Classic Car Auctions: A MAMMOTH MINI ADVENTURE, FIVE MINI DERIVATIVES GOING TO AUCTION

A MAMMOTH MINI ADVENTURE, FIVE MINI DERIVATIVES GOING TO AUCTION

Five superb variations of the Mini, all with fascinating stories, are set to go under the hammer at Classic Car Auctions March sale held at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show.

The Mini which celebrated a significant birthday throughout 2019 continues to hold the limelight and is one of the most recognisable cars on the road. It also spawned a number of derivatives making it an extremely versatile car for its size.

Classic Car Auctions have five versions in their March sale on the 28th and 29th at the NEC in Birmingham which will certainly get the enthusiasts fired up.

Bought 58 years ago this 1962 Austin Mini Cooper MK1 has remained with its first and only owner for its entire life achieving a staggering 300,000 miles. Now in need of restoration but still in regular use, this Mini apparently goes like the clappers with an 850cc short-stroke in place over the original 997 and will be driven to the auction.

Originally presented in Almond Green with an Old English White roof, it is now in red but retains the original Dove Grey/Porcelain Green interior vinyl.

With a very desirable and valuable registration of 150 FOC and estimated at £12,000 to £15,000 this is a Mini with a maxi story.

“These are great cars and they all come with their own unique story and have wonderful characters. The 300,000 mile MK1 Cooper is staggering and has the most fascinating story,” commented Gary Dunne, Classic Car Auctions Manager.

“The vendor told us it was bought new for him by his mother-in-law because she didn’t like his choice of cars to drive her daughter around in!”

One of the Mini variations was the Moke, originally designed for military use and to be parachuted into action, but due to ground clearance issues, it wasn’t to be. However, it found a different audience across the world and developed a cult following as an easily maintainable recreational vehicle.

The first Mokes were produced in Birmingham at BMC’s Longbridge plant between 1964 and 1968. In later years they were produced in Australia and Portugal with production ending in 1993.

Classic Car Auctions have this UK supplied 1968 Austin Mini Moke which has been with the vendor for the last 13 years. Finished in white with 89,000 miles on the clock, this car is well presented but with age-related wear, however with a little bit of work could be made Concours. Estimated at £10,000 to £12,000 this a great car for the summer.

The Innocenti Mini Cooper was built between 1965 and 1975 with production taking place in Italy. The Export 1300 was the most popular and what made it stand out from other Minis was the black plastic grille and plastic chrome Innocenti badge and side repeaters on the front wings amongst other small details.

This 1975 Innocenti Mini Cooper Export 1300 was imported in 1982 and then re-shelled. In 2014 the current vendor purchased the car which was in great condition but needed some of the missing Innocenti details. This he did and three years ago had the car re-sprayed and re-trimmed correctly.

Estimated at £12,000 to £15,000 this is one of the last Export 1300s and is presented in great condition after a faithful restoration. It also comes with a good history file with brochures, handbooks, workshop manual and spares.

Our fourth Mini derivative is this wonderful 1962 Austin Mini Seven Pick-up. In 2004 it was rescued by the current vendor a known marque specialist and restored to the superb condition it is now presented in. In 2010 a bare metal restoration got underway, it was returned to the original Tweed Grey paintwork and Tan interior. The original engine was re-installed along with all period correct features.

In 2011 this little Pick-up was featured on the cover of the Mini World magazine, such was the detail of the restoration. Estimated at £16,000 to £20,000 this is a cracking, accurately restored Pick-up.

Our final Mini is the 25th Anniversary edition. Amazingly this 1984 Mini 25 has just 8,730 miles on the clock. The first and second owner did near equal mileage in the time they owned it. The current vendor, a marque specialist, has owned the car since 2016 and has kept in excellent condition, it scores 115 out 135 on the condition report. It has had little use on the road and when it has gone out it has been by trailer to shows.

Estimated at £6,000 to £8,000 it comes with great originality, history and a fresh MOT.

Gary commented further: “Loving this selection of Minis, such a cheeky car. A final reminder too that we have our Cars Coffee and Consignments event on the 19th February at the British Motor Museum. There are a couple of appointments available so please get in touch if you are in need of a free valuation.”

Viewing takes place on the 27th March between 10am and 5.30pm with the auction getting underway on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th from 12pm.

Classic Car Auctions can also be contacted on 01926 640888 or by email enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.uk and would be happy to talk with you and help you through the process of consigning your car, alternatively, you can also use their online Value My Classic service.

Forthcoming Auctions

28th and 29th March – Practical Classics Restoration Show, NEC Birmingham

13th June – CCA Summer Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre

3rd October – CCA Autumn Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre

12th December – CCA Winter Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre

Source: CCA

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS GEARING UP FOR A STAR-STUDDED AUCTION AT THE NEC THIS WEEKEND

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS GEARING UP FOR A STAR-STUDDED AUCTION AT THE NEC THIS WEEKEND

Silverstone Auctions will be opening the doors to 118 classic and modern classic lots at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show from the 8th to 10th November at the NEC Birmingham.

Viewing will take place all day Friday and on the mornings of the sale on Saturday and Sunday where you can view the lots and speak with the Silverstone Auctions team.

On Saturday the car auction gets underway at 2:00pm with 62 lots set to go under the hammer. The first lot off the block will be the 1991 Golf GTi Rivage Cabriolet with all proceeds being donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, a charity close to the heart of the vendor and it will be offered at No Reserve. Lot 205 is the first of the star lots, the Ex-Sir Cliff Richard Corvette C2 Sting Ray Convertible, which was delivered new to the pop legend early in his career and is estimated at £50,000 to £60,000. Lot 207 is a wonderful lot to keep an eye on too, a rare 1976 Alfa Romeo Montreal. A UK -supplied right-hand drive car, one of only 155, with a warranted 45,495 miles in need of some attention. It is estimated at £22,000 to £26,000 and the registration number 600 JRL will remain with the car. Lot 215 is the first of the supercars a 1993 Jaguar XJ220 formerly owned from new by Sir John Madjeski the founder of Auto Trader. Estimated at £350,000 to £400,000 this 2,000 mile from new supercar is a very special example and looked after by XJ220 experts Don Law. The following lot 216 is a 1989 Porsche 928 GT Manual which is being sold as part of a feature for a new Channel 4 restoration show. This car has been recommissioned and inspected prior to the sale and estimated at £20,000 to £25,000. Lot 250 is another of the incredible lots being offered during the show weekend, the 1974 MGB GT V8 with just 4,425 miles on the clock. A very British rare chrome bumpered sportscar at an estimate of £30,000 to £35,000, what a great car.

Sunday’s auction has 56 lots and in amongst them are more cars with famous ownership. Four lots in will be the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe formerly owned by pop sensation Lulu, who bought the car new when she was married to Maurice Gibb of the BeeGees. This Mercedes has been with the current vendor forming part of a significant collection where it has been enjoyed and used for social events. It is being offered with an estimate of £65,000 to £75,000. The star lot of the day has to be Lot 411 the 1955 Triumph TR2 ex-works Le Mans 24 hours team car. Purchased straight after the race by King Hussein of Jordan and has since been with the current owner for the last 47 years. Estimated at £100,000 to £140,000 this is a wonderful piece of British motorsport history with superb provenance and well-documented history.

Across both sale days, the selection and provenance of the cars are quite staggering. There is a wide selection of Aston Martins from different eras and models, the most famous being the DB5s of which there are two outstanding cars, there is also a rare and desirable DB2 Washboard, two DB6s, a beautiful 1968 DBS, a 1984 V8 Vantage Volante and the 1994 Widebodied Virage Volante. If you are an Aston enthusiast, then there will certainly be a car for you.

The star-studded line up continues, not content with cars formerly owned by Sir Cliff Richard and Lulu, but there are two cars from the famous and eclectic collection of Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay, Lot 237 a 1983 Mercedes-Benz 280 TE Estate and Lot 245 a Porsche 928 GTS. If you fancy something a bit more rugged, you can bid for Lot 259 a 1994 Range Rover Limousine once used to ferry around boxing champion Mike Tyson.

Among the 118 lots are several future classics, one model that has shown great form in recent auctions is the BMW 325i and there are three in the sale. Two of them are 1991 E30 cars a Sport and a Sport M-Tech2, the other a 1986 E30 Sport M-Tech1. Fast Fords are always popular and there is plenty of choice with some outstanding examples being offered such as the 33,984 miles 1983 Escort RS1600i from the BonkeRS Collection. If you after a French hot hatch Lot 403, a 1989 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6 is in exceptional condition and estimated at £15,000 to £18,000 with just 27,815 miles from new.

Harry Whale Silverstone Auctions’ Sales Manager commented: “We have so many cars on offer this coming weekend, all with wonderful provenance and connections to some of the UK's most famous celebrities.”

“This is a great catalogue, one we are very proud to be offering. These are all high-quality cars to suit all budgets, whether you are after a standout example from Aston Martin or after a restoration or re-commissioning project, our team look forward to meeting potential bidders at the weekend.”

The Silverstone Auctions sale will also include 100 lots on each day of automobilia to include wall art, watches, signed prints, tool kits, luggage sets and registration numbers.

The Silverstone Auctions sale takes place on the 9th and 10th November at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show, NEC, Birmingham. On each day, the automobilia and lifestyle auctions start at 11am and the car auction starts at 2pm. (Remembrance Sunday 10th November, the automobilia auction will begin at 11.05am)

AN EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTION OF FAST FORDS SET TO FIRE UP NEC SHOW

AN EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTION OF FAST FORDS SET TO FIRE UP NEC SHOW

Silverstone Auctions sale at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show on the 9th and 10th November is set to be a real scorcher as some of the hottest cars in the most exceptional condition from the Blue Oval are to be auctioned.

The term Fast Fords always conjure up great excitement and Silverstone Auctions will not disappoint you in November as they have some real head-turners from the 1970s and 80s to get you all fired up and here are just a few of the examples on offer.

Leading the charge is a 1972 RS1600 Custom Mk1 in a glorious light blue estimated at £58,000 to £68,000. Built at Ford’s AVO factory with the BDA engine, this 1972 car is in the most exceptional condition and recorded on the RS1600 Register. As one of just 1,137 cars built, the vendor knows his Fords and is a collector of rare and immaculate cars from the marque. Having had just four owners from new, one of whom was marque specialist ASM Restorations it comes with loads of paperwork and its original buff logbook. This has been meticulously restored retaining its original shell and is presented in show condition. These are very collectable cars.

The next Fast Ford is one of two RS2000 Customs from 1980. Sporting the droop snoot look this award-winning car is no stranger to show having been awarded a number of accolades from the RSOC including 1st place at their Lakes Tour in 2017. The vendor of this car is a big Ford enthusiast and has owned some of the best examples. This matching numbers 1980 RS2000 Custom has had the most exacting restoration and retains the original bodyshell. Presented in Venetian Red with Fishnet Recaro seats and lots of history this stunningly presented car is estimated at £38,000 to £44,000.

Our second RS2000 is finished in Cordoba Beige and has covered just 1,500 miles since 1992 and has a total of 34,000 miles on the clock. Coming from long term storage and three previous owners this RS2000 Custom comes with up to ten older MOT certificates back to 1992, plus an original brochure and handbook. With the distinctive droop snoot looks, the desirable Fishnet Recaro seats, this time warp car is estimated at £35,000 to £45,000 and are well sought-after cars.

Our final car in this release comes from a very well-known and documented collection, the BonkeRS Collection. It was started by a man whose desire was to collect only the best RS models ever produced. This 1983 Ford Escort RS1600i is quite possibly one of the best and certainly, one of the best Silverstone Auctions has seen. It is one of just 560 UK cars in Sunburst Red which was in storage from 2004 to 2010 and has only done 700 miles in the last 16 years. Estimated at £30,000 to £40,000 it comes with boxes of paperwork and will be fully serviced, road-tested and come with a new MOT prior to the sale

Joe Watts Silverstone Auctions Classic Car Consigner commented: “These Fast Fords are very popular and when exceptional cars come to market there always tends to be a frenzy around them.”

“We are very lucky to have these cars in the auction at the same time. It gives you a great idea on how the cars developed over the ten years in which they span.”

“All of them are just in fabulous condition and come with their own personal history.”

The Silverstone Auctions sale will also include 100 lots on each day of automobilia to include wall art, watches, signed prints, tool kits, luggage sets, registration numbers and even a set of wall-mounted traffic lights, Lot 350 at No Reserve. But one lot that stands out and would be very suitable should you be purchasing a Fast Ford is Lot 392, an illuminated wall sign for £300 to £400. A great addition to any man cave.

The Silverstone Auctions sale takes place on the 9th and 10th November at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show, NEC, Birmingham. On each day, the automobilia and lifestyle auctions start at 11am and the car auction starts at 2pm. (Remembrance Sunday 10th November, the automobilia auction will begin at 11.05am)

1972 Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600 Custom
1980 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom (Red)
1980 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom (Beige)
1983 Ford Escort RS 1600i

A SUPERB SELECTION OF MODERN AND BEST OF BREED CLASSICS TO BE OFFERED AT NEC SHOW

A SUPERB SELECTION OF MODERN AND BEST OF BREED CLASSICS TO BE OFFERED AT NEC SHOW

The Silverstone Auctions catalogue for their auction at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show has added some superb modern classics that will certainly rally the buyers and set the pulses racing.

A fine selection of Subarus are being offered synonymous with rallying and home heroes Colin McRae and Richard Burns, they have an incredibly low mileage WRX STi and an Impreza Richard Burns edition with an added extra. Also consigned are a BMW 325i Sport, a car which is quickly becoming a desirable classic, a 1991 Peugeot 205 GTi, plus two great classics, a 1959 Austin Healy Sprite and a 1972 Ford Escort Twin Cam.

Where do you start when we talk about Subarus? For any motorsport enthusiast, it will always be the 555 liveried cars of Colin McRae and Richard Burns, both who are sadly not with us, but their legacy (excuse the pun) lives on. Silverstone Auctions have two very special cars, the first has an incredible 110 miles on the clock from new. The 2017 WRX STI Final Edition was the last of the line for the famous marque model, with just 150 made for the UK market, this virtually as new car represents an amazing opportunity harking back to the days of Subarus rally successes. Estimated at £20,000 to £25,000 with a valid five year warranty and a main dealer service at 99 miles, what an opportunity.

How about a 2007 Subaru Impreza RB320 where the first owner was none other than Robert Reid, who was Richard Burn’s co-driver and won the 2001 World Championship together. They were a very successful pairing, coming runners up in 1999 and 2000, their partnership ran for 12 years. Our vendor is the second owner of this car which has just 1,400 miles on the clock and also comes with a spare rear spoiler which has been signed by some of the greatest legends in rallying and motorsport in general such as Carlos Sainz, Malcolm Wilson, Petter Solberg, Ove Anderson, Hannu Mikkola and even Colin McRae and Robert Reid. The list of names is amazing, so many we can’t mention them all but well worth taking note of. This very special RB320 is estimated at £30,000 to £35,000 and is your chance to own a car built to celebrate a British World Rally Champion and once owned by his World Championship winning co-driver.

Recent sales have shown that the BMW 325i Sport E30 model has sparked a lot of interest and buyers are beginning to focus on this superb model as M3s become rarer to acquire. This 1991 BMW 325i Sport has just 6,794 verifiable miles on the clock and when it was bought in 2007 it had just 5,200. This has got to be one for the serious BMW collector, fitted with numerous M-Tech upgrades, special order Granitsilber Metallic paint and is one of the later face-lifted M Technic 2 models it is estimated at £30,000 to £35,000. A fabulous investment for this well stored and serviced BMW.

Hot hatches of the 90s are well documented and always stir many memories. VW versus Peugeot versus Ford, who actually came out top is probably down to personal preference. But when they come to market excellent cars tend not to hang around. This 1991 Peugeot 205 GTi is one of those. A 1.9 which has been cherished over the years, finished in Cherry Red and with all the service invoices back to the first in August 1991. Estimated at £15,000 to £18,000 this is a very desirable car with just 35,083 miles from new and in excellent condition.

If classics are more your thing, they have two really superb cars. The first is the 1959 Austin Healey Sprite MK1 which has undergone a full restoration to the most exacting standards. It could be said it is better than the day it originally left Abingdon. Estimated at £22,000 to £26,000, this Frog Eye as they were known due to their cheeky appearance, was an unfinished restoration project that had stalled when it was sold to Memory Lane Classics who are making a name for themselves with these cars. They set about the most detailed restoration, which we have outlined on our website, it is almost like new and is a fantastic opportunity for such a characterful car.

Our next classic fits in well with some of our other cars listed, as it is well known for its success in rallying, a 1972 Ford Escort Twin Cam. This car may have been one of the development cars, built but never used, sadly as with a lot of Ford’s records from this time the history files have been destroyed. However, this car is simply wonderful. In the early years, it was used for club level rallying before it was taken off the road from 1984 to 2012. Entrusted to RS guru Kerry Sealey it underwent a total restoration before being sold in 2013 to the current vendor. The detail of the car is fantastic with many original parts and features including the Avanti map reading light.

Estimates at £50,000 to £60,000 with a fresh MOT, 47,439 indicated miles, this is an excellent Escort Twin Cam from a period when they were the rally cars.

Harry Whale Silverstone Auctions Auction Manager commented: “These are some of the superb cars we are offering at our forthcoming sale in November. A great selection of seriously high-quality modern classics with extraordinary provenance.”

“It will be very interesting to see if the Peugeot can beat the current world record which took place at one of our auctions last year.”

Silverstone Auctions are accepting cars for their Classic Motor Show auction on the 9th and 10th November and can be contacted on 01926 691141 or email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com and would be happy to talk with you and help you through the process of consigning your car, closing date is the 15th October.

On each day, the automobilia and lifestyle auctions start at 11am and the car auction starts at 2pm. (Remembrance Sunday 10th November, the automobilia auction will begin at 11.05am).

Images

2017 Subaru WRX STI Final Edition (Bottom Left)
2007 Subaru Impreza RB320 (Top Right)
1991 BMW 325i Sport (Bottom Right)
1991 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 (Top Left)

Forthcoming Auctions9th & 10th November NEC Classic Motor Show Sale - NEC Birmingham
22nd and 23rd February 2020 Race Retro Classic and Competition Car Sale – Stoneleigh
9th May - May Sale and Porsche Sale Silverstone Circuit
6th June - Ferrari Sale Sywell Aerodrome
1st and 2nd August – Silverstone Classic
14th and 15th November – NEC Classic Motor Show

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS GATHERING SPEED FOR NEC AUCTION WITH HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUPERCARS

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS GATHERING SPEED FOR NEC AUCTION WITH HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUPERCARS

1993 Jaguar XJ220

The Silverstone Auctions sale at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show is looking set to be one of the best auctions with some significant high-performance modern classics and supercars being offered.

From Jaguar the ultimate of big cats, the XJ220, from Aston Martin a super rare factory-built Virage Volante Widebody, from Noble the M600 Carbon Sport and fighting to keep up is a rare low mileage BMW Z3 M Coupe with its own special weapon under the bonnet.

The Jaguar XJ220 was announced in the late 1980s just before the recession hit in the early 1990s. It was not good timing for Jaguar, as the first of its high performance and eagerly awaited supercar was due to arrive to owners who had been on a waiting list for some years. It was also the fastest production car in the world after setting 212.3 mph at the Nardo test track in Italy.

With a change in the original specification along with the financial collapse of the markets only 275 of these cars were eventually produced, making it at the time one of the most expensive cars in the world. But they are still one of the most admired and extremely desirable for any collector.

This 1993 UK-supplied right-hand drive XJ220 has a very special history of just two owners and incredibly low mileage of just 2,000 miles. It was delivered new to Sir John Madjeski who was the founder of the magazine Thames Valley Trader which became Auto Trader and was Chairman of Reading FC. Our vendor purchased the car from him in 2010 and formed part of his collection. Finished in Spa Silver with a Charcol interior this car has had

£28,000 spent including the replacement of the fuel cell and other recommended work with XJ220 specialists Don Law. Estimated at £350,000 to £400,000 this is a superb opportunity to acquire of the most significant, low mileage and low ownership supercars of its time.

Last week we announced four superb classic Aston Martins and now to add to the pack we have one of the 26 factory-built Virage Volante Widebody from 1994. This 6.3-litre V8 car certainly looked the part with the flared wheel arches and larger wheels creating demand for a kit for those who had the standard version. The stand-out fact of this car is that it is the third Widebody produce of the 26 to full specification for registration in the UK. Presented in Buckingham Green with a black leather interior, this is one stunning looking car with an estimate of

£100,000 to £120,000 and just under 11,000 miles with a substantial service history. The Original Bill of Sale shows the total price of this car new was £195,236, so this is a fabulous opportunity to acquire one of these 26 factory-built cars.

Noble Automotive was established in 1999 to build high-speed sports cars and in 2010 they started to produce the M600 aimed to take on the established brands and enter hypercar territory. This 2013 UK-supplied right- hand drive car is the Carbon Sport edition with a Yamaha sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. Carbon Sport is the second car in the range of hand-built sports cars and this version is estimated at £150,000 to £170,000. Finished in polished Carbon with red detailing, 11,500 miles from just two owners and a full Noble works service history, this is a great looking 225mph supercar.

Our final car in this release isn’t quite in the territory of our high-performance supercars but none the less it is equally rare and just as potent in its own circle of competition. It has also been part of a private collection of a discerning collector who is also offering other cars in this auction, including the Aston Martin mentioned in this release. This 2003 BMW Z3M Coupe is fitted with the S54 engine from the BMW M3. A clearly loved car as the first owner sold it to his brother who then sold it back to him, so he must have missed it! Details of the car’s life can be found in the history file and its recent service last month. With just 11,282 miles this well-specified Z3M in Titan Silver with a black leather interior is a very sought-after car and at £40,000 to £45,000 can you afford to let this one slip by.

Harry Whale Silverstone Auctions Auction Manager commented: “The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor show at the NEC is a great auction for us, we always get some great cars consigned. These latest cars are superb examples of current and future classics.”

“We have a number of extremely notable cars from a private collection, two of which are in this release, but all

are of the highest quality.”

Silverstone Auctions are accepting cars for their Classic Motor Show auction on the 9th and 10th November and can be contacted on 01926 691141 or email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com and would be happy to talk with you and help you through the process of consigning your car, closing date is the 15th October.

On each day, the automobilia and lifestyle auctions start at 11am and the car auction starts at 2pm. (Remembrance Sunday 10th November, the automobilia auction will begin at 11.05am)

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS TO OFFER A FANTASTIC SELECTION OF ASTON MARTINS AT NEC CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW SALE

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS TO OFFER A FANTASTIC SELECTION OF ASTON MARTINS AT NEC CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW SALE

The Silverstone Auctions sale at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show has consigned a fabulous selection of Aston Martins all with fascinating stories and presented in the most incredible condition.

Early Aston Martins were some of the most classical of all their cars and Silverstone Auctions has four different models and an evocation of one of the most classic of all racers.

Leading the charge is a 1950 DB2 three grilled Washboard. One of the first 49 cars built and still in its original paintwork of Almond Green over Dark Green. Prior to the car’s production, DB2s could be seen in competition in 1949 at Le Mans. In 1950 the car was clothed in Frank Feeley’s classic design with the three-part front grille and significant side vents giving it the nickname Washboard.

This particular car is the sixth DB2 produced and the first of the 49 cars put into production and when delivered to its first owner in Australia he took it various racetracks and the famous Rob Roy Hillclimb. The documents supplied with car detail its competition history.

After changing hands twice the trail of the car went cold from 1991 until in 2003 when the car was advertised as disassembled and ready for restoration and bought by Max Hobson, a leading light in Australian motorsport running their equivalent of the Mille Miglia. After much research, in 2004 restoration of the car was underway to Concours standard finishing on 2009 when the car was presented at the Mornington Rally in Victoria.

The next owner of the car was none other than Vern Schuppan who went on to be one of the most successful sport car racers. Who drove the car back to Adelaide and set about further restoring the car to the highest of standards as he was a very fastidious man and the restoration company equally so. He kept the car until 2013 when it was sold and returned to the UK.

In 2015 the new owner entered the car into the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance not before he did further work to ensure the car was in the most incredible condition and it paid off, the car was rewarded with third place in Class 0-1 Post War Early.

Now offered for sale at an estimated £390,000 to £450,000 this DB2 Washboard is one of the most superb cars that has been treated to such love and attention is now possibly the best in the world.

Our next Aston Martin is the 1965 DB5 always associated with the James Bond films, this car has its own fame as it was the car used and featured on a special collection of stamps produced by the Royal Mail in 2013.

The car was owned by some very distinguished people, in 1988 it was owned by the MD of Guinness and Burger King UK for 14 years, it was at this time the car was returned to its original Silver Birch from Dark Blue.

In 2002 the car was sold and a replacement engine block was used to convert the car to lead-free specification. Mr Irving, the owner, wisely kept the original engine. He then sold the car in 2013.

On behalf of its new owner, the car was featured on a special edition of the Royal Mail stamps to celebrate the best in British car manufacturing. A set of these stamps is included in the extensive history file. Later that year the car was sold again to former Radio 2 Breakfast Show presenter Chris Evans and passionate classic car collector, before selling it again in 2014 to the current vendor.

Over the next few years, he managed to source and locate the original engine block and repair the original engine. Now offered for sale at an estimated £580,000 to £650,000 this Aston Martin has quite a history and is in amazing condition, making it one of the finest DB5s.

Our third Aston Martin is particularly special, a 1984 V8 Vantage Volante. It is one of six cars to have benefited from factory engine upgrades to Vantage specification before delivery as customer special orders. The upgrade to Vantage specification on this car was carried out by Aston Martin Lagonda Special Department in January 1984 just prior to first registration. The increase in power and performance was significant and these six cars retained the slender lines of the standard Volantes without the spoilers and side skirts of the standard Vantage Volante.

When HRH Prince Charles ordered his new Vantage Volante in 1987, he preferred the more understated styling of the standard Volante and a further twenty-one Prince of Wales specification cars were produced, which have become recognised as highly sought after. It could be argued that this car, with its factory Vantage engine and standard Volante coachwork, is the predecessor to the celebrated Prince of Wales specification cars.

Aston Martin Chairman Victor Gauntlett specified one of these six Vantage Volantes at the same time as this car was being built, they are digits apart in the chassis number order and his Cumberland Grey car went on to star in the 1987 James Bond film The Living Daylights.

Estimated at £170,000 to £190,000 this very special Aston Martin has been finished in Cumberland Grey with a cream leather interior and also benefited from the fitting of a manual ZF gearbox. It also comes with a comprehensive history file, original handbook, warranty cards and fitted luggage.

Our final Aston Martin consigned as we go to press, is a 1966 DB6 Mk1 Vantage estimated at £260,000 to £300,000 UK supplied car with four files detailing the cars history and cossetted life. It underwent a bare metal restoration in 2014 with photographic evidence to complement the work carried out. The Heritage Certificate states details of the factory fitted equipment, specifically the Vantage engine and that the car was used as a demonstrator for Eton Garages Limited. This is a stunning example of a DB6 which has been fastidiously maintained throughout its life.

The last car of this release though not an Aston Martin, is a 2013 Evanta DBR1 Evocation built by the Evanta Motor Company which at the time was owned by Ant Anstead of Wheelers Dealer and Love of Cars fame.

The DBR1 was a legendary car and this evocation is now a serious car with a unique provenance. Sold in 2014 to a known and enthusiastic collector who changed the engine from the 3.8 to a new 4.2 high compression engine. In 2016 it changed hands again to the current and high-profile petrol head who stamped his mark on the car by improving it further. Now offered at £50,000 to £60,000.

Guy Lees-Milne Silverstone Auctions Manager commented: “The NEC is a great sale for us and one that always generates a great selection of cars and these Aston Martins are a fantastic group of some of the marques most classic models.”

“We are delighted to be able to offer a collection of some of the most iconic Aston Martins.”

“All these cars are now in our care and we would welcome anyone interested in them to book a private viewing prior to the auction”

Silverstone Auctions are accepting cars for their Classic Motor Show auction on the 9th and 10th November and can be contacted on 01926 691141 or email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com and would be happy to talk with you and help you through the process of consigning your car, closing date is the 15th October.

On each day, the automobilia, lifestyle and watches auctions start at 11am and the car auction starts at 2pm. (Remembrance Sunday 10th November, the automobilia auction will begin at 11.05am)

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS LAUNCHES THE OPENING OF THEIR NEC SHOW CATALOGUE WITH A VERY RARE EX-WORKS TRIUMPH TR2

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS LAUNCHES THE OPENING OF THEIR NEC SHOW CATALOGUE WITH A VERY RARE EX-WORKS TRIUMPH TR2

The ex-Works 1955 Le Mans 24-hours Triumph TR2

Silverstone Auctions has opened its catalogue for entries to the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show with a very rare and important car from British motorsport, the ex-works Triumph TR2 which finished 19th at the 1955 Le Mans.

The Triumph TR2 was launched in 1952 and was soon in great demand becoming very successful in motorsport competition. Motorsport was a great way for manufacturers to promote their cars and in 1954 a TR2 was privately entered into the Le Mans 24 Hours race and finished a credible 15th.

This prompted Standard-Triumph Ltd to enter a works team in 1955 with three cars all in the British Racing Green colours with consecutive number plates PKV 374, PKV 375, PKV 376.

The car offered is one of these three works cars, PKV 374, driven by Leslie Brookes and Mortimer Morris-Goodall to 19th place in the 1955 Le Mans 24 Hours race and for a long time was the sole surviving works car.

Sadly the 1955 Le Mans race will be remembered for the huge accident that claiming the lives and injuring many people. Despite the accident, the race continued, and the TRs were running well with PKV 374 easily the fastest of the MGs and TRs averaging 90 mph according to the June Autosport of that year.

PKV 374 had an eventful race, with the car taking an excursion into the gravel trap where it got beached. But after 2.5 hours it was back on track and returning to the pits. For the rest of the race, the car continued with gear selection troubles but still managed to finish 19th just behind the other two works cars.

The late King Hussein of Jordan took a fancy for PKV 374 and whilst the other two cars head back to Coventry PKV 374 was sold to the King and left the circuit straight for Jordan in full Le Mans race trim. In 1956 the King brought the car back to the UK and at the time it was in the Jordanian colours of blue and white with luxurious upholstery. In November of that year, the King sold the car.

After changing hands several times, the car was purchased by the present owner in 1972 which was by now in a poor state and set about restoring the car over a long period of time to its original Le Mans specification.

In 2000 PKV 374 was finally finished and went on to successfully complete the London to Istanbul leg of the Around The World In 80 Days rally. This was the start of the car’s modern era of competition, as it took part in many HERO rally events before it was decided to return the car to Le Mans in 2005 for the One Hour Legends

Race and driven by Tony Dron and Nick Marsh where it suffered fuel issues and retired after 6 laps. Not to be outdone, it returned the following year and finished 5th in class and 23rd overall.

PKV 374 is now being offered with an amazing history, photographs, articles, magazines, race reports and it’s old FIA HTP papers which are now out of date. Offered at £100,000 to £140,000 this is a rare and significant car which is not just any Triumph, but an ex-works car and now offering a unique opportunity to own and compete in exclusive events such as Goodwood, Le Mans Classic and many more.

Adam Rutter Classic Car Specialist for Silverstone Auctions commented: “There is so much history with this car and after 47 years of private family ownership, the car is on the next stage of its adventure, of which it is no stranger.”

“It has been in storage for four years and is now up and running but may require some further fettling to prepare it for competition. The history file is massive there must be at least 6 box files plus folders and other boxes of articles. The car is now in our care and available for private viewings prior to the auction.”

This is the eighth year that Silverstone Auctions have been the official event partner of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show. With consignments now being invited, Silverstone Auctions have a number of important cars already consigned with four different Aston Martins and an Evanta DBR1 Evocation alongside the ex-works Triumph TR2.

With Aston Martins always proving a popular choice, Silverstone Auctions are proud to be offering such a wide choice of cars including a 1950 DB2 Washboard one of the 49 three grilled examples estimated at £390,00 to £450,00, a 1965 DB5 that was the actual car featured on the Royal Mail Stamp in 2013 at £580,000 to £650,000, a 1966 DB6 at £250,000 to £3000,000, and a V8 Vantage Volante estimated at £170,000 to £190,000.

The Evanta DBR1 Evocation is estimated at £50,000 to £60,00 and was built by the Evanta Motor Company which at the time was owned by Ant Anstead of Wheelers Dealers fame.

Silverstone Auctions are accepting cars for their Classic Motor Show auction on the 9th and 10th November and can be contacted on 01926 691141 or email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com and would be happy to talk with you and help you through the process of consigning your car, closing date is the 15th October.

On each day, the automobilia, lifestyle and watches auctions start at 11am and the car auction starts at 2pm. (Remembrance Sunday 10th November, the automobilia auction will begin at 11.05am)