Historic ‘barn find’ set to get pulses racing
A 1980 ex-Jon Dooley Alfa Romeo Alfasud Ti, which he raced with great success in the early 1980’s, including third overall in the 1981 British Saloon Car Championship, is going under the hammer.
Any Alfasud that comes up for auction is rare, let alone one with the race history that this model boasts, so bidding is expected to be fierce at The Spring Sale hosted by Silverstone Auctions on 16th May at Silverstone circuit.
What’s even more extraordinary is that this well nurtured race car, estimated at between £10,000 to £15,000, was also the only car to finish in the points at every round in the 1981 season and was crowned Class Champion.
Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “A car like this deserves to be raced again and enjoy the thrills and spills of wheel to wheel action so it’s great that we can offer it for auction.
“Apart from its race credentials it also comes with a fascinating history. Jon Dooley enjoyed great success with this Alfasud and there’s no reason the new owner won’t do likewise. It’s a worthy addition to our Spring Sale.”
The shell of this particular model actually started life as a road car for Jon Dooley. However, following a big accident in his old car at Oulton Park all the running was moved over from the wrecked car to his everyday transport ‘Sud, which became the basis of the new race car. This is the model now offered for auction.
It never looked back until it was eventually retired in 1986. During that time it was raced by Jon Dooley until 1982 before he moved on to racing his GTV6. However, he did return one last time to his Alfasud at Mallory and enjoyed a Class win.
After a few years rest, a Group A 1500 engine was fitted and it was given a final outing in the 1986 Championship round at the Grand Prix meeting at Brands Hatch when it finished a very creditable fourth in its class.
It is still fitted with a 1500cc engine but the original 1300cc Group 1-1/2 race engine and some of the original ‘1300 cc’ bodywork panels are also included with the car.
Jon Dooley also finished third in the Championship in 1984 and 1987 driving an Alfa Romeo GTV6 and an Alfa 75 Turbo respectively.
Those interested in submitting an entry into The Spring Sale, or any of Silverstone Auctions forthcoming events, are invited to call the team on 01926 691 141 or email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com.
Notes
Formed in 2011 as a joint venture between Nick Whale and Silverstone Circuits - Silverstone Auctions is a world-class, specialist auction house for classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles and automotive memorabilia.
The company holds the exclusive automotive auction rights for Silverstone circuit.
Auctions take place in The Wing, the circuit’s new £27 million building, which has space to display up to 100 auction vehicles and includes seating accommodation for up to 400 attendees.
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PR Contact
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Red Marlin
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