The TWR Sale at the Brands Hatch Superprix was an overwhelming success for auctioneers Wyles Hardy. So much so that the original ex-Jim Clark Lotus Cortina went for a staggering £91,300. 300 people attended the sale which, including the extensive automobilia made an impressive £750,000 total including VAT (where applicable) and buyer’s premium.

With most lots comfortably exceeding their estimates the round of applause which greeted the hammer going down on the ex-Clark racing Cortina should have been heard in Hornsey; the marque’s spiritual North London home. The other two cars went for sizeable amounts too, the road car used by the former World Champion going for £40,230 and the ex-Roger Clark (no relation) rally car £30,731.

Other highlights from the sale included the XJS Group A racing car used by Walkinshaw in the 1984 European Touring Car Championship (which he duly won), which after nearly five minutes of measured bidding by two determined buyers, sold for just over £100,000 (including premium) plus VAT and the 1974 RS3100 Cologne Capri which sold for £62,040 (including premium).

Perhaps a reflection on the particular model’s rarity, but the Capri raised more money than the 1974 BMW CSL racer, which went for £52,992. Eligible for the Classic Le Mans – but not a lot else on a high level – both of these cars are part of motor racing’s rich heritage and deserve a thorough race-preparation, if not concours restoration.

Examples of the automobilia sold (apparently most of which was via the live webcast) include Damon Hill’s second place trophy in the 1997 Hungary Grand Prix, £4394.50, and an ARD Nissan Racing Suit, monogrammed Martin Brundle, for £232.65.

Roll on Friday’s Bonhams Goodwood Sale to see how much the ex-Alan Mann Cortina goes for….

For a full listing, see the Provisional Auction Results

Photos - Wyles-Hardy