2025 Cliveden House Auction by RM Sotheby's
RM Sotheby’s will hold their second annual sale at the Cliveden House Hotel next month on July 8. Currently 64 cars are expected to cross the auction block with some surprising highlights including a Lotus Elite Series 2 that helped inspire the classic Honda S600 as well as a Ferrari F355 GTS that should be a familiar sight to fans of Top Gear.
The 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso, crafted by Scaglietti, marks the culmination of Ferrari’s esteemed 250 GT line. This model was unveiled in 1962 and produced until 1964. The term “Lusso,” meaning “luxury” in Italian, reflects its purpose: to balance the performance of Ferrari’s racing cars with the sophistication expected from a grand tourer.
Pininfarina’s design and Scaglietti’s meticulous craftsmanship came together to create a car with balanced lines and deliberate styling cues, resulting in one of the most aesthetically pleasing Ferraris ever produced. Underneath its carefully shaped aluminum and steel exterior lies a 3.0L Colombo V12 engine, producing approximately 240 horsepower and capable of reaching speeds over 150 mph. Given that only 350 units were made, the 250 GT Lusso is revered for its exclusivity, visual appeal, and historical importance as the final iteration of the iconic 250 series.
The 250 GT/L that RM Sotheby’s will offer for sale at their upcoming Cliveden House auction is one of only 23 that were built as right-hand-drive cars from the factory. It features a well-documented history and received its Ferrari Classiche certification in 2011, confirming that it retains its numbers-matching engine.
Estimate: £900,000 – £1,200,000
The 1996 Ferrari F355 GTS embodies a unique combination of performance and open-top driving within Ferrari’s mid-engine V8 lineage. Introduced in 1994, the F355 marked a significant departure from the 348, boasting a 3.5L V8 with five valves per cylinder – hence the “355” designation – which generated 375 horsepower at an ear-piercing 8,250 rpm. The GTS variant, launched alongside the Berlinetta and Spider models, featured a removable roof panel, striking a balance between the rigidity of a coupe and the freedom of a convertible. It retained the sleek design by Pininfarina and cutting-edge technology that contributed to the F355’s critical acclaim, including suspension that could be adjusted electronically and aerodynamics refined through wind tunnel testing.
The F355 GTS was notable for its connection to Ferrari’s racing heritage, characterized by rapid throttle response and a high-revving personality that delighted enthusiasts. Available with a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox featuring a gated shift, the 1996 model emphasized the driver’s role at a time when electronic aids were starting to appear. With the GTS being produced from 1995 to 1999, the 1996 example falls squarely in the middle of the model’s production run, capturing the essence of an era transitioning between analog and digital performance capabilities. Today, the F355 GTS is highly regarded as one of the last Ferraris to offer a truly mechanical driving experience, providing a tactile and intense sensation behind the wheel that is hard to find in modern cars.
Jeremey Clarkson was the first owner of the F355 GTS that will be offered for sale by RM Sotheby’s at their Cliveden House auction next month and he enjoyed it so much that it virtually became a regular on Top Gear.
Estimate: £180,000 – £220,000
The 1961 Lotus Elite Series 2 marked a refinement of Colin Chapman’s pioneering Elite, which debuted in 1957 as the Type 14. This car was notable for being the first production vehicle to feature a fiberglass monocoque chassis, setting new benchmarks for construction and handling. The Series 2, launched in 1960, tackled some issues present in the original model, specifically in terms of longevity and comfort. Updates included a more robust body with enhanced structural support, improved sound dampening, and modified suspension parts for better dependability and driving experience.
Equipped with a 1.2L Coventry Climax FWE inline-four engine, outputting approximately 75 horsepower across most configurations, the Elite Series 2 maintained its lively performance due to its exceptionally light weight. When paired with its aerodynamic profile and well-balanced design, it showed particular prowess in motorsport competitions, such as endurance races, including class victories at Le Mans. The 1961 edition further honed the Elite’s characteristics, preserving its position among the most sophisticated and refined compact sports cars of its era.
The 1961 Lotus Elite Series 2 that RM Sotheby’s will offer for sale at their upcoming Cliveden House auction was owned by Soichiro Honda and served as inspiration for one of Honda’s earliest classic cars, the S600. It underwent a three-year restoration that was completed in 2021 and presents nicely in Honda Grand Prix White. It will be offered with no reserve.
Estimate: £70,000 – £100,000
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, launched in 1957, was the open-top follow-up to the legendary 300 SL Gullwing coupe. It aimed to deliver the same thrilling performance while adding a touch of luxury and usability. The Roadster kept the fuel-injected 3.0L inline-six engine that had made the Gullwing famous, which could produce up to 250 horsepower in its later models.
By replacing the Gullwing’s distinctive doors with conventional ones and introducing a revised rear suspension for better maneuverability, the Roadster became more approachable and sophisticated. Produced until 1963 in restricted quantities, the 300 SL Roadster stands as an outstanding achievement in both engineering and design, blending the advanced technology of its time with enduring style.
The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster that will be offered for sale by RM Sotheby’s at their Cliveden House auction was originally sold in the US and retains its matching-numbers chassis, body, steering box, and differential. It was restored in 1988 and includes a color-matching hardtop roof.
Estimate: £700,000 – £900,000