World Record Ford Escort; Thousands raised for The RNIL; Cars from Chris Rea & Guy Ritchie - Just some of the stories from Iconic Auctioneers £9M NEC Sale this weekend

This 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth Lux from a renowned Private Collection, with just 2,221 miles and only two owners from new, made a new live auction world record at this Sale.

The bidding for this remarkable Escort RS Cosworth confirmed the pre-sale view that it was unlikely to be matched in terms of originality and 'as new' condition. This particular example was a stunning, UK-supplied, right-hand drive car finished in Diamond White with the desirable Lux-specification which included full leather, an electric sunroof, electric heated mirrors, heated windscreen, heated washer jets, leather steering wheel, electric windows and carpeted door bins.

It had been a cherished part of the significant Collection from which it was offered and having been acquired almost 30 years ago, the car has been cosseted by both its first keeper, from whom it was purchased with just over 2,000 miles indicated and the late vendor who, it would appear, has added minimal mileage in the intervening years. We understand that it was regularly taken to shows in the 1990s, presumably by trailer and featured at an Autoglym Invitation Concours in 2009. Bidding for the car was hard fought, setting a new live Auction World Record beating Iconic Auctioneers own previous record of £163,125.

Gary Dunne, Sales Manager at Iconic Auctioneers who consigned the car said, " Rarely do you get a car such as this Escort RS Cosworth Lux with such low mileage and such low ownership, this makes it highly desirable. Combine that with the rise in popularity of collecting these retro 90s Fords, we were not at all surprised to see the fierce bidding for this car. All you need is two people that really want it and that's what makes it a new live auction world record."

Iconic Auctioneers success with Fords continued in this auction with several other makes selling strongly. They sold two RS200s, this 1987 Ford RS200 was one of the 90 examples finished by Ford in the more refined road car specification, just one former keeper and 8,877 miles from new. Estimated at £190,000 - £210,000 it sold in the Saleroom above top estimate at £236,250. Whilst the slightly newer 1989 model with just 1,798 Miles sold for £247,500.

Another great result for the Ford marque was Tim Harvey’s 1990 Ford Sierra RS500. One of the most iconic Touring Cars from the 'Group A' period of the BTCC and probably one of the most original examples. Iconic Auctioneers were delighted to offer this significant piece of British Motorsport history - Tim Harvey’s 'Labatt's' RS500 from the 1989 and 1990 BTCC Seasons.

Built by the renowned Andy Rouse Engineering team for the 1989 season, this was a front-running car during the 1989 BTCC season, achieving two wins and third overall in 'Class A'. At the end of the year, the car was shipped to Macau to take part in the annual end of season event and running the Watsons Water livery, this very car won the Macau event with Tim at the wheel.

After it’s success in Macau, the same car was used by Tim for the 1990 season, this time with the updated Labatt’s livery, achieving third in Class again and fourth overall in the Championship. The car has remained in this original livery as it ended 1990. After the 1990 season, the car remained in private hands before being shipped out to Australia 2008, where it did only one race in Touring Car Masters. In 2011, it was bought by renowned UK racer, Paul Smith and shipped back to these shores. Paul race-prepared the car for big events like the Silverstone Classic and Gold Cup at Oulton Park and shared the drive with its original driver, Tim Harvey. Diligently maintained by renowned engineers and with Tim Harvey provenance, it is not surprise that it sold for £309,375.

Rob Hubbard Managing Director of Iconic Auctioneers said “Since selling the late Lady Diana Ford Escort in 2022 we have developed somewhat of a reputation for being THE auction house to sell unique Fords. In fact, including the two RS200s we sold this weekend we have sold a total of 10 RS200’s more than any other auction house, so we really are the ‘go to’ auction house if you have a special Ford you are looking to sell. With our next sale being Race Retro in February we will be on the lookout for more fabulous Fords to offer along with our renowned collector quality cars.”

But it was not only Fords that stole the show. Iconic Auctioneers were privileged to offer two delightful cars for two well-known celebrity owners. The first was this fully recommissioned and beautifully presented, this stylish 308 GT4 which was on offer directly from Chris Rea's Private Collection.

The 1980s singer and song writer, Rea is well-known for his passion for Ferraris with many finding their way through his hands over the years, however, one particular model has been a constant within his stable, that being the Dino GT4 appearing in many guises, from out and out race versions which have been spiritedly campaigned by him over the years through to superb road-going examples such as this particular steed, the latest to have received the Rea touch.

Purchased some years ago in need of a little TLC, the decision was taken to entrust Ferrari specialists QV of London, with whom Chris has a longstanding relationship, to fully recommission his latest acquisition to ensure longevity and reliability wherever possible.

The 308 GT4 is one of the few small Ferraris that suit a two-tone colour scheme, Chris' own Ferrari Pirelli Challenge car was red and gold, but in this case he chose to finish it in (we understand) a very stylish Grigio Ferro over Blu Dino Scurro. The Bordeaux Red seating and carpets present beautifully and the refurbished Cromodora alloys are as you would expect from a quality recommission.

Unusually, it's one of the very rare cars with 'factory' rear seats 'delete' which may seem strange as the GT4's raison d'etre was the extra seating, however, luggage space in the 308 GT4 was minimal so as a 'touring' car it made sense.

The second celebrity car on offer was this unique V8-powered Defender which was specially commissioned by Guy Ritchie, the British film director, producer and screen-writer. Used and enjoyed by him on his country estate and for trips into London, it presents as a wonderful mix of two British cultural icons – the Land Rover Defender and Guy Ritchie.

Iconic Auctioneers were also delighted to support this very interesting charity lot with the proceeds going to the RNLI. The build was a project completed by renowned Jaguar specialists Tom Lenthall Ltd and is was auctioned in commemoration of Tom’s friend, Emma, who passed away in 2023 from cancer. Affectionately known as ‘Emma, the XJC-R’, this bespoke build has been subject to much media coverage and Jaguar publications over the last year, with various YouTube channels including Drivetribe and AutoAlex featuring the XJC-R, this has formed a well-documented account of this fascinating project and Emma’s story. Offered at No Reserve the car went on sell for £56,000 on the hammer, which when combined with the fees donated by Iconic Auctioneers raised a very impressive amount for the RNLI.

Whilst record breakers and celebrity owned cars are highlights so too is this incredible time-warp single owner Deux Chevaux with just over 550 miles from new.

Gary Dunne, Sales Manager at Iconic Auctioneers said “Rarely does a car of this age with just one registered keeper come to light, even less so when it is a model with such cult status, and offered as it is without Reserve. This is an iconic car at an 'Iconic' sale.”

This small red 2CV comes with a remarkable tale of love for a little girl by her father. It was purchased by him as a surprise 21st birthday present for his daughter, a lovely gesture but perhaps a touch impulsive as she was only six years old at the time! Growing up she knew of the car and there is an old polaroid photograph in the history file of her with the car, but she had no idea it was to be presented to her for her twenty first. That was a surprise!

No longer a ‘little girl’, the vendor, a former international athlete and now an acclaimed sports journalist, confirms that her father kept the car ‘wrapped in cotton wool'. Despite not being used it was regularly started and maintained as required, accounting for the grand total of 557 miles from new.

Iconic Auctioneers are now inviting entries for their next auction at Race Retro in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, in February 2025. Entries close at the end of January so now is the time to contact the auction house if you are interested in selling. You can request a free valuation and read their sellers guide on their website iconciauctioneers.com or call +44 (0) 1926 691 141 to speak to one of their specialists.





For more information please contact:
Rob Hubbard
Managing Director
+ 44 (0) 7775 511 825
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