Michael Turner’s wheels go under the hammer

Three distinctive vehicles owned by Guild member and renowned motorsport artist Michael Turner are to be put up for auction following his passing in December at the age of 91.

The three will be part of the catalogue of the Bonhams Auction being held at the Goodwood Members Meeting on 19th April, with Michael’s 1939 Jaguar SS100 headlining the event with an estimate of between £225,000 and £275,000.

Michael owned the car for close to 70 years, using it as a daily driver for much of that period – Bonhams personnel believe this was likely the longest single ownership among any of the 116 3.5-litre SS100s originally manufactured. 

Before coming into Michael’s ownership the car had an extensive racing history, competing at Silverstone, Croft, Prescott and, fittingly, Goodwood. In fact after a major restoration in the late 1980s and 1990s, during which it acquired its dark blue livery, one of the earliest journeys Michael made in it was to the first Goodwood Revival in 1998. 

The second Turner car going under the hammer is a Jaguar 340/Mk2 4.2. It was built in 1968 as a Jaguar 340, but later fitted with the 4.2-litre Jaguar straight-six engine, as well as being cosmetically enhanced to Mk2 specification with lowered suspension, louvred bonnet and other improvements. It has no reserve and an estimated sale price of £7,000 to £12,000.

Also with no reserve, but expected to fetch between £12,000 and £16,000, is Michael’s third vehicle, a 1942 ex-military Ford GPW Jeep 4×4 Utility and trailer.

Tim Schofield, Head of UK Sales for Bonhams Cars, said he was very pleased to be offering Michael’s cars for sale, adding; “Bonhams has previously sold many of Michael’s paintings, and his Jaguar SS100 has previously raced on the Goodwood motor circuit where the Bonhams Cars Members’ Meeting sale takes place, both of which make this a fitting location for the sale of his precious cars.”

Details of the Goodwood event and other Bonhams sales can be found on the website.