There are three clear headlining cars at Bonhams’ Goodwood Festival of Speed sale, taking place on the opening day of the world’s most famous automotive garden party. Though its estimate remains on request, the 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato affectionately known as ‘2 VEV’ (thanks to its registration) could well become the most expensive British car ever sold in Europe. A veteran of both the Goodwood RAC TT and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it was driven by such heroes as Innes Ireland and Jim Clark, the latter of whom so elegantly drifted it into the annals of motorsport history.

And then there’s the John Surtees BMW 507. The car, which features a raft of bespoke factory upgrades, was bought for Surtees by Count Agusta after his win in the 500cc championship astride one of his gleaming red motorcycles. One of around 200 BMW 507s believed to remain and offered directly from the late, great Surtees’ estate, it’s expected to fetch £2.3–2.8m when it crosses the block. Finally, there’s the ex-Scuderia Ferrari 1932 Alfa Romeo Tipo B Grand Prix Monoposto (est. £4.5–5m), which was owned and raced with considerable success by Richard ‘Mad Jack’ Shuttleworth.

Elsewhere, two 1970s stunners caught our eye. The 1973 Dino ‘Ferrari’ 246 GTS (£250,000–300,000), complete with its original Cromodora wheels, wants for nothing except perhaps a re-spray in its original Blu Metallizzato. And the 1972 Porsche 911S 2.4, resplendent in yellow, still looks mighty fresh after its nut-and-bolt restoration in 2014. It’s estimated at £100,000–140,000.

Those looking for significant historic racing cars are in luck – Bonhams will offer an ex-Team Lotus Ford Cortina formerly raced by Jim Clark, John Whitmore, and Jack Sears (£200,000–250,000), which could be your ticket to next year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’ll also sell a 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT that’s no stranger to the historic racing circuit (£2.3–2.5m).

As modern supercars and hypercars continue their ascent into the realms of collectability, so we’re seeing more rare and special cars offered for sale. Take the final Bugatti Veyron Supersport (£1.7–1.8m), the one-owner Aston Martin One-77 (£1.65–1.8m), the Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 Super Veloce (£330,000–380,000), and the right-hand-drive Pagani Huayra (£1.3–1.6m), for example. You can find the entire catalogue for the sale, which takes place tomorrow, listed in the Classic Driver Market.

Photos courtesy of Classic Driver © 2018