The Leonard Collection: Live On Collecting Cars

An astonishing set of cars that has a particular focus on some of the rarest roadgoing Porsche ‘Rennsport’ models. The complete collection is now live for bids, and it is offered entirely at No Reserve.

Of the 38 lots on offer, 23 bear the Porsche crest, and every car represents a particularly special example of the breed; whether on the grounds of quality or originality, or in some cases having been acquired from a sole previous private owner.

The jaw-dropping ‘Rennsport’ line-up includes contemporary heroes such as the 996 GT3 RS, one of only 113 UK cars and offering an incredibly pure driving experience; a 991.1 GT3 RS in Viper Green; a rare 993 Carrera RS, finished in Speed Yellow with just 53,600km from new; and a nearly new 991 GT2 RS Weissach Pack, which remains the most powerful 911 production car ever. And on the subject of prodigious power, no Porsche collection of this magnitude would be complete without a Carrera GT; in this case one boasting the unique specification of Fayence Yellow with a bespoke Porsche Exclusive leather interior.

Those with a penchant for iconic classics will no doubt be drawn to the 911 Carrera 2.7 RS. One of only 11 examples known to have left the factory finished in the Aubergine hue, it was subject of a £90,000 bare-metal restoration and mechanical rebuild, and has recently had another £25,000 invested to perfect and detail the car. Not only does it now boast an outstanding appearance, but it also has fantastic provenance, having formerly been in the collection of Jamiroquai frontman, Jay Kay.

Built one year later and arguably no less exciting to drive, the Carrera 2.7 MFI on offer is a recent Japanese import with just 15,130km on the odometer. Finished in white over dark blue leatherette and tweed fabric, it was specified with the rear spoiler and air-conditioning, and is fresh from a full service at leading specialist Autofarm. Another exceptionally low-mileage car is the 1988 Carrera 3.2 Club Sport. One of just 53 known UK-market examples, it has covered just 6,416 miles from new, and its originality is almost certainly unrepeatable.

The Leonard Collection also includes not one, not two, but three examples of the hallowed 964 Carrera RS. With its lightweight specification and pared-back interior, the RS remains one of the marque’s most coveted driver’s cars. Unquestionably the most remarkable of the three is a 1991 Guards Red car that is still unregistered and has delivery mileage of just 164km. It represents a genuine opportunity to buy a ‘brand new’ Porsche 964, 30 years after it left the factory.

Turbocharged models come in four forms, the first being a 1989 model 930 Turbo, which therefore benefits from the later G50 five-speed gearbox. Having received an extensive body, chassis and mechanical restoration in 2016, it presents in superb order, and is one of the great ‘poster cars’ of its generation. Two examples of the 964 Turbo are present, in both 3.3-litre and 3.6-litre guise, and with the former treated to a full ‘3.6 specification’ cosmetic transformation plus suspension and brake upgrade at a total cost of £60,000. Those seeking an even more usable year-round supercar need look no further than the robust 996 Turbo, which has comprehensive service history and benefits from significant recent refurbishment.

The 997 generation is particularly well represented, with perhaps the most coveted being a genuine UK right-hand drive 911 GT3 RS 4.0. Finished in Carrara White, with matching white wheels, ceramic brakes and the suspension lift system, this car also has just 713 miles from new - making it likely the nearest thing to a brand-new RS 4.0 that it is possible to find. Also present is a 997 GT2 RS, one of just 24 right-hand drive UK cars that has full service history and a recent rev check; another 997 GT3 RS 4.0, this time in left-hand drive and finished in black; a 997 Speedster with just 1,300 miles from new; and a stunning 997 Sport Classic with full main dealer history.

Beyond the exceptional Porsches, The Leonard Collection also features other modern performance icons. A superb Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale is on offer, finished in Rosso Scuderia, and benefiting from a recent full cambelt service, as well as replacement of all the ceramic brake discs and pads. Alongside it from Maranello, the 430 Scuderia in the collection is finished in Giallo Modena with factory NART stripes, lashings of carbon-fibre and Alcantara trim, and has covered just 14,600 miles from new. Two examples of the rare F512 M are also on offer; one in left-hand drive and the second a genuine right-hand drive UK car.

North America is represented by a fully restored Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray, and also by a former Evo Car of the Year, the Ford GT. A ‘full option’ car, it is finished in white with dark blue racing stripes, and features painted brake callipers, the upgraded McIntosh sound system, and lightweight forged BBS alloy wheels. As you would expect, it has been fastidiously maintained, cared for in recent years by leading UK specialist GT101.

Looking at the collection as a whole, the quality of the cars on offer shines through. While some have been only sparingly driven and preserved, many have been thoroughly enjoyed as intended, and kept well maintained. While the vendor of The Leonard Collection has found great pleasure in owning these exceptional cars, they are all now offered to a new set of enthusiasts at No Reserve.