TimeOut

The auction, held by Bonhams, will include seven motor cars and two motorcycles. The piece de resistance is a 1929-32 Bentley which set the Brooklands Outer Circuit Lap Record at more than 137mph in 1931. The 4.5-litre Supercharged single was originally owned by 'Bentley Boy' Sir Henry 'Tim' Burkin, a member of the elite club of racers who helped to pave Bentley's future as a highly respected marque through exciting motor races and playboy lifestyles.

Referring to the Bentley 'Blower', George Daniels once wrote "For all its inconvenience it is a most exhilarating car to drive both on the road and track."

A 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 will also be auctioned. Another Birkin car, it is steeped in history.

After racing in the '32 Le Mans, it fell into the hands of the Air Force Minister appointed by Mussolini. According to Bonhams, Marshal Italo Balbo was known to deliver rousing political speeches whilst sat on the car's bonnet.

The collection includes a 1929 4.5-litre Bentley Tourer once owned by the Maharaja of Bhavnagar and a 1907 Daimler 45hp Roi-de-Belges Tourer. Specified for the Earl of Craven, George Daniels professed it was his pick of the bunch: "With its hissing carburettor, exposed valve gear and whirring chain drive to the wheels it has all the uncomplicated charm of the primitive creation the very essence of the horseless carriage.

"For that most enjoyable of all motoring experiences – just meandering through France with nothing to do more urgent than eating and drinking – it is the perfect carriage."

The collection reflects Daniels' drive for creating beautiful timepieces that were a cut above the rest. Awarded a CBE for his 'services to Horology', his passion for perfection is reflected in the vintage motor cars he loved.