Collectibles: motor racing goodies to own

Online convenience is all well and good, but it can’t replicate that feeling of unearthing a hidden gem in person. Order something online and you know what you’ll get and when you’ll get it. But part of the rush of collecting is the thrill of finding the unexpected, sifting through the usual to discover something special. But where can you maximise your chances of this?

Goodwood’s events are spectacular, with hundreds of stalls to choose from and big-name sellers present. However, the stalls come at a hefty cost to sellers, so prices will reflect that and you may be paying top-dollar. Events like the Revival have also become more geared towards lifestyle, so you’ll have to pass through rows of handbags and cushions before getting to the odd motor sport-related seller. The Festival of Speed can be better for collectibles, but even then you’ll be battling serious crowds, especially at The Signature Store stand! Also try the Beaulieu International Autojumble, Donington Historic or club events at Brands Hatch or Bicester Scramble. A trader space at Brooklands or Lydden Hill is a fraction of Silverstone or Goodwood, and this opens the door for local traders, and you get much more variety.

Big shows to look out for include Rétromobile in Paris, which has an entire hall dedicated to automobilia, and the NEC Classic Motor Show. King of all though are collector fairs. BP Fairs is the biggest organiser. You’ll find hundreds of sellers with the latest releases, attic clear-outs, pristine-packaged rarities and bulk-bought clearance stock ripe for the taking. A star treasure I once found was a rare Biante Brock 01 model, inset, which was Peter Brock’s first competition car built from an Austin 7. A great tip is to ask the sellers, “What’s new, what’s good and what excites you?” A little chat can lead to seeing items you normally wouldn’t, and picking up trends. Happy hunting!

Andrew Francis is director at The Signature Store. thesignaturestore.co.uk

Signed John Surtees Ferrari 158

This Looksmart 1:18 recreation of John Surtees in his 1964 world title-winning Ferrari 158 is wonderful. Pre-owned but in superb condition, it has a plaque signed by the only man to win world titles on two wheels and four.
£495, available at The Signature Store, thesignaturestore.co.uk

Porsche x BOSS T-shirt

Not wanting to miss out on the current fashion trend for motor sport? Try this high-end tie-up between Hugo Boss and Porsche. The range just oozes cool, with our favourite being this 911 tribute T-shirt featuring a 1970s model and raised Porsche and Boss logos.
£99, hugoboss.com

Happy Socks Top Racer set

Who doesn’t love socks in a box? That’s right, nobody. This three-pair gift set from Happy Socks features Formula 1-inspired designs that just make you smile. The box itself is a Ferrari-esque racing car.
£38, happysocks.com

Hot Wheels x Ferrari

Just when you thought Hot Wheels couldn’t get cooler, it announces a tie-up with the world’s greatest sports car manufacturer. This gorgeous box set consists of a 1:64 Ferrari 499P and 312 P – the first Ferrari made by Hot Wheels in 1969.
£118, uk.creations.mattel.com

Stake sauber Brake Disc Clock

Stop the clocks. Literally. Recycled F1 parts are big business these days, so much so that F1 Authentics has launched a range of time-tellers based on used brake discs. Virtually every team has its own design, with this vibrant Stake Sauber style being our favourite.
£649, f1authentics.com

Regazzoni T-Shirt

You may not have heard of Warson Motors, but this Swiss brand does a great range of retro racing clothing. Our pick goes to this fine Clay Regazzoni-themed number, complete with marking on the back celebrating his GP win at Monza in 1970.
£50, warson-motors.com