Richard Hammond with the cars and bicycles for sale
TV star Richard Hammond is selling a selection of his classic car and motorcycle collection to fund a new restoration project.
The vehicles that the Grand Tour presenter is auctioning include a 1969 Porsche 911T, a 1999 Lotus Esprit and a 1927 Sunbeam Model 2 motorcycle.
Hammond is selling the eight cars and motorcycles to fund a classic car restoration company that will appear on a new TV show he is hosting.
The Lotus Epsrit 350 Sport was an improved lightweight version of the famous sports car
The Lotus Epsrit 350 Sport was an improved lightweight version of the famous sports carRichard Hammond’s Workshop is a documentary series that traces the fortunes of Hammond’s new venture, The Smallest Cog.
“The irony that I am helping my new classic car restoration business by selling part of my own classic car collection is not wasted on me,” said Hammond.
“They leave with a heavy heart, because they have a high personal sentimental value, but they will finance the future development of the business and breathe life back into countless other classic vehicles.”
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Classic cars: the models to see in 2021This 1969 Porsche 911T is one of the lots that are sold without reservation
Other lots going under the hammer at the Silverstone Classic include a Velocette KSS Mk1, a 1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans and 1959 Bentley S2, as well as a 1976 Kawasaki Z900 and 2019 Norton Dominator 961, which Hammond won for his 40th. and 50 birthdays. All lots are offered without reservation as part of the Silverstone Auctions auction at the annual classic car fair.
Hammond was inspired to start the Smallest Cog project and show by his grandfather, who was the coachbuilder for Mulliner and Jensen.
Hammond commented, “I’ve always wanted to prove to him that I’m about more than driving the world, talking about other people’s supercars, crashing them and then pretending to be inside them weld in the desert.
“It’s also a passion of mine to keep the craft – my grandfather could work with wood, metal and pretty much anything. I wanted to do something real in the auto industry instead of just being an outside commentator. This business is the perfect opportunity for me to do so. “
Hammond described this 1959 Bentley S2 as a family heirloom
Nick Whale, Managing Director of Silverstone Auctions, added: “We are delighted that Richard will be attending our August 1st auction as well as being on the podium to showcase the collection. These vehicles clearly hold a special place in his heart so I am sure it will be a mixed day for him, but we are confident that we can deliver an eager audience that will make his new business proud we give him the best of luck. “
Later that year, Hammond will also auction one of the cars currently being worked on in the Smallest Cog workshop. The Ford Escort RS2000 will be offered for sale at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show Sale in September 2021 by Silverstone Auctions’ sister company Classic Car Auctions.
