Two collectable models from Chris Rea's personal garage will go under the hammer in May, some five months after the late rock legend's untimely death at 74.
Rea, who passed away on 22 December after a short illness, was known to be a huge petrolhead, amassing a fleet made up of Ferraris, Lotus, Caterhams, and Land Rovers.
But the two motors that will go to the block next month are said to be among his favourites - and should sell for respectable prices.
Iconic Auctioneers will offer a low-mileage 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS and a characterful 1972 Fiat 500 - which has been converted to electric power - during its Supercar Fest sale at Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire, on 16 and 17 May.
The auction house says the models 'reflect a different side of Rea’s well-known passion for cars'.
While the Porsche offers incredible performance, the classic 500 was used by Rea as a discreet runaround, utilising its 75-mile range to run errands in and about town while keeping a low profile.
Two cars from Chris Rea's private collection will be sold at auction in May, just 5 months after his death at 74. The two cars are from opposite ends of the spectrum...
The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS (992.1) represents a rare opportunity to acquire a modern performance car with both minimal mileage and notable provenance.
Acquired by Chris Rea in June 2023 and retained within his personal collection, the car has covered just 1,242 miles.
Supplied new by Porsche Centre Cardiff, it is finished in Slate Grey Neo with black exterior accents and a black hide and Alcantara interior.
Powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six producing 473bhp, the GTS sits in the sweet-spot of the 992 range, combining everyday usability with focused performance.
Packing 473bhp, it's no slouch, taking a mere 3.3 seconds to hit 62mph.
But it's relatively civilised to drive at low speeds, is incredibly comfortable and has seating for four - though the rear is only really suitable for small children.
The 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS blends incredible performance with day-to-day comfort and practicality
Rea's car is a particularly high specification, with lots of expensive optional extra features
Iconic Auctioneers believes its combination of rarity, low mileage, high spec and famed single owner should see it fetch close to £100k
Rea's car features the eight-speed PDK automatic transmission, SportDesign package, GT Sport steering wheel, glass roof and upgraded Bose sound system, alongside 20/21-inch centre-lock alloy wheels, reflecting Rea’s impeccable taste.
Serviced by Porsche Reading in February 2025, it has been sparingly used, carefully stored and is offered with an estimate of £80,000 to £100,000.
The 1972 Fiat 500 also on offer presents a very different and more personal side to Rea’s car garage.
Under his ownership for more than 20 years, it was regularly used as his daily driver and reflects his appreciation for character over outright performance.
Finished in Dark Silver with a Red vinyl interior, it retains the charm of the original city car while incorporating modern engineering.
In 2023, the Fiat was converted to full electric power by Retro Electric Ltd.
The conversion includes a Netgain AC-20 motor, Tesla battery modules and an Orion battery management system, delivering an approximate range of 75 miles.
This 1972 Fiat 500 is claimed to have been one of the personal favourites from Rea’s extensive car garage
Under his ownership for more than 20 years, it was regularly used as his daily driver. Then in 2023, he paid a specialist company to convert it to an EV
The Fiat only has a very small battery using modules from a Tesla. It has a range of just 75 miles. Experts believe it will sell for around £14k
Maintained throughout its ownership by respected specialists the car combines classic design with practical, emissions-free motoring.
While it shows 42,241 miles on the odometer, it has covered only a matter of a few hundred since its electric makeover.
It stands as a distinctive offering with genuine celebrity provenance and should attract bids in the region of £10,000 to £14,000, experts forecast.
Charles Smalley, car specialist at Iconic Auctioneers, said: 'Cars from Chris Rea’s collection always attract interest, but what stands out here is the contrast.
'The Porsche is a modern performance car with very low mileage and clear collector appeal, while the Fiat 500 is something he used and enjoyed over many years.
'Together they show the breadth of his taste and, equally, the range of cars we are proud to offer at auction.'
Picutred side-by-side, the two cars are great examples of Chris Rea's passion for motor vehicles
The Driving Home For Christmas singer passed away on Monday 22 December 2026 at the age of 74 after a short illness
Rea was known to be a huge petrolhead, amassing a fleet made up of Ferraris, Lotus, Caterhams, and Land Rovers. Here, he's pictured with his Lotus Mk6 in 2010
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The Driving Home For Christmas singer passed away on Monday 22 December 2026 at the age of 74 after a short illness.
A statement from his wife Joan and their daughters Josie and Julia, read: 'It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.'
Middlesbrough-born Chris, who met Joan when he was just 16, had been dogged with serious health issues including peritonitis, pancreatic cancer and diabetes. In 2017, it was revealed he needed to inject insulin seven times a day.
Tributes swiftly flooded in for the star on Twitter, with many referencing his music, his love of cars and the cruel irony of his passing being so close to Christmas.=
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Chris Rea's beloved Porsche 911 GTS and electric-converted Fiat 500 will auction in May for up to £100k.
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The sale showcases how classic car collections become valuable estates after celebrity owners pass away.
Context:
Rea was famous for "Road to Hell" and owned an extensive collection including Ferraris and Lotus cars.
