As expected, the ex-Works Ferrari 375-Plus – campaigned in period at events such as the Mille Miglia and Le Mans – proved to be the highest-value lot. A masterclass in tactical bidding was seen along the way, with auctioneer Robert Brooks finally bringing the hammer down at £9.6m (£10.7m including fees) – the third-highest price for any car sold at auction.

£953,500 for a Lamborghini Countach

Soon afterwards, Brooks’ gavel was to sound out another world record, this time for the £953,500 achieved by the 1975 Lamborghini Countach ‘Periscopica’. As we investigated just last week, the Countach has enjoyed a surge in demand this year; the latest result usurps the record set by another Bonhams ‘Periscopica’ less than 30 days ago.

Other significant machines to breach the half-a-million mark included the ex-Graham Hill Lotus 49B (£673,500), a 1902 De Dietrich (£998,300), and an Aston Martin DB4 Convertible (£701,500). A 1964 AC Cobra and a Ferrari F40 displaying just 13,500km also surpassed their estimates in fine style, commanding £695,900 and £617,500 respectively.

Photos: Bonhams