As the automotive world gears up for May the 4th — otherwise known as ‘Star Wars Day’ — Hampson Auctions is set to offer a remarkable selection of classic, performance, and supercars at their eagerly anticipated sale at Bolesworth Castle. While we won’t be seeing any intergalactic starships, this year’s entry list promises to be just as exhilarating, featuring everything from iconic 1960s sports and GT cars to contemporary high-performance machines, with something for every enthusiast’s taste.
Headlining the Sale: Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage
Topping the bill at Bolesworth is a rare gem — the 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage. One of only 136 coupes produced with the uprated Vantage specification, this stunning example is the result of a meticulous restoration. The car’s original engine has been rebuilt to exacting standards, with a £40,000 overhaul performed by renowned Aston Martin specialists, RS Williams. This masterpiece is expected to fetch between £400,000-£500,000, and will no doubt be a highlight for collectors of classic Aston Martins.
Rolls-Royce: The Pinnacle of Luxury
The 2024 Rolls-Royce Phantom is another showstopper in the sale. With over £60,000 in bespoke options, this vehicle originally commanded a price of nearly £500,000 when purchased in February of last year. Having covered just 1,800 miles since leaving the Goodwood factory, it is a pristine example of Rolls-Royce’s commitment to luxury and craftsmanship. With its exceptional specification, this Phantom is set to sell for an estimated £350,000-£400,000.
Adding to the allure of Rolls-Royce offerings, a 2018 Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge Adamas Collection model — one of only 40 produced — is up for grabs. With just 13,000 miles on the clock, this highly exclusive model represents the pinnacle of performance and luxury, estimated at £190,000-£210,000.
Jaguar E-Type Reimagined
For fans of British motoring history, the 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series One offers something extraordinary. In 2020, the car underwent an exhaustive restoration by esteemed Jaguar specialists, Woodham Mortimer, who upgraded the car into their vision of an E-type “perfection”. Known as the ‘4.7 Sport GT’, this E-Type stands out as a perfect blend of classic charm and modern performance, with an estimate ranging from £200,000-£300,000.
Ferrari Finesse
Ferrari enthusiasts won’t be left wanting either. The 1996 Ferrari 456GT in Azzurro Monaco paint — a striking blue hue that only two right-hand drive 456GTs in the UK were finished in — offers rare beauty and exclusivity. With just 26,000 miles on the clock, this car has an estimated value of £38,000-£42,000. Alternatively, the 2011 Ferrari California, a superb 2+2 convertible, comes with a throaty 4.3-litre V8 engine, also priced between £38,000-£42,000.
Nissan R35 GT-Rs: Time Capsule Machines
For fans of contemporary performance, Hampson’s Bolesworth sale features not one, but two Nissan R35 GT-R Recaro editions. Both cars are virtually new, with just delivery miles on the odometers: the 2016 example has covered only 160 miles, while the 2017 version has an even more astonishing 95 miles. These “time-warp” cars are sure to ignite the passions of Nissan enthusiasts, with estimates of £65,000-£75,000 for the 2016 model and £75,000-£85,000 for the 2017.
Classic Gems: Mini, Fiat, and More
Classic car lovers will be spoilt for choice, starting with the 1980 Morris Mini Van. Offered at No Reserve, this charming little van would make the perfect promotional vehicle for a business or an eye-catching addition to any collection. For Mini fans looking for something sportier, the 1963 Austin Mini Cooper S with period racing history could be theirs, beautifully restored and estimated at £30,000-£35,000.
Fiat aficionados have two alluring options: the rare 1965 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet, imported to the UK in 1965 and kept in the same ownership until 2003 (estimated at £12,000-£14,000), or the cheerful 1975 Fiat 500 R finished in terracotta, ready for sunny drives and offered at £6,000-£8,000.
For those with a penchant for classic Fords, the sale features the 1973 Ford Capri 3000 GXL, a meticulously restored example of the rare 3-litre V6 version, estimated at £14,000-£16,000. The 1988 Ford Escort RS Turbo, offered at No Reserve, has benefited from a full engine rebuild and tuning by JamSport, and carries an estimate of £20,000-£25,000.
Jaguar XK150: A Royal Connection
The 1958 Jaguar XK150 offered at Bolesworth is a car with royal provenance. Originally owned by the Earl of Moray, who used it as his personal car, it was meticulously restored by David Holmes in the 1980s. This iconic British sports car, estimated at £30,000-£40,000, is bound to attract collectors who appreciate both its history and its impeccable craftsmanship.
A Last-Minute Consignment of 24 Cars
In a last-minute twist, Hampson Auctions has added an exciting batch of 24 cars from a private collection. Highlights of this remarkable collection include a 1934 Fordson petrol tanker in pristine condition with Pratt’s Petroleum livery, as well as a 1964 Alvis T21 Saloon. Also on offer are two rare, Hooper-bodied cars: a 1955 Daimler Century, believed to be one of just two remaining, and a 1956 Bentley S1 Hooper Body, one of only 39 produced. Many of these cars are being offered at No Reserve, making this a must-attend sale for collectors.
With such a diverse array of cars, from world-class performance machines to cherished classics, Hampson Auctions’ sale at Bolesworth Castle on Sunday, 4 May promises to be an event that will have automotive enthusiasts and collectors on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping Rolls-Royce, a rejuvenated Jaguar, or a rare Ferrari, the auction is sure to have something that will ignite your passion for fine automobiles. For more details on the full entry list, including the recently added private collection, visit Hampson Auctions’ website and start planning your bids.
