At the 2026 Royal Automobile Club Concours
Rare James Martin-owned Alfa Romeo among headline consignments at prestigious new auction event
An extremely rare and beautifully coachbuilt Alfa Romeo owned by renowned car enthusiast and TV chef James Martin is set to be one of the standout attractions at RM Sotheby’s highly anticipated Woodcote Park Auction.
The prestigious sale of significant collector automobiles adds an exciting new dimension to the award-winning Royal Automobile Club Concours, taking place at Woodcote Park on Wednesday 8 July.
Martin’s exquisite handcrafted 1976 Alfa Romeo Sports Coupé is among the rarest Italian coachbuilt cars in existence and has been the subject of a meticulous and deeply personal six-year restoration programme.
This exceptional retro-inspired masterpiece is believed to be one of just eight examples built by the revered Italian coachbuilder Autotecnica del Lario (ATL), with each car featuring its own unique design details and distinguishing characteristics.
Based in Lombardy, originally near the shores of Lake Como, ATL earned a reputation for creating beautiful automobiles in extraordinarily limited numbers. As a result, these often bespoke automotive treasures rarely come to market.
The ATL Sports Coupé’s handcrafted aluminium coachwork pays homage to the legendary racing berlinettas of the 1950s and is constructed over a Superleggera-style tubular steel ‘birdcage’ chassis. Power comes from Alfa Romeo’s celebrated 2.0-litre twin-cam engine, producing more than 100 of the finest Italian horsepower. Combined with a kerb weight of less than 800kg, the result is an agile, engaging and highly rewarding driving experience.
“It sounds fantastic and is a great car to drive,” said Martin, who has overseen the complete restoration since acquiring the car in 2018. “It’s been a challenge because we did it properly, with total attention to detail. Everything that needed replacing had to be tailor-made for this car. It holds a very special place in my heart.”
RM Sotheby’s estimates the exquisite Alfa Romeo will sell for between £250,000 and £350,000, although Martin believes it looks as though it is worth three times that valuation!
The RM Sotheby’s Woodcote Park Auction will also feature a carefully curated selection of significant collector cars, including both road and racing icons from some of the world’s most celebrated marques. Aston Martin, Ferrari, Frazer Nash, McLaren and Porsche are all well represented among the consignments. A full roster of entries can be found on the RM Sotheby’s website.
The sale is open to registered bidders, consignors and invited media. Viewing will take place between 10am and 2pm, ahead of the auction itself, which commences at 3pm.
The RM Sotheby’s Woodcote Park Auction runs alongside the second staging of the Royal Automobile Club Concours. The competitive event will feature approximately 70 outstanding automobiles, judged by a panel of leading experts across seven prestigious concours categories, culminating in the selection of an overall winner.
In addition to the concours entries, special feature displays will help bring the total number of vehicles on show to more than 200. Rare and eclectic cars will be spread across the rolling greens of Woodcote Park, accompanied by special anniversary tributes, fascinating engines, historic motorcycles and some of today’s most desirable supercars.
With live music, exceptional food and chilled champagne, the event promises a memorable and unique day out for motoring enthusiasts.
Tickets are available to all members of the Royal Automobile Club. Woodcote Park will also welcome members of invited car clubs and motoring organisations, particularly those aligned with the selected concours categories and special feature displays.
Members of invited clubs and organisations have received a unique access code enabling them to purchase advance tickets. A full hospitality package is also available for guests seeking an enhanced event experience.
Full ticket details, terms and conditions, and comprehensive event information can be found at the official website: royalautomobileclubconcours.co.uk.
