Jeremy Clarkson’s Ferrari F355 GTS Headlines Cliveden Auction
A quintessential piece of British motoring pop culture, Jeremy Clarkson’s 1996 Ferrari F355 GTS will be offered at RM Sotheby’s upcoming Cliveden House sale. Clarkson, who famously proclaimed the F355 “the best car in the world,” purchased it new in 1996 and drove it frequently during his early Top Gear years. With its Rosso Corsa finish and Crema leather sports seats, the targa-top model has since become a cult icon, not just for its owner but for enthusiasts who grew up watching Clarkson race it across TV screens.
Having covered just under 15,000 miles, the car remains in stunning condition, and its provenance makes it more than just a collector’s item. It appeared in The Sunday Times, Top Gear magazine, and even featured in Clarkson’s driving license mishap anecdote. With an estimate between £180,000–£220,000, this F355 blends pedigree, performance, and provenance into one irresistible package.
Soichiro Honda’s 1961 Lotus Elite Series 2
Equally rare is a 1961 Lotus Elite Series 2, first owned by none other than Soichiro Honda, the visionary behind the Honda Motor Company. The car enjoyed a colourful history in Japan, from racing with Tetsu Ikuzawa to being famously rolled at Suzuka by Hirotoshi Honda, son of the founder and creator of Mugen. Its influence extended beyond motorsport, inspiring the lines and spirit of the early Honda S600.
Restored between 2018 and 2021 by Bushell’s Restorations, the Elite is presented in Grand Prix White—an homage to its celebrated lineage. It will be offered without reserve, an extraordinary chance to acquire a historically significant piece of automotive and corporate legacy.
1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso
Few names in Ferrari’s history are as elegant as the Berlinetta Lusso, and this 1964 example is one of the finest. Delivered new in the UK and finished originally in a rare shade of blue, this right-hand-drive Lusso has remained in the same family for over 30 years. The model’s early days were shaped by hillclimber and racer Phil Scragg, with the car still wearing its unique registration, ‘PS 1216’.
Now resprayed in a classic Ferrari red, the Lusso is a symphony of proportions, curves, and understated opulence. Estimated at £950,000–£1,150,000, it offers both a rare configuration and exceptional provenance—a trophy car for collectors who value history and aesthetics equally.
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
This tastefully restored 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster arrives with matching-numbers credentials and a complete engine rebuild by Chris Shenton in 2019. Originally silver, the car is now presented in Konigs Blau, complemented by a removable hardtop and exquisite brightwork—a nod to the model’s dual identity as racer and roadster.
A favourite of celebrities and motorsport heroes alike, the 300 SL Roadster is as elegant as it is collectible. With a 20-year tenure in the same family collection, this particular example is priced between £700,000–£900,000 and is ready for concours lawns or grand touring.
2007 Creation CA07 LMP1 Le Mans Prototype
From the world of endurance racing comes the 2007 Creation CA07 LMP1, a true track weapon with two finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans under its belt. One of only two ever built, the car features a 5.5-litre Judd V10 engine and weighs just 900 kg—delivering raw, unfiltered speed for serious collectors or vintage race competitors.
Eligible for Masters Endurance Legends and WEC support races, the CA07 offers unmatched access to the pinnacle of modern historic racing. Offered without reserve and expected to fetch £550,000–£750,000, this prototype is poised for its next chapter on track.
1969 Chevron B16
A darling of the late-60s sports prototype scene, the Chevron B16 carved a name in racing history with legendary drivers like Brian Redman and Vic Elford. This example, with period race history and authentic details, represents a golden age of motorsport engineering and minimalist design.
Lightweight, quick, and endlessly beautiful, the B16 remains one of the most desirable entries in historic racing events today. Estimated at £150,000–£190,000, it’s a racing icon wrapped in artistic simplicity.
2017 Land Rover Range Rover Custom by Chieftain
For modern muscle with classic British charm, the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Custom by Chieftain delivers 556 horsepower and aggressive stance wrapped in stealthy refinement. Built for power and presence, it reflects the bespoke nature of contemporary restomod culture.
Whether traversing desert highways or pulling up to luxury resorts, this Chieftain-modified Range Rover balances brute force with tailored elegance. With a guide of £80,000–£120,000, it’s a modern icon dressed in utilitarian chic.
1948 Land Rover Series I (Oldest Surviving Military Spec)
This 1948 Land Rover Series I might be the oldest surviving military-spec model, fully restored and draped in authenticity. With its upright stance, painted steel wheels, and riveted body panels, it embodies British post-war ingenuity.
Its estimate of £50,000–£75,000 marks it as a relatively accessible entry into a rarified historical tier of Land Rover collecting—a piece for purists and adventurers alike.
1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Sports Saloon by Mulliner
Arguably one of Bentley’s most elegant post-war creations, the R-Type Continental Sports Saloon was the fastest four-seater in the world when it launched. This Mulliner-bodied example has remained with its current owner since 1975, a testament to its timeless appeal and engineering grace.
Valued between £420,000–£480,000, this Bentley encapsulates the jet-set glamour of the 1950s. From concours fields to alpine tours, it represents an era when grand touring was an art form.
