• Arguably the most original Alta in existence • Impeccable provenance, patina and originality • 49 years continuous ownership • From a respected collector and former racing driver's stable This remarkable 'time machine' Formula 2 racing car is offered here for the first time after no fewer than 49 years in its current ownership.

Furthermore, this long ownership period has seen the car raced once only – back in 1975 - after which it was set aside pending more thorough preparation – which its still enthusiastic owner never got round to carrying out.

Therefore, after only two properly active frontline seasons' use back in 1951-52, this fascinating example of the small but in so many ways renowned Alta marque's specialised output is in fact remarkably well preserved today.

Motor engineer Geoffrey Taylor was a practical-minded, truly hands-on racing enthusiast who founded his Alta Car & Engineering Company at Tolworth, Surrey, as early as 1929.

He actually sawed, filed and fettled his ...