Silverstone Auctions welcomes timely Le Mans entry

A 1987 ADA Group C Le Mans Race Car is the latest addition to Silverstone Auctions’ Classic Sale, perhaps only fitting with the world-famous 24 hours endurance race taking place this weekend (16^th and 17^th June).

This stunning model, estimated at between £120,000 to £140,000, finished 18^th overall and a very creditable second in Class C2 at Le Mans in 1988 with drivers Ian Harrower, Jiro Yoneyama and Hideo Fukuyama behind the wheel.

In the same season it also achieved a second place at the Brands Hatch 1000km and went on to compete successfully for the next two years in the BRDC C2 Championship and some Interseries rounds in Europe.

It is now offered for auction on the 21^st July at the Silverstone Classic Sale in its distinctive 1988 Le Mans livery and is ready to race in the prestigious Group C calendar and Masters Series having received continuous input from recognised experts.

Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “The 24 Hours Le Mans is widely recognised as the blue ribbon endurance event of the year and our Classic Sale offers the chance to own a car that competed very successfully in it.”

However, the history behind this World Sportscar Championship model is just as appealing as its race credentials.

ADA Engineering was formed in 1977 and enjoyed some notable success with ex-works cars, including a Class Win at the 1986 Le Mans 24 hrs. Bolstered by these successes, ADA designed and built its own first race car in 1987, although it was destroyed in a competition later that year.

Construction of chassis #03 was completed for the 1988 season and it now comes to auction as a worthy example from when Le Mans was dominated by Group C cars.

Such is the esteem that Group C is held in, that it still plays a central part over the Le Mans weekend. Indeed, one of the highlights this year is a race for Group C prototypes just before the main event.

For more information about the Silverstone Classic Sale visit www.silverstoneauctions.com