Right-Hand Drive Classics at Cliveden House 2025

Cliveden House 2025 by RM Sotheby's

The second annual Cliveden House auction will take place this coming week on July 8 and RM Sotheby’s is expected to offer more than 60 cars crossing the block at their Cliveden House 2025 sale. As the sale is taking place in the UK, it seems fitting to take a look at some of the right-hand-drive classic and collector cars that will be crossing the auction block.

The 1957 Aston Martin DB4 Prototype ‘DP114/2’ stands out as a singular example, given its status as the sole DB4 prototype of its kind to emerge from the factory. Its bodywork, crafted in-house, is one-of-a-kind, and it still houses its original, matching-numbers straight-six engine that has been preserved over the years.

This particular Aston Martin carries a storied past, having once served as personal transportation for Mrs. Brown, the wife of David Brown, who held the position of chairman at Aston Martin Lagonda. First registered on August 23, 1957, it was fondly referred to as the “Walls Ice Cream Van” due to its original white and blue paint scheme.

Over the years, the vehicle has changed hands among several esteemed owners and has undergone various restoration and recommissioning efforts. Notably, in 1990, Aston Martin Works undertook a thorough five-year project to restore it. More recently, in 2005, the car underwent another round of work, emerging with its current exterior finish in Almond Green, paired with a Fern Green leather interior.

This will be offered for sale by RM Sotheby’s at their upcoming Cliveden House 2025 sale on July 8.

Estimate: $550,000 – $600,000

This 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta, chassis number 16773, is a rare find – it’s one of just 158 right-hand-drive models that were delivered to the UK. The car still sports its original factory colors: Rosso Chiaro on the outside and Nero Connolly leather inside. Notably, it retains its matching-numbers chassis, Colombo V12 engine, and gearbox.

The history of this particular Daytona begins in May 1973 when Maranello Concessionaires placed the order. It was completed by August of that year and included air conditioning. By October 1973, it had been registered for the first time. Over the years, the car changed hands just four times, with its current owner taking possession in June 1999.

A detailed record of the car’s past is included, featuring the original order forms from Ferrari and a report by marque expert Marcel Massini. As of now, the odometer reads 34,714 miles. Additionally, the car comes with owner’s manuals, two sets of tools, a jack, and a cover.

Mechanically, the vehicle has been thoroughly overhauled and repainted at various points. Its most recent maintenance was carried out in September 2024. It has also achieved wins at several concours and display events – most notably at Gawsworth Hall and the 2023 Northern Ferrari Day.

It will be offered for sale by RM Sotheby’s at their upcoming Cliveden House 2025 auction on July 8, 2025.

Estimate: $600,000 – $750,000

This 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC, chassis number 12601, is a very rare and collectible find, with production limited to just 150 units and only 22 configured for right-hand drive. Initially, it featured a one-of-a-kind Oro Nashrullah finish paired with a Nera leather interior, although the interior was later updated to Pelle Beige before being delivered. It currently presents in a Verde Scuro exterior over Beige.

This 365 GTC is equipped with its original 4.4L V12 engine, producing 320 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual transaxle gearbox. As of May 2019, it holds Ferrari Classiche “Red Book” certification, verifying the authenticity of its engine. The vehicle underwent its most recent maintenance in June 2024 at the hands of GTO Engineering and comes accompanied by a tool roll, a report detailing its history from Marcel Massini, and reproductions of the original order documents from Ferrari.

It will join the Daytona mentioned above at RM Sotheby’s Cliveden House 2025 auction this coming week.

Estimate: $700,000 – $800,000

The 1948 Land Rover Series I, chassis number R-860756, is recognized as the oldest surviving military Land Rover. It was part of the initial batch of 20 vehicles supplied to the Ministry of Supply in 1948. This specific model boasts a sought-after “pre-1500” 80-inch chassis and has been fully restored to match its original factory conditions. The vehicle is thought to have been stored in a dry environment for approximately 40 years.

Initially, the Bronze Green bodywork of this Land Rover was paired with two red-painted wings, which suggests it may have been utilized for tasks such as bomb disposal or serving as a munitions carrier. Its registration history includes being initially listed with the War Department under the identifier “M6278786,” later changed to “90 YJ 00,” before being sold off in 1962 and reassigned the civilian registration “2350 PK.”

Between 2014 and 2015, the Series I underwent an extensive restoration effort prioritizing historical precision. Notably, it still retains its original “ring pull”-type gearbox and transfer box, along with military-style split-rim wheels that are equipped with period-specific 6.00 x 16-inch Avon Traction Mileage tires.

RM Sotheby’s will present the opportunity to purchase this unique classic Land Rover Series I when it crosses the auction block at their Cliveden House 2025 sale with no reserve.

Estimate: $70,000 – $105,000

The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL, nicknamed the ‘Pagoda’ due to the unique design of its removable hard-top, is a classic car that embodies refined style and modern safety features. Its sleek design, crafted by Paul Bracq, is characterized by a slender roadster silhouette. Under the hood, it boasts a 2.5L inline-six engine that produces 148 horsepower, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. This particular model is finished in its original Silver Gray Metallic hue.

In terms of performance, the 250 SL ‘Pagoda’ delivers a smooth driving experience, thanks to its fully independent suspension system, which incorporates a low-pivot swing axle. Notably, this vehicle underwent a conversion to a soft-top convertible in 2020, followed by extensive refurbishment work performed by Templar Classics, ensuring it remains in good condition.

This is a solid example of the Pagoda-series SL which has been more and more collectible as the years pass. It will be offered for sale by RM Sotheby’s at their Cliveden House 2025 auction next week.

Estimate: $95,000 – $125,000

Next for RM Sotheby's

RM Sotheby’s will hold their next major auction during Monterey Car Week with the sale taking place August 15-16, 2025 in Monterey, CA.