Seven incredible cars you could buy at FOS

Benetton B193B

£1.1-£1.6million

The obvious opener is of course the Benetton B193B of 1993, which Michael Schumacher tested and qualified, and Riccardo Patrese raced. This high-finishing grand prix machine is the bedrock for Benetton’s championship success in the years that followed. Today, it’s in “on-the-button” driving condition, with its original V8 engine and gearbox in perfect working order, albeit in the case of the former, de-tuned. Gone is the sophisticated active suspension setup of the period in favour of a passive system for reliability and ease of use, because this is a car you’re going to want to drive. This is the star of the sale, we’d wager.

McLaren-Mercedes SLR 722 S Roadster

£550,000-£750,000

Our token modern era supercar for this list is this outstanding McLaren-Mercedes SLR 722 S Roadster, one of just 150 made. Delivered originally to the US this SLR was one of ten dealer show cars of the time. It’s covered just 10,200 miles since new, and since first delivery it has been brought over to Europe and converted to European specification. Though the SLR is arguably the more subtle of its contemporaries, this example with its loud ‘722 S’ stickering isn’t for shrinking violets. It’s also expected to make some sturdy money, so if you want it, be ready to pay up.

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

£400,000-£500,000

You might be wondering why this three-year-old Aston Martin DBS, which when new wouldn’t have sold for more than £300,000, is expected to go for a significantly higher sum when it crosses the block. It’s because this car is a movie star, and what other movie for an Aston Martin than James Bond? Yes, this is the DBS Superleggera used in No Time To Die, Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as Bond. While it wasn’t driven by Bond in the movie, it was driven by 007. You’ll have to watch the film to figure that one out. It didn’t have the most screen time but it did put its fastest foot forward, giving us a nice oversteer slide onto an airfield. It’s in full working order – no bullet holes or indeed, any hidden guns, as far as we’re aware. It has full-service history, all the books and tools and has covered just 850 miles from new.

McLaren P1 GTR Road Conversion

£1.8-£2.2million

Are you sick of not standing out among your friends with their LaFerrari and 918, in your standard McLaren P1? Fear not, we have the lot for you at the FOS Bonhams sale. This is a road-converted McLaren P1 GTR, as completed by Lanzante ltd, whose pedigree with McLarens – both the F1, GTR and indeed new McLarens – is near-unmatched. This is a track day special with the bare essentials returned for legal road use. It’s rarer too. The other ‘holy trinity cars, including the P1, number in the hundreds. There are less than 30 of these Lanzante P1 GTRs. With around 100 miles on the clock, it’s effectively a brand-new car begging to be tracked and toured… if you dare. 

BMW 3.0 CSi EV

£175,000-£200,000

Here’s a wild card and of course, we had to include a bit of BMW brilliance as we celebrate 50 years of M. It’s a 3.0-litre CSi but er, minus the 3.0. This CSi has undergone a three-year restoration and conversion, to all-electric power. Electric Classic Cars have put a 450PS (330kW) Tesla motor in the rear and more than 85kWh of batteries. All in the CSi will go 200 miles on a charge when not getting thrashed and when it is, will get to 60mph in four seconds flat. There are upgraded Wilwood Brakes with vented discs sitting under Alpine wheels and adjustable suspension. All in, we reckon this CSi will be a delight, though we understand if it’s not to the tastes of many…

Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II

£55,000-£75,000

Another rare young gem is also the cheapest on this list. This is a 1993 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 2 in a rare yellow hue, is one of just 220 made in this colour. A legend of the world rally stage, these Evo models were homologation specials with wider bodywork at the front and rear. It has less than 50,000 miles and was originally sold in Japan. Since the current owner bought it in 2017 the car has undergone extensive TLC, including paint retouches and an overall cleaning. Mechanically the car is up to snuff with all required maintenance completed. With sturdy miles and coming in top working order, this is an Evo 2 you can drive. We certainly would.

Lola T70 Mk1

£250,000-£350,000

As we would this Lola T70 Mk1, preferably at the Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport or the Goodwood Revival. This is a special car though even among T70s, as it’s the very first completed and as such, the very first to contest a World Sportscar Championship race. The car was exported to the US from new where it raced under the ownership of John Mecom, the livery of which it wears today. It was with Mecom that it became the first Lola to race, in that year’s Sebring 12 hours. With very little testing, the car qualified sixth in the hands of John Cannon. It didn’t make the end due to a crash that bent the oil cooler, but the potential for the T70 was already shown in abundance. The car made its first appearance at Goodwood at the 2012 Revival in the Whitsun Trophy, when owned by ROFGO. The car is being sold in ready-to-race condition with papers to boot, eligible for Goodwood, Peter Auto and Masters. Buy it and race it!

There are of course a whole host of other cars up for grabs with Bonhams at the 2022 Festival of Speed. Be sure to peruse the list of lots, with cars spanning almost 100 years of motoring and racing history.