Historics gets its 2022 classic car auction programme under way at Ascot Racecourse on March 12, complete with some impressive six-figure headliners

As ever, it will be a public-facing sale, with viewing days available beforehand and bidding possible in hall, via the telephone, by commission or online.

As we’ve come to expect at Historics, there’s a wide selection of prestige classics. A 1972 Aston Martin DBS V8 could make as much as £135,000, while a later Virage-shaped V8 Coupe from 1998 carries a £80,000-£110,000 estimate.

You’ll also find several Bentleys, headlined by a 1995 Continental R, as well as a selection of Rolls-Royces including a 1952 Silver Wraith and a rare Silver Dawn. The Jaguar contingent, meanwhile, features no fewer than six E-Types at the time of writing, as well as a 1947 MkIV and three Mk2s that are all expected to be available for under £25,000.

Overseas prestige is also well represented, especially when it comes to strong Mercedes-Benz quota. Entries range from more recent models, such as a pair of CL55 AMGs and a trio of R129s, right back to a 1967 W112 300 SE Cabriolet that’s estimated at £120,000-£140,000. Fellow Stuttgart brand Porsche also features prominently, with a 1994 Porsche 928 GTS that’s covered just 8200 miles surely the highlight at an estimated £46,000-£54,000.

Traditional British sports cars include a 1956 Austin Healey 100/4 BN2 in green over white, which is complemented by a 1964 3000 model in the same colour scheme. In addition, you’ll find a couple of Triumphs Stags and a wide range of TR models including a TR3, a TR4, a couple of TR5s and a TR6.

A solitary MGB is joined by a 1966 Morgan 4/4, while those preferring a tin-top might like a 1970 Jensen Interceptor Mk2 offered with no reserve.

The Jensen is far from the only no-reserve entry, however. A 1974 Lotus Elite gifted to then Formula 1 driver Ronnie Peterson by Colin Chapman is one of the most remarkable, but you’ll also find a smart 1970 Fiat 500, several of the Mercedes entries, a Rover Mini Paul Smith LE, a couple of Mk5 Volkswagen Golf GTIs, a Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet, a 2003 Jaguar XJ8 Sport, a BMW 750i and a beautiful 1964 Ford Zodiac.

With other intriguing lots including a 1972 Brabham BT38 Formula 2 car, a pre-war Railton Tourer and an AC Aceca with Cobra underpinnings that could crack over £200,000, there’s something for all pockets and tastes. For the full catalogue, visit the Historics website here.

  • Production of the AC Aceca ceased before Carroll Shelby could get his hands on it, but this one is a Cobra in all but name. Fitted with a 409bhp Boss V8, the Swiss-built creation is based on Cobra underpinnings expertly mated with an Aceca body, and carries an estimate of £175,000-£200,000.
  • Joining a later, no-reserve 1970 example is this 1963 Fiat 500D Transformabile, with its desirable roll-back open roof and suicide doors. It’s also been uprated with a 650cc engine and front disc brakes, and is expected to command £14,000-£17,000.
  • This 57-year-old Ford Zodiac Mk3 has effectively covered little more than a mile a day since new. The fully restored 1964 example has covered a mere 25,057 miles, verified by a huge history folder and previous MoT test certificates, and is tantalisingly offered with no reserve.
  • Once gifted to ex-Formula 1 racing driver Ronnie Peterson, this 1974 Lotus Elite is offered with no reserve. Resplendent in Lotus Yellow with a custom Oatmeal interior, it boasts a huge history file and a selection of period photos that includes the car’s handover by Colin Chapman.
  • Headlining a large Mercedes-Benz selection is this US-specification W112 300 SE Cabriolet, which boasts rare manual transmission. The 1967 example presents in excellent condition throughout and is estimated at £120,000-£140,000.
  • This 1965 Mk1 Austin Mini 998 Cooper has completed less than 100 miles since a bare-metal restoration costing £31,000. Resplendent in Almond Green with some choice period tweaks, it shows excellent attention to detail – hence its £28,000-£32,000 estimate.
  • A right-hand-drive example of NSU’s forward-thinking saloon, this Wankel-powered 1975 Ro80 shows a mere 40,039 miles and presents in good order throughout. It’s one of just 45 examples licensed with the DVLA and is expected to change hands for £13,000-£16,000.
  • An estimated £18,000-£23,000 may seem a lot for a P38 Range Rover showing 131,000 miles, but this 1994 4.0 SE example is a pre-production model used as part of the original press launch at Cliveden. It’s now been restored to concours condition, complete with a full mechanical overhaul.
  • A respected name from the pre-war era, Railton cars were hand-built to order for a wealthy client base. This 1937 2+2 Tourer with its original Carbodies coachwork was once owned by Timothy Railton, son of the firm’s co-founder, Reid Railton. It’s estimated at £37,000-£45,000.
  • A special edition of the Silver Spur III, only 237 examples of the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn were produced during its short three-year production run, with just 80 for the UK market. This 1996 car shows only 53,000 miles and is estimated at £18,000-£23,000.