Classic Van Auction Talk

Sunday 29 November 2015

1931 MATCHLESS SILVER HAWK 592cc - COYS TRUE GREATS SALE 01/12/15

COMING TO AUCTION
FROM
truegreats

P1070164 (1)

1931 MATCHLESS SILVER HAWK 592cc

Matchless, founded by the Collier brothers, remained one of the strongest performers in the industry, even in the 1930s depression, a period which saw many of its rivals in serious trouble. Despite this, both Matchless and rivals Ariel launched four-cylinder models in 1931; the technically-brilliant Matchless lasting for four years only, the less-radical Ariel going on into the ‘fifties. The Matchless Silver Hawk was launched during the 1930 Motorcycle Show at Olympia, London as their range-leading luxury model.
The amazing example you see here has not only been comprehensively restored, but also comes with continuous ownership from new. Built in 1931 on what is now recognised as the oldest surviving Silver Hawk frame, this amazing survivor has only 5 recorded owners from new, with incredibly only one owner from 1956 to 2014.
The first registered keeper was a Mr. Leslie McEvoy from Sidcup, Kent, who enjoyed his new motorcycle until 1951, after which he passed it on to a Mr. Peter Barnett from Chesham, and then to a Mr. Patrick Coates from Thames Ditton, who kept the Matchless until 1956. In 1956 the Matchless was sold to Mr. Alan Lewis, who owned the bike for 58 years. Mr. Lewis used the bike for commuting and cross-country dashes, where he found the sprung frame and flexible engine both highly capable, and very entertaining. After some years it was placed into long term storage, only to be unearthed last year. During 2014/2015 the bike enjoyed a highly comprehensive restoration, which has only just been completed. The mechanical work was undertaken by leading Matchless specialist Roger Ashby, who rebuilt the engine and gearbox, amongst other mechanical components. 
This magnificent bike is said to run very well, having had its maiden journey in early October after nearly 58 years in storage and an 18 month restoration. This motorcycle is the earliest frame recorded by the Matchless Silver Hawk register and will be sold with its original instruction book, parts book, two 1950s tax discs and restoration file. Supplied with a current V5 and original buff log book, this is a fabulous example of an iconic motorcycle, and a genuine once in a lifetime opportunity.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GO TO:




Saturday 28 November 2015

1963 AUSTIN MINI VAN (Wood & Pickett) - HISTORICS@ BROOKLANDS

COMING TO AUCTION Pt II
FROM

1963 AUSTIN MINI VAN 
(Wood & Pickett)



The potential for a commercial version of the Mini was an obvious route once it was realised that the distance between the front and rear sub-frames could be changed easily.  The wheelbase was increased by 4" thus increasing the overall length by 10" and making its 46cu. ft. more useable than its sibling, the A35 van, also produced at the Longbridge plant.
The Mini Van was originally offered at a price of £360 excluding purchase tax which did not apply to commercial vehicles. To qualify in the 1960's, the Mini van could only be driven at 30mph, except on the new M1 where it was allowed to do 40mph.
This 1963 Mini Van is finished in Tweed Grey and is affectionately known to its current owner as 'Granville', The Delivery Boy.

It was used by its first owner from 1963 to 1971 and was thereafter stored in a lock-up only to be forgotten. By chance it was unearthed by the local council who managed to contact the original owner. Between 2000 and 2003, the van underwent a light restoration and repair. Two bucket seats, new carpet and Wood & Pickett livery were added. Amongst many of its original features are a 'World Cup Willy' sticker from 1966 and two camping stickers on the windscreen from 1969 and 1970 which were carefully retained during the restoration.  An article on the van was published in Mini Magazine in 2003. The floor push button starter was a feature of Minis from 1959 to 1963 as was the air vent in the roof in these early models. These commercial vehicles had few luxuries and, in particular, no sound-proofing.  Granville is iconic of its time and an absolute delight to all who drive him and to his admiring public.

2012 FERRARI 599 GTB F1 ALONSO - HISTORICS @ BROOKLANDS

COMING TO AUCTION
FROM
SATURDAY 28th NOVEMBER 2015
MERCEDES BENZ WORLD, BROOKLANDS ROAD, WEYBRIDGE

2012 FERRARI 599 GTB F1 ALONSO

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On 14th July 1951, Jose Froilan Gonzales scored Scuderia Ferrari's first victory behind the wheel of a 375 F1 at the British Grand Prix. Almost 60 years later to the day, Scuderia Ferrari and the FIA honoured Gonzales by having Ferrari F1 pilot Fernando Alonso drive that winning 1951 Ferrari 375 around Silverstone prior to the British Grand Prix, he then pulled off an historic copy-cat feat by winning the race in his modern Ferrari.

The 599's engine is derived directly from the Ferrari Enzo, which, just a few years earlier, had been acclaimed as the company's most technologically advanced supercar ever. The GTB can sprint from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds, and the six-litre, V12 can produce 620bhp at 7,600rpm bringing the car to a speed of 205mph. Its acceleration was faster than the Enzo and even faster than the McLaren F1, partly in thanks to its superb traction control which was initially developed for the Scuderia's Formula One cars. Like its cousin, the F430, the 599 was the second Ferrari to wear the now trademark 'il manettino' dial on the steering wheel. This dial, with its name translating to 'little lever', features five settings to adjust the traction damper settings and to monitor the throttle mapping. This gives the driver the option of having both a docile driver-friendly car or a race set-up with breathtaking performance. Like all modern Ferraris, the 599 is just as luxurious as it is fast. The interior is spacious and comfortable with incredible attention to detail being paid throughout. Carbon fibre and aluminum are utilised on the dash, which features Enzo-style instruments and a complex LCD display that allows the driver to access a multitude of settings and in-car information. The seats, developed by Recaro, are multi-functional and have adjustable pneumatic support for the passengers' hips and ribs, to provide a tight grip during high-speed road or circuit driving.
 
This incredibly handsome Ferrari has recently been imported into the UK and is currently not registered with the DVLA at Swansea. A NOVA certificate is available and should any purchaser want to have the car registered in the UK, Historics can help and assist if required. Finished in Rosso with black trim the alcantara-swathed interior gets special seats trimmed in Ferrari's grippy Superfabric and on the dash is a plaque engraved with both Gonzales' and Alonso's signatures. This 599 GTB is in splendid order and has been lovingly cherished by its former keeper, the coachwork is in original and unmarked condition as is the interior. Without doubt this is a fantastically impressive supercar and is one of only 40 Ferrari 599 GTB Alonso Edition 60F1 hyperformance coupés to roll through the gates of Ferrari's Maranello facilities.







Thursday 26 November 2015

1974 VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 2 DOUBLE CAB FIRE ENGINE by Branbridge

COMING TO AUCTION
FROM
1
SATURDAY 28th NOVEMBER 2015
MERCEDES BENZ WORLD
BROOKLANDS ROAD, WEYBRIDGE, SURREY,KT13 0SL

1974 VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 2
DOUBLE CAB FIRE ENGINE
by Branbridge



In late 1967, the second generation of the Volkswagen Type 2 was introduced. It was built in Germany until 1979 and in Mexico, the Volkswagen Kombi and Panel were produced from 1970 to 1994. Models before 1971 are often called the T2a (or 'Early Bay'), while models after 1972 are called the T2b (or 'Late Bay'). This second-generation Type 2 lost its distinctive split-front windscreen and was slightly larger and considerably heavier than its predecessor. At 1.6 litres and developing 47bhp, the engine was also slightly larger. As readily recognisable as the immortal 'Beetle' itself and a cult vehicle in its own right, the Volkswagen T2 and its derivatives enjoyed an even longer period in production than their saloon progenitor. By 1968, when the first major revision of this outstandingly successful design occurred, almost two million had been sold worldwide.

This rare Type 2 fire engine was built by Branbridge Fire and Security Equipment Ltd. of Frant, near Tunbridge Wells in Kent. This was the first of three conversions built and trialled by the Kent Fire Brigade; it then went to Merseyside and was trialled as a 'first strike' appliance for a large shopping centre in Liverpool. It was subsequently bought by the Central Electricity Generating Board as a works appliance at the Bradewell Plant before being transferred to the CEGB at Liverpool's Herculaneum dock where it was disposed of when the plant closed in the late 1970's. In March 2005, the vehicle was acquired by one D. P. Murphy and restored that same year. It was gifted by Mr. Murphy to the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Heritage & Education Centre in 2012. We are advised by the vendor that it is in generally good condition, benefiting from a replacement 1600cc engine and recently refurbished electrics. Finished in the traditional fire engine red, it is also fitted with blue lights and working water pump and comes supplied with a V5C registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires in February 2016 and a file containing information about all three fire appliances.



Please contact Edward Bridger-StilleJohn Tomlin, Stewart Banks, Mark Perkins or Gerry Pettit for Automobilia.
John Williams is in the South West on 07967 203007 and James Holland represents the motorcycle department on 07980 982367.
UK Freephone: 0800 988 3838
Non-UK: +44 (0) 1753 639170
Facsimile: +44 (0) 1522 262177

Friday 20 November 2015

1980 LOTUS ECLAT 521 - BRIGHTWELLS 25/11/15

COMING TO AUCTION
FROM

WEDNESDAY 25th NOVEMBER 2015
EASTERS COURT,LEOMINSTER, HR6 0DE

1980 LOTUS ECLAT 521

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Lotus Eclat 521Lotus Eclat 521Lotus Eclat 521Lotus Eclat 521Lotus Eclat 521
Lotus Eclat 521Lotus Eclat 521Lotus Eclat 521Lotus Eclat 521Lotus Eclat 521
Lot number45
EstimateNo Reserve
DescriptionLotus Eclat 521
RegistrationBVA 90V
Year1980
ColourBlue
Engine size1,973 cc
Chassis No.7910-0935D
Engine No.DC907791017168
DocumentsV5; MOT October 2016; old MOTs; sundry invoices and documents
“The sheer pleasure of handling the Lotus Éclat is something every motoring enthusiast should experience. If your garage contains several beautiful cars with famous names, you will find a strong temptation to use the Lotus for any sort of journey and leave the others behind…Colin Chapman has taken the best things that have come out of racing and combined them in one package.” John Bolster, Autosport.
In terms of exclusivity, performance and price the Lotus Éclat successfully competed against much larger-engined rivals (Ferrari 308 GT4, Fiat 130 Coupe, Jaguar XJ-S and Porsche 911 Lux), offering vice-free handling and vastly superior fuel consumption, thanks to the 160bhp, 16-valve, DOHC Lotus 907 engine. Although well-received by the motoring press, the Éclat was an expensive car (£12,870 in 1980), resulting in just 1,522 sales between 1975 and 1982.
This 1980 Éclat was built to 521 specification: 5-speed gearbox, alloy wheels with 205/60 radial tyres, door mirrors (!), marcasite/brushed nylon trim, electric windows, heated rear-window and a radio. The legendary handling came as standard as did a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 129mph.
The current owner bought the car in 2012 on the basis that it was an honest example with evidence of correct maintenance over the years. He describes the interior as tidy and complete with good carpets and headlining, and the running gear very good – the engine holds correct oil pressure, doesn’t overheat and makes a great noise with the twin Dellorto carburettors. The gearbox and differential are both quiet, and the brakes work effectively.
Crucially, the chassis has been very well looked after and is solid in all the right places. Yes, the paintwork is rather tired (to put it charitably) but on the plus side this means you can drive and park it anywhere without worrying about it collecting any dings or scrapes!
As with most collectors who have too many cars, when an indicator bulb failed, the Lotus was put in the owner’s barn with the intention of replacing it. Three years and many cars later, in October 2015 he decided it really was time to change that bulb. Fluids refreshed and a new battery fitted, the Éclat started first time. With the exception of a stuck driver’s window, all the electrics worked and the pop-up headlamps held their vacuum correctly. The car was then submitted for an MoT test that it duly passed, the ticket expiring in October 2016.
The Lotus now needs a new owner who can enjoy it for what it is and gradually improve it over time as desired. It comes with a good history folder complete with receipts for new parts, details from the DVLA of all previous owners, old MoT certificates, a copy of the owner’s manual, the original jack and some spare parts.
With excellent parts and club support, straightforward maintenance (by today’s standards) and providing great levels of performance and economy, this Éclat makes a fine alternative to more run-of-the-mill classics and is offered here 


Wednesday 18 November 2015

1978 VAUXHALL CHEVETTE LH - BRIGHTWELLS 25/11/15

COMING TO AUCTION
FROM

WEDNESDAY 25th NOVEMBER 2015
EASTERS COURT, LEOMINSTER, HR6 0DE

1978 VAUXHALL CHEVETTE LH

Vauxhall Chevette LHVauxhall Chevette LHVauxhall Chevette LHVauxhall Chevette LHVauxhall Chevette LH
Vauxhall Chevette LHVauxhall Chevette LHVauxhall Chevette LHVauxhall Chevette LHVauxhall Chevette LH
Vauxhall Chevette LHVauxhall Chevette LHVauxhall Chevette LHVauxhall Chevette LHVauxhall Chevette LH
Lot number33
Estimate£2,200 - £2,500
DescriptionVauxhall Chevette LH
RegistrationYKH 372S
Year1978
ColourBlue
Engine size1,256 cc
Chassis No.9B08DHY122204
Engine No.1897395
DocumentsV5C; MOT October 2016
GM's product planners weren’t slow to spot the popularity of the new breed of ‘hatchback’ models, the practicality and convenience demonstrated by the brilliant Fiat 127 and Renault 5 showing the way and winning many friends across all European markets.
They quickly got to work on their new ‘T’ programme, using the excellent Opel Kadett as a basis for a small sub-Viva hatchback that could be sold across all markets. The resulting Chevette was eventually badged as an Opel, Holden, Pontiac, Chevrolet and Vauxhall, its front-end styling mimicking the distinctive ‘droop-snoot’ Firenza.
The home-grown Vauxhall version was launched in 1975, production of the early cars taking place in Luton before being moved to the Government-supported factory at Ellesmere Port. The basic Chevette sold for £1,593 and became the best-selling hatchback in the UK for three years on the trot, stealing a march on the Ford Fiesta which didn’t hit the market until a year later, and the Metro which was a full five years behind. Such was its success that saloon, estate and ‘Chevanne’ versions quickly followed, the model taking over from the Viva completely in 1979.
Eventually squeezed out by the smaller Spanish-built Nova and slightly larger Astra models, 415,000 had been sold in the UK before production ended in 1984, although fewer than 900 are still registered here today, according to DVLA figures, of which only 283 are the LH model as offered here today.
This rare and original Chevette LH was purchased by the vendor to add to his extensive collection in 2013 from a gentleman in Hull who had acquired it from its original owner the year previously. Although there is no paperwork to substantiate its low mileage, he was able to confirm that the 15,568 miles displayed is correct and looking at the car, there is nothing to suggest that this is not the case. It remains in such nice original condition that it conjures up phrases like ‘time warp’ and ‘Tardis’ – although it’s probably just a 37-year-old Vauxhall that has averaged 400 miles a year.
Sadly, the only paperwork present is the current V5C and its latest MOT which expires at the end of October 2016. This confirms that it has only covered 300 miles in the last three years. Vauxhall buffs, collectors of low mileage cars or those who just wish to re-live the school run in short trousers, this may well be your only chance to own such an unsullied example so don’t let it slip away.