Tyrrell bargains at Goodwood auction

A collection of nine Tyrrells and one Lotus from the collection of Paul Stoddart formed the highlight of Friday's sale, with the highest price of just £36,000 (less buyers' premium and VAT) paid for 011-3, a car used by Michele Alboreto in the middle of the 1982 season. That pipped the £35,000 earned by 008-1, raced by Patrick Depailler at the start of 1978, and one of the last great non ground effect cars.

From more modern times, the ex-Ukyo Katayama 023-4 of 1995 went for just £29,500, while Lotus 109-1, raced by Johnny Herbert and Mika Salo in 1994, was knocked down for £31,000.

However several cars went unsold after failing to meet their reserve, including two 019s as raced by Jean Alesi, and an ex-Daly 010 from 1980. That reflected both the economic times and perhaps also the fact that some models had been repainted in the following year's livery, and used as show cars.

Apart from the Stoddart cars the only other modern Grand Prix machine in the sale was an unusual ex-Patrese Alfa Romeo 185T, complete with turbo engine. In Benetton livery, it went for £32,000.

Racing cars formed just a small percentage of the lots, which included a 1964 Hillman Husky with Sir Winston Churchill's name on the log book!

Meanwhile activities kicked off on the Goodwood hill in generally damp and showery conditions. Jenson Button was the only current F1 driver in action, the event regular at the wheel of this year's Renault. BAR test driver Ryo Fukuda had his first run, while Darren Turner drove a McLaren. Williams, Toyota and Ferrari will join in the fun on Saturday, when Ralf Schumacher, Allan McNish and Luciano Burti are due to appear.