Whether it's enthusiasts hitting the track for weekend fun, club competition racing, or multi-million-dollar manufacturer-backed teams, motorsport has always been a significant influence in the history of the automobile.
For many collectors, the appeal lies in the provenance and achievements of racing cars, while others are eager to get behind the wheel of a competition-ready vehicle.
Lykkers, Here, we'll take a look at some of the coolest race cars sold on Collecting Cars. You'll find classic racers, iconic rally cars, a powerful 1,000hp Formula One car, supercars ready for competition, and even a unique Porsche driven by the late Ken Block.
<h3>1. 1972 Porsche 911 E</h3>
Offered for sale in January 2023, this 1972 Porsche 911 E was a storied and highly successful race car. Initially a 2.2-litre standard 911 E, it was transformed into a racing machine with funding from sponsor BASF and driven by Australian racer Chris Hones.
The car competed in the Australian Sports Car Championship and became a cornerstone of the Porsche Cup Australia in 1987. It achieved back-to-back Class A Championship victories in 1991 and 1992.
The sale included a CAMS/Motorsport Australia logbook, past registration details, race logs, and press coverage. With a final price of AUS$148,400, this successful 911 found a new home through Collecting Cars in January 2023.
<h3>2. 1971 Datsun 240Z</h3>
While some cars have a well-documented past, this 1972 Datsun 240Z, offered for sale in October 2022, was a freshly built and meticulously re-engineered race car.
A previous winner of the ‘show and shine’ award at the Australian Nissan GT-R Festival in 2021, this 240Z provided an exciting entry point for hill climbs, autocross, and track day events. It was secured with a winning bid of AUS$120,500.
<h3>3. 1985 Toleman TG185 Formula 1</h3>
Formula One memorabilia, from used race helmets to pieces of discarded aero from track incidents, is often considered the ultimate prize for collectors.
Believed to be the only fully operational TG185 left in existence, this meticulously restored and superbly presented Formula One car was eligible to participate in the FIA Historic Masters Formula One Championship.
Offering an exceptionally rare chance to own a fully operational, race-ready 1,000hp Formula One car, this Toleman was acquired by a new motorsport enthusiast with a winning bid of £141,000.
<h3>4. 1996 Ferrari F355 Challenge</h3>
In this round-up of some of the best race cars sold on Collecting Cars, there has been a conspicuous omission of perhaps the most famous racing car marque of all. To rectify that, our fourth selection is a rare and exceptionally well-presented example of the track-focused Ferrari F355 Challenge.
Finished in the quintessential Ferrari hue of Rosso Corsa, this Ferrari F355 Challenge boasted notable pedigree, having placed second overall in the 1996 Challenge Series. It had been meticulously prepared ahead of each race meeting by QV London, Damax, or its previous owner and Ferrari specialist Nick Cartwright.
One of only 11 UK-market cars, this road-legal example achieved a hammer price of £128,000 in July 2021. It was ready to be enjoyed as a thrilling track day toy, a competitive classic motorsport entrant, or even as a rapid B-road machine.
Lykkers, do you have a storied race car or track-focused special that's ready to find a new home?
