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Christie's announce feature lots for 2 December Auction in London

London - Christie's December sale of Motor Cars boasts a superb selection of cars sure to whet the appetite of motoring enthusiasts and collectors. With estimates ranging from £200 to £600,000 and models dating from 1912 to 1998, there's something to suit all tastes and pockets, including the flamboyant and stylish custom painted Kandy Orange metallic McLaren F1 (1998) estimated at £500,000-600,000.

One of the more unusual lots in the sale is a 1964 Austin A135 Princess Vanden Plas Hearse used in the state funeral of Sir Winston Churchill in 1965. The nation's glorious farewell to Churchill, recently voted the greatest Briton of all time, took place on a bitterly cold January day and was attended by dignitaries from all over the world and watched by an estimated television audience of over 350 million. The hearse to be sold at Christie's carried Churchill's coffin from Festival Pier to Waterloo Station following a solemn procession through the streets of London; it is expected to fetch £6,000-10,000.

The earliest lot on offer is an immaculate 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost built by Thrupp and Maberly. This vast and very beautiful machine still retains its original body making it the 16th oldest surviving example to do so. In the Forest Green livery it wore when new, the Rolls-Royce is also fitted with a sliding sun-roof, the very first of its kind. The car's first owner, a prominent banker from Norfolk, bought it at a cost of approximately £3,000; it remained in the same family until 1947 when it was sold for £400 - it is now expected to fetch £350,000-£400,000.

On a contemporary note and in complete contrast is the flamboyant and stylish custom painted Kandy Orange metallic McLaren F1 (1998) estimated at £500,000-600,000. Fitted with an LM engine and extra high downforce package this is the second McLaren F1 to be offered for sale at Christie's this year - in June a 1994 metallic blue model sold for £593,750.

Another treat for those with a passion for fast cars will be the 1965 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Racecar (Ex Le Mans, Targa Florio, Monza 1000km). Recently rediscovered after 32 years in hibernation, this highly significant and unique 7-litre engine red and yellow sports racing car has immense historic competition potential and is therefore expected to realize in the region £400,000.

Continuing the racing theme is the 1974 Alfa Romeo 33TT12 World Manufacturers Championship team car. This particular model won the 1975 Targa Florio en route to assisting Arturo Merzario to his driver's championship that year and may fetch up to £450,000.

Finally, for those with more classic taste, a beautiful claret-coloured 1932 Bugatti Type 49 is sure to appeal. Discovered in Paris in 1967, it carries an estimate of £120,000-150,000.

The sale and viewing will take place at:

The Jack Barclay Showroom, 2-4 Ponton Road, London SW8

Viewing:

Sunday 30 November 10am - 6pm
Monday 1 December 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 2 December 9am - 4pm

IMPORTANT: The deadline for entries is 20th October, you may just have time to include your car in this sale, call +44 (0)20 7389 2851, Rupert Banner or Mark Donaldson, for further details

Classic Driver are delighted to announce that all the motor-car lots for the December 2 Auction will be included in their car database just as soon as the catalogue is finalised. For the latest news visit Christie's interactive website www.christies.com.

Text/Photos - Christie's