beauty in Europe.