John Surtees' Lotus 18 valued at $128,500

A Lotus 18 driven by John Surtees in 1960 is offered in Silverstone Auctions' Classic Sale on July 26 at the Silverstone Circuit with a valuation of £65,000-75,000 ($111,452-128,598).

John Surtees Lotus 18
John Surtees drove the Lotus 18 in his first race in 1960

The car was the first that Surtees ever drove during his transition from racing motorbikes (he was 500cc champion throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s).

While Surtees finished fourth at Snetterton in 1960, teammate Henry Taylor raced the car at Silverstone the same year and achieved first place.  

In addition to its previous illustrious racing record, the car was extensively campaigned in the Formula Junior championships during 2008 - when it scored wins at Pembrey and Oulton Park.

Since that time it has been housed in a museum, save for one excursion to Goodwood in 2012.

Other lots by the marque include a 1973 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Copue, which is estimated at £38,000-42,000 ($65,156-72,015).

The Elan proved enormously popular, turning around the fortunes of an ailing Lotus and ensuring the company could continue to compete in racing events.

Jackie Stewart's first racecar, a Marcos GT Xylon, also features in the sale with an estimate of £35,000-50,000 ($60,027-85,753) along with a 1950 Austin Healey, valued at £160,000-180,000 ($271,250-305,156).

We have Paul Newman's personally owned racing jacket available.

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