Bentley Racing Automobilia Takes Pole Position at Auction

Classic motoring ephemera or ‘automobilia‘ has long been a part of the collector scene but rarely does it include such unique and historically significant items as those offered by Historics at Ascot Racecourse on Friday and Saturday, December 11^th and 12^th.

Pole position amongst the 120 lots most certainly goes to the 32-lot private collection of items from the Team Bentley 2001-2003 endurance racing campaign that culminated in the manufacturer team winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003. All items are from the premises in Norfolk where the team was headquartered during the campaign.

Automobilia is always full of interest and fascination but this truly remarkable collection is extremely significant and a unique piece of motorsport history.

Stewart Banks of Historics Auctioneers

Of the collection, where all lots are to be offered without reserve, a number take pride of place and are worth separate mention.

The first is a full-size GRP replica of the 2003 Le Mans-winning Team Bentley Speed 8.  Believed to have been displayed extensively at shows during/after the racing program finished that year, the non-working but race-wheeled replica – externally a clone of the race entry – is in pristine condition and is finished in the evocative BRG livery of the No.7 Le Mans winning car. A magnificent display piece.

As too is a carbon fiber bodyshell, believed to be that of the Team Bentley EXP Speed 8 of 2001. Bearing the Le Mans team livery for that year it was possibly utilized as a spares back-up for the team at the race itself. A very significant and historical item, it would grace any collection.

The same can be said of two large-scale wind tunnel models of the Team Bentley EXP Speed 8. Believed to have been manufactured and used by the team for aerodynamic development, labeled No. 002 and 004, they are supplied in sturdy flight cases and measure approximately two meters.

Intriguingly, less is known about a wind tunnel model of a Formula racing car and a carbon-fiber bodyshell of an endurance racing prototype that are included in the collection.

More manageable and equally collectible lots include a Team Bentley Third Place Trophy from the 2003 12-Hours of Sebring, a large quantity of framed prints of the Team Bentley Speed 8 campaign, a collection of mechanical parts, and a substantial number of Team Bentley unused workshop coats.

Three of the most significant lots in the collection, included within the descriptions above, will be offered at Historics sale of 200 varied classics on Saturday, December 12^th, whilst the majority will come to market at the automobilia auction on the preceding Friday the 11^th.

Close inspection of all lots is thoroughly recommended for those with the ability at any of the pre-sale viewing days at the venue each day from Wednesday, December 9^th. 

For those unable to attend the auctions in person, which will be staged with strict adherence to prevailing Covid-19 legislation, Historics provides telephone and online bidding.  For bidder pre-registration and full details of all lots, visit www.historics.co.uk.

Note: Press release courtesy of Historics Auctioneers.