The sale, which takes place on 10 August, really does have something for everyone. For a leisurely ride around the 'Ring, how about a 1963 Ford Thunderbird or an Alfa Romeo 1750? More suitable for the famous and formidable circuit are the sweaty-palm-inducing, single-seater racing cars, of which there are several on offer. Our pick is the Minardi M186, driven by Alessandro Nannini and Andrea de Cesaris in the 1986 Formula One World Championship. With a powerful but reliable Cosworth engine, this car is eligible for many historic F1 events around the world. It also comes with a fresh set of sticky rain tyres, perfect for the Nürburgring’s notoriously unpredictable conditions.

A car catalogued that should have exceptional local knowledge of the circuit, high in the Eifel Mountains, is the 1972 McLaren M8F, owned and raced by Peter Hoffmann since 1973. In 1980, it achieved a second in class (8th overall) in the Nürburgring 1000km Interserie race – an impressive feat, considering works entries from Porsche, BMW and Lancia.

For those wishing to travel (or quite possibly tow) at a more relaxed pace, though, the Porsche Super AP113 tractor, presented in concours condition, could be the perfect solution. It would also double as a great course vehicle at the 'Ring, helping out the countless novices who inevitably get stranded out on the 14-mile loop.

Even if the hammer fails to fall on any of these cars, the rest of the catalogue will have you seriously considering a season ticket for the Nürburgring.

Photos: Coys