A 1961 Ferrari 250GTE 2+2 ‘Series 1’ Coupé that belonged to the famous Italian film producer Agostino De Laurentiis will be one of the highlights of the Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia sale, taking place at Bonhams Oxford, at Shipton-on-Cherwell, on March 3.

With coachwork by Pininfarina, the brief had been to produce a 2+2 without sacrificing the 250’s elegant good looks or sporting demeanour and the master designer succeeded brilliantly with the GTE.

The ‘barn find’ 250GTE 2+2 is estimated to sell for £40,000 – 60,000. It was bought new by an Italian resident who imported it from Rome and subsequently passed to the famous Italian movie producer, Agostino ‘Dino’ De Laurentiis.

Having had only a few owners, the 250 GTE is being offered by the family of the late owner who bought the car in 1967. It appears that he only used the car for eight or nine years following its acquisition, as it still carries the last tax disc (expired 1976).

Rob Hubbard, Senior Specialist at Bonhams, said: “This well-preserved ‘barn find’ represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an original and untouched early Ferrari 250GTE, ripe for sympathetic restoration by a fortunate new owner.”

Another highlight at the sale is a red 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Roadster that belonged to Sir Elton John.

Estimated to sell for £50,000-70,000 the car was bought by Sir Elton in 1987. According to his fleet manager, Sir Elton and his staff referred to the E-Type as 'OK Elton' due to its number plate OKE 1, which was worn throughout his ownership and is sold with the car.

An exceptional 1961 Morgan Plus 4 Supersports High Line will also be offered in the Bonhams sale, estimated to sell for £55,000 – 65,000. The Line has been owned from new by the Vought Family, renowned for their pioneering work and engineering in the aviation industry and of Vought Corsair fame. It has undergone a £100,000 restoration and is now finished in the Corsair livery of Blue and Yellow Further highlights include a recent barn discovery, a 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2, estimated to sell for £40,000 – 60,000 and a 1966 Citroën DS21 Décapotable. Estimated to sell for £36,000 – 42,000, the Citroën Décapotable has been in current ownership for 68 years and is one of only 50 right-hand drive examples delivered to the UK between 1962 and 1966.

In 1968 it was bought by the current owner, Joe Judt, who has been an active member of the Citroën Car Club since the 1950s, served as the Chairman and is now the Club's honorary President. Well known in the UK and abroad, Joe's Décapotable is featured in many English language books on the history of Citroën cars. Now in his early nineties, Joe has reluctantly decided to pass this remarkable car on to a new owner in order to ensure its continued use and enjoyment.

Further highlights of the sale include:

  • 1982 Aston Martin V8 Vantage - £35,000 – 45,000
  • 1953 Packard 8 Caribbean - £25,000 – 30,000
  • 1938 Lea Francis 14hp Corsica - £15,000 – 20,000
  • 1928/29 Packard 633 Saloon - £15,000 – 20,000
  • 1959 Lincoln Continental Convertible MkII -£15,000 – 20,000.