Homologation specials, hot hatches, hero cars, low-mileage rarities and even a very rare Lotus are all set to star in WB & Sons’ next classic car sale on September 17 

We’ve become accustomed to WB & Sons putting together interesting catalogues for its regular classic car auctions, but the entry list for its next sale is surely the most alluring yet. In a line-up that would rival many a car show, you’ll find homologation specials, hot hatchbacks, hero models, a very rare Lotus and many more besides.

Forced induction plays a major role here, with a stunning 1984 Renault 5 Gordini Turbo expected to fetch £14,000-£16,000, a 1985 Series 1 Ford Escort RS Turbo likely to achieve close to £20,000, and a Fiesta RS Turbo guided at £10,000-£15,000. Meanwhile, a 1992 Toyota Celica GT-Four in rare and desirable Carlos Sainz guise shows just 22,000 miles and could sell for as much as £35,000.

For those who prefer superchargers, an extremely rare Lancia Beta Volumex from 1985, complete with an engine built by the legendary late Guy Croft, is estimated at £35,000-£40,000. And even more exclusive is a 2015 Lotus Exige LF1, which is one of 81 cars produced to commemorate each of the Lotus F1 team’s victories. Based on the range-topping Exige S and is fitted with a 345bhp supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, this example could fetch as much as £60,000.

Other, non-boosted hatches include very tidy Fiesta XR2s in Mk1 and Mk2 guises, a Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9, a Citroën Saxo VTR and a very tidy MG ZR, but the performance icons don’t stop there. A 2005 Honda Integra DC5 with just 49,000 miles is also included, as are a 1999 Ford Racing Puma and several BMWs comprising a rare ‘E28’ M5, a later ‘E39’ M5, an ‘E46’ M3 and an ‘E30’ 325i Sport. What’s more, you’ll also find an early Jaguar XJR-S, a 2002 Mazda MX-5 RS and a 1996 Volvo 850R estate.

It’s not all about going fast, though. The intriguing line-up of former street furniture includes a 14,000-mile Renault 5 Campus, an 8000-mile Fiat Multipla and a 23,000-mile Peugeot 306 XLdt. As for more traditional classics, you’ll find a 1939 Vauxhall 12-4, a pair of Mk1 Cortinas, a 1967 Singer Gazelle, several Minis (including a Moke), a 1971 Fiat 500, a 1972 Austin 1300 Countryman, an MGB GT Jubilee and even a Ford Transit Mk2 ice cream van. Check out the full catalogue at wbandsons.com

  • This Renault 5 Gordini Turbo is a late example, having been registered in 1984. Showing 69,000 miles and subject to much expenditure including a rebuilt engine, it comes with plenty of history and is expected to sell for £14,000-£16,000.
  • Just 2241 ‘E28’ BMW M5s were produced, with this one supplied new to the USA. All US-spec cars were black with tan leather, and though this example now has European-spec bumpers, the equal-sized headlights fitted for the American market remain. A cherished example, it’s guided at £50,000-£60,000.
  • This 1992 Celica GT-Four ST185 is a rare Carlos Sainz model, one of 5000 produced as homologation specials with several different features and a 17bhp boost over the standard model. The 22,000-mile example has had just one owner since 1995 and is guided at £25,000-£35,000.
  • Believed to be one of only four Mk3 Countryman models left on UK roads, this 1972 Austin 1300 is bound to attract lots of interest. Finished in its original white with a dark blue vinyl interior and numerous period accessories, it’s expected to sell for £3000-£5000.
  • There are not one but two Fiat X1/9 1500s in the sale. This 1984 VS model in red over black with a matching black leather interior shows 40,000 miles and comes with lots of history. It’s guided at £5000-£7000.
  • A late Mk1 in rare estate guise, this 1967 Ford Cortina 1500 Super looks great in Lagoon Blue with a contrasting white roof and body stripes. It comes complete with a chunky history folder and is guided at £7000-£9000.
  • Another estate version of a once-common model, this 1973 HC Vauxhall Viva shows just 42,000 miles. It’s clearly a restoration project – note the extra ‘ventilation’ for the offside headlight – but has huge potential for an estimated £2000-£4000.
  • One of the first 100 5.3-litre ‘Celebration Le Mans’ cars to be produced by the joint JaguarSport venture between Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw Racing, this 1998 XJR-S V12 has covered just 50,000 miles and even comes with a Silk Cut-sponsored TWR jacket! It’s guided at £20,000-£22,000.
  • Another rarity is this 1985 Lancia Beta Coupe – one of only 168 right-hand drive examples of the Supercharged Volumex model produced. This example has had its engine rebuilt by the late twin-cam engine guru and book author, Guy Croft, and is estimated at £35,000-£40,000.
  • One of 81 cars built to commemorate each of the F1 team’s wins, this 2015 Lotus Exige LF1 is a sure-fire emerging classic. The 345bhp machine has covered just 2807 miles in the hands of one owner, and is expected to sell for £50,000-£60,000.