Honda Prelude Motegi, 1999, 34k, PH Auction
While not every single car that pays homage to a race track is worthy of the name, it isn’t hard to see why the trend continues. The glamour of motorsport and the thrill of competition are nothing if not exciting - who wouldn’t want the allure of racing associated with a car that they own? Or sell, for that matter. Hence the continued presence of special editions dedicated to famous circuits. And while we all have our favourites, there's every reason to think the Prelude Motegi might have slipped off your radar; rare cars new and properly scarce now, it’s a PH Auctions lot we simply couldn’t ignore. The Motegi, named after the track built by Honda in 1997, was more than just a badging exercise, too, with stiffer suspension and a racier bodykit than the standard 2.2. So they’re well worth seeking out a quarter of a century later - expect lots of interest in this low mileage, manual, green-over-cream example come 2025.
Toyota Supra Jarama, 2021, 18k, £52,000
Another one that may have been forgotten about, the Toyota Supra Jarama was dedicated to the circuit that the long-awaited A90 model was launched at. A track designed by John Hugenholtz, who also came up with Suzuka’s layout, Jarama hosted the Spanish Grand Prix for both bikes and F1 cars during the '60s, '70s and '80s. European trucks and national Formula 4 still compete on the 2.4-mile, 14-turn track. The Supra that celebrates Jarama may not be quite as illustrious as the place itself, though the limited edition is notable for its rarity: just 90 were made (because of the A90 model code) for the whole of Europe, so there will only be a handful in the UK. The mechanical spec will be familiar, though Horizon Blue is undoubtedly a handsome distinguishing feature. Rarity has helped residuals, too, with more than £50k being asked for this 2021 car - it was less than £55k new…
Jaguar F-Type Reims V8, 2021, 4k, £47,750
Phwoar - now we’re talking. While the Reims special editions were available for Jaguar saloons, it was the F-Type that provided the most evocative, and the most fitting association for such an historic race track. The Reims-Gueux circuit was famous for the huge straights linking the sides of the triangular layout and the fantastic high-speed battles they created. Racing at Reims ran for almost 50 years from 1926 to 1972; Jaguar claimed two notable victories there, with Stirling Moss winning the 1952 Grand Prix de la Marne in a C-Type and Dick Protheroe claiming a P-GT-Sport trophy in 1963 behind the wheel of an E-Type. At an average of 120mph. Every Reims Jaguar, even the XEs, were French Racing Blue, and F-Types received an Exterior Black Pack and sports seats as standard. Offered with either the four-cylinder 2.0-litre or rollicking P450 seen here, just 150 Reims F-Types were produced. Which makes a lot less than £50k for a 5,000-miler look even more tempting.
Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring, 2013, 41k, £7,895
Well, if there’s not an LFA Nurburgring Edition around, what’s the next best thing? A Corsa VXR Nurburgring, of course. Presumably buoyed by the reception of the record-breaking Astra Nurburgring in 2008, the Corsa was given a similarly racy rework a few years later. While it wasn’t going to set any lap records with just the 205hp, the Nurburgring car was usefully improved over a standard VXR with a limited-slip diff, better Bilstein suspension, Brembo brakes and forged wheels. It spawned additional specials like the Clubsport that mirrored the spec, such was the popularity. If not quite class leaders back in the day, the Nurburgring VXRs offered up some old-school thrills with the ability conferred by proper hardware - they must be a right hoot these days. This 2013 car has only covered a smidge over 40k, and benefits from having the cambelt, water pump and clutch all replaced in recent years. Nothing to stop you taking on a tourist day next summer, basically.
Bentley Brooklands Coupe, 2008, 33k, £99,995
While Brooklands might be better known these days for Mercedes-Benz World, it was of course one of the great early motorsport venues. Indeed it was one of the first purpose-built banked tracks when it was finished in 1907. Cars flying over the bumps in Brooklands’ uncoated concrete (because tarmac was hard to lay on the banking) became the iconic photos of early racing in Britain. Bentley’s decision to use Brooklands as a model name wasn’t for nothing, either, with a couple of Blowers claiming victories in speed runs during the '30s. So it felt very appropriate for the 2008 car so suited to prolonged high-speed jaunts - thanks in part to 774lb ft of torque - to be named after the circuit. With just 550 made and the undeniable charm of that 6.75-litre V8, a 21st-century Brooklands commands strong money: this 33k-mile example in Metallic Anthracite is £100,000.
Aston Martin V600 Le Mans, 2000, 21k, POA
The most famous racetrack in the world that isn’t a racetrack (for most of the year) has lent its name to all manner of special editions over the years. The Le Mans slot could have been occupied by anything from a Morgan LM62 to a McLaren 650S Le Mans, but when there’s an Aston Martin V600 in the offing little else can compare. The twin-supercharged V550 Vantage of the '90s was already a heroically potent super GT, which could be further upgraded to V600 spec from 1998 thanks to Aston Works. Then, a year later, to mark four decades since Aston’s win at the 24 Hours, 40 examples of the Vantage Le Mans were made. Marked out by magnesium wheels, the nostrils in the front grille and a new aero package, they were a fitting farewell to the epic Newport Pagnell Vantages. This 600hp version is number 12, with a little more than 20,000 miles covered since new. The most magnificent of monsters, and what a Le Mans anniversary to celebrate.
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