ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS of the annual auction calendar is the auction held at Silverstone in the UK over 21-22 July.

With more than 120 classics listed, buyers were keen and the sale realised more than £6 million, although the clearance rate of 66 percent was slightly less rosy.

One of the most anticipated lots (in the UK, at least) was a 1975 Range Rover. These are rapidly appreciating in value, and the added cachet of “royal provenance” and a fresh restoration no doubt helped it bring £101,250, more than £30,000 above its lower estimate and setting another world record price for the model.

The always-collectable Mercedes-Benz 300SL on offer was a 1958 car. It sold for £860,625 (including premium). Also highly collectable is the delicate little Ferrari Dino 246 GTS. It managed to exceed its lower estimate by £70,000, selling for £343,125 (including premium).

Other notable sales included a 1990 BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution (£135,000), a 1962 left-hand drive Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 FHC (£95,063), a newly refreshed 1966 Series 1 4.2 manual FHC, also left-hand drive (£90,000).

Silverstone upcoming auctions include a Porsche and September Classic Car Sale on 29-30 September at Dallas Burston Polo Club.

Silverstone Auctions levy a lower-than-average 5 percent (plus VAT) sellers’ commission.

They can be found at www.silverstoneauctions.com, online bidder registration is at www.proxibid.com