Rare British Gems Shine at RM Sotheby's London Auction

The upcoming RM Sotheby's London sale promises to be a showcase of some of the rarest and most sought-after British automotive gems, with a lineup that spans over a century of automotive history. From a 1900 De Dion-Bouton tricycle to a 2020 McLaren Senna GTR LM, the diverse selection of 62 vehicles on offer is sure to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. The star lot, a 1957 Jaguar XKSS, is expected to fetch a staggering high-end estimate of around $14.4 million, cementing its status as one of the most valuable cars ever produced in the UK.

Unveiling the Finest British Automotive Treasures

A Glimpse into Automotive History: The 1900 De Dion-Bouton Vis-à-Vis Voiturette

Stepping back in time, the auction features a charming 1900 De Dion-Bouton Vis-à-Vis Voiturette, a French-made vehicle that showcases the early days of automobile design. With its unique face-to-face seating arrangement and a tiny, horizontal steering wheel, this nearly 125-year-old voiturette offers a fascinating glimpse into the formative years of the automotive industry. Despite its modest 3.5 hp engine, this car has a loyal following among collectors who appreciate the opportunity to experience a true piece of automotive history.

Celebrating the Iconic Ferrari Testarossa

The auction also includes a 1990 Ferrari Testarossa, a model that celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. While the Testarossa's distinctive 1980s design and side-strakes have become iconic, its value has not kept pace with some of its contemporaries. This particular example, featuring the most evolved iteration of the original Testarossa, boasts a celebrity provenance – it was first delivered to Formula 1 and IndyCar champion Nigel Mansell for personal use in his final season at Ferrari. With its plaque commemorating this connection and the early maintenance records bearing stamps from Mansell's own Ferrari dealership, this Testarossa offers a unique opportunity for collectors.

The Legendary Honda NSX-R

One of the standout lots is a 1994 Honda NSX-R, a car that has been hailed as one of the greatest vehicles ever produced in Japan. The NSX-R version took the already impressive NSX to new heights, shedding nearly 264 pounds in weight for a scalpel-sharp driving experience. With only 483 examples ever made, and all of them exclusively for the Japanese market, this particular car is a rare find. Ordered new by a British banker working in Tokyo, this NSX-R has been meticulously maintained and has had only one subsequent owner since it was brought to the UK, making it a highly desirable acquisition for collectors.

The Elegant Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback

Befitting a London auction, the lineup includes a stunning 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback, a model that boasts one of the most elegant shapes ever to grace four wheels. Featuring a manual gearbox, lightweight seats, and rear-wheel spats, this particular example has a highly desirable specification. As the fastest four-seater of its day and with only 207 units produced, the R-Type Continental Fastback is a true automotive gem that is sure to captivate collectors.

The Savage Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight

For those seeking a rare and high-performance Porsche, the auction offers a 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight. One of only 86 examples produced, and just 18 in a right-hand-drive configuration, this car is essentially a street-legal version of the model that won the 1992 IMSA Supercar Championship. With a significant power increase and a weight reduction of 400 pounds, the Turbo S Lightweight is a savage and highly sought-after iteration of the 964-generation 911. Thoroughly recommissioned, this example is believed to have been owned by the Sultan of Brunei, making it a true collector's item.

The Iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing"

No British-focused auction would be complete without the inclusion of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing," a model that has been hailed as one of the greatest sports cars of all time. This particular 1954 example is a rare pre-production car, built by Mercedes as a "Standwagen," or display car, for the 1954 London Motor Show. After serving as a demonstrator, the car passed to the same British family who have owned it ever since. Now, seven decades after its public debut, this 300 SL "Gullwing" is once again in the limelight, offering collectors a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history.

The Timeless Allure of the Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso

Even in the face of the high-end estimates, a 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso appears to be undervalued. With its stunning Scaglietti bodywork and the most refined iteration of the iconic Colombo V-12 engine, the Lusso is a grand tourer that combines grace, pace, and glamour. Despite the fact that older Ferraris, even those as iconic as the 250 Lusso, are seeing their values stutter as a new generation of collectors emerges, this car remains a tempting proposition for those seeking a true automotive masterpiece.

The Pinnacle of Jaguar's Legacy: The XKSS

Undoubtedly the star lot of the auction is the 1957 Jaguar XKSS, a model that is widely regarded as the most desirable and valuable road-going Jaguar ever produced. Of the mere 18 XKSS models ever made, 14 were delivered to the United States, where owners included the legendary Steve McQueen. This particular example, which was initially built and sold as a D-Type racing chassis before being bodied as an XKSS, has a remarkable history, having been used for competition by the likes of Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart. As Jaguar prepares to transition to a purely electric future, this XKSS represents the pinnacle of the brand's combustion-engined legacy, making it a highly coveted acquisition for collectors.