FILM and TV star Rowan Atkinson has made a huge profit after selling a rare motor from his private collection.
The guide price for the Lancia HF Integrale EVO II was £65,000 to £75,000, but the hammer came down at Silverstone Auctions in Warwickshire at a mighty £87,750.
Listed as lot number 436, the classic Lancia was part of the Race Retro Show in Stoneleigh Park and attracted strong interest.
The show summarised the car as 'A superb example of the Evoluzione II in a very rare colour with low mileage and celebrity provenance', which added to its appeal.
Atkinson, a renowned classic car collector, only purchased the EVO in May 2021, and was able to sell it on with less than 90,000km on the clock and in fabulous condition.
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The auction house commented further: "Atkinson has enjoyed many happy hours in the car, and it is supplied with a comprehensive history file, including a comprehensive Japanese service history, its V5C and a current MOT.
"This car is ready to be enjoyed and driven as it should be."
The listing continued: "Originally supplied to Japan, this car was then selected and imported back to the UK in 2011 with all duties paid.
It had been chosen for its rare colour of Lord Blue, which is extremely smart."
It's not unusual to see Rowan Atkinson enjoying luxury motoring, with previous purchases including a McLaren F1 supercar and various models from Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
