The BFF’s Lap of Honour campaign encountered a day of tension and high drama at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The car went under the hammer at the Bonham's auction but narrowly missed the reserve price.

So the Lap of Honour campaign carries on. For the remainder of July and August the car will remain in a secret location but watch this space for a final auction announcement and do not rule out one or two more high-profile signings if the right icons come knocking on the door.

Once again our thanks to Bonhams as well as all the British companies and icons who have come together to create this unique campaign.
“This fantastic car has been on an amazing journey during our tenth anniversary year”, said Mark Cann, Director of the BFF. “It will be a unique addition to any car collection and we’re delighted that Bonhams offered their help so generously to help us achieve the best bid and raise as much money as we can for the Charity. The very act of demonstrating support will send a clear message of solidarity to those on the frontline, which will in itself be a significant boost to their morale.”

"Lap of Honour has been – even by our standards – an extraordinary undertaking. To mention just a few of the memorable events – Sir Elton John signed moments before launching himself on stage at the 02 Arena, Kate Moss signed the car in her off-street parking and the album by her Christmas tree after a day spent dodging the paparazzi, Jeremy Paxman signed while the car received a parking ticket (which was later contested and cancelled) and there is a slight impression on the Union Jack roof left by Sienna Miller’s bottom when she jumped up for a photograph.

"Fittingly the final signee was Sir Paul McCartney but my children were only interested in The Stig being on the petrol cap. For those who are interested, the Mini’s lap time of the Top Gear test track last week was a very respectable 1.42.8 (faster than the Aston Martin DB5 which clocked up 1.46.0).

"Lap of Honour is essentially a good news story and an immense thank you to Bonhams for being such stalwart supporters from the start and for allowing the full hammer price from the sale to go towards the Charity. This unique snapshot of the great and the good in Britain will be the focus of interest in anyone’s collection."

For a telephone bidding form or an absentee bidding form please contact The British Forces Foundation offices on 01672 564911 or email sally@bff.org.uk

Click here to download the auction catalogue pages