Rabagliati collection

Motorsport historian Duncan Rabagliati’s collection of more than 60 cars, one of the most eclectic assortments ever to be offered for sale, is the theme of Brook’s massive Olympia sale on April 8, and could provide a golden opportunity for enthusiasts to make a start in Historic motorsport.

Prize lot is the Leningrad Grand Prix-winning Skoda sports racing car – one of two made by the Czech factory in 1958, which ought to be snapped up by the company, now part of the VW group – but Alexis and Emeryson racers will be more accessible.

The 1955 Kieft Le Mans car, a pair of Connaught L2s and a 1931 Alta will appeal to sportscar nuts, while Iota Wasp, Emeryson and De Sanctis chassis are among the single-seaters on offer.

Rabagliati bought many of the cars, the condition of which ranges from restored to basket case, merely to save them. Until now, he has never sold one. “It’s time to release these cars so other enthusiasts will assume the trust of preserving them,” he says. MP