Classic Van Auction Talk

Thursday 30 March 2017

1957 AUSTIN A35 TWO- DOOR SALOON - BRIGHTWELLS, Bicester Heritage,,OXON OX26 5HA Wednesday 5th April - 12 noon


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COMING TO AUCTION
Brought to you by: Classic Chatter
Visit our 2017 Show Listings at: EVENTS 2017
==============================================
Classic Chatter is an independent website for owners & enthusiasts of all types of historic vehicles.
As well as our main website we post regularly on our sites related to Showroom Classics, Auctions & Events News

Bicester Heritage, Buckingham Road, Bicester, OXON OX26 5HA
Viewing: Tuesday 4th April - 9am to 5pm
Auction: Wednesday 5th April - 12 noon



1957 AUSTIN A35 TWO- DOOR SALOON

Introduced in 1956, the Austin A35 was a more powerful version of its A30 predecessor, the name reflecting the fact that it used a larger 35bhp A-Series 948cc engine as found in the new Morris Minor 1000.


This powerplant gave the little Austin surprisingly good performance for its class and even led to some saloon car racing successes during the late-50's – indeed many A35s are still being campaigned in historic races today, often humbling much larger machines with their pace and agility, with a new A35 race series proving very popular at the Goodwood Revival.
Similar to the A30 in appearance, the A35 can be distinguished by its larger front grille (with painted slats instead of chrome), larger rear window, remote control gear-change and flashing turn signal indicators in place of semaphore arms. It was a huge success with the buying public and some 130,000 A35 saloons were sold before it was replaced with the Farina-styled A40 in 1959.


This four-owner December ‘57 registered two-door A35 was advertised in a classic car magazine in 2003. The previous owner, a gentleman from St. Leonards-on-Sea, had acquired it in 1991 and we are unclear whether it was he who restored it, or whether he purchased it in the fine condition that you see today.
He took it to local shows with his son who owned an A35 van, although stopped showing his pride and joy when his son emigrated. Well into his 70s at the time, he decided he needed something sportier to use for longer trips with his new girlfriend (there is hope for us all!), the car then making its way to the Oxford area.



The car has always been kept up to scratch, the addition of a set of Austin-Healey Sprite wheels suiting it particularly well. We are advised that it has a stainless steel exhaust and has had new front and rear screen seals fitted recently. The earliest of nine MOTs on file show that it has covered little more than 2,000 miles since 1995. Being sold with a workshop manual, parts list and some seatbelts which have yet to be fitted, it retains its original interior which is in excellent condition.

These fine little ‘50s Austins have grown in popularity of late, being both practical to own and fun to drive, even if the thrill of hurtling around a race track is a step too far. This example is quite the nicest one we have seen and we are sure will give its new owner many happy hours of driving and enjoyment.



SELECTED BY: CLASSIC CHATTER
KEEPING IT CLASSIC
2010-2017


UNDERSTANDING SEPSIS

Sepsis is a life threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Sepsis leads to shock, multiple organ failure and death especially if not recognized early and treated promptly.

FOR INFORMATUIN ON SEPSIS: CLICK HERE

Wednesday 29 March 2017

1923 VAUXHALL OD 23-60 KINGTON TOURER - BRIGHTWELLS, Bicester Heritage, Buckingham Road, Bicester, OXON OX26 5HA


======================================================================

COMING TO AUCTION
Brought to you by: Classic Chatter
Visit our 2017 Show Listings at: EVENTS 2017
==============================================
Classic Chatter is an independent website for owners & enthusiasts of all types of historic vehicles.
As well as our main website we post regularly on our sites related to Showroom Classics, Auctions & Events News

Bicester Heritage, Buckingham Road, Bicester, OXON OX26 5HA
Viewing: Tuesday 4th April - 9am to 5pm
Auction: Wednesday 5th April - 12 noon


1923 VAUXHALL OD 23-60 KINGTON TOURER


At the turn of the last century, Vauxhall’s reputation as a builder of cars for the top echelons of society was well understood, the Vauxhall being considered somewhat more sporting in nature than its competitors. Indeed, Vauxhall are often credited with producing Britain’s first sportscar – the Prince Henry, or C-type model.


The Prince Henry’s spiritual successor, the 30-98 made its debut as early as 1913, although very few left the factory before war broke out. Vauxhall’s popular 25hp model became the transport of choice for staff officers during the War and when hostilities ceased, Vauxhall soon introduced their new models, the D-type 23-60 which was an updated 25hp and the E-type which was a mildly revamped pre-war 30-98 model.
Both shared many features, the D-type having a longer and heavier chassis than the overtly sporting E-type, the former proving particularly popular with outside coachbuilders who often fitted formal closed coachwork rather than the elegant open offerings from the factory.
The D-type 23-60 used a four-cylinder monobloc 3,969cc fixed head engine, producing about 60bhp at 2,000rpm, driving through a four-speed gearbox. It was good for over 60mph with factory open coachwork. Front brakes were initially considered sissy and retardation on the 23-60 was supplied by the two rear brakes and a transmission brake. However front-wheel brakes were offered as an option and from 1924 onwards they became standard which no doubt saved a few cars from ending their days in a ditch.


As early as 1922, the D-type 23-60 had been given overhead valves,  the 30-98 having to wait until early 1923 to be similarly upgraded. They were known from then on as the OD and OE respectively. More bhp was on offer but it came at the expense of some of the extraordinary flexibility of the earlier cars due to a shorter stroke, although they were still strong performers by any measure.
Prices were generally slightly below those of the comparable Rolls Royce, although Vauxhall began to drop their prices in response to the recession of the early 1920s. The 23-60 was in production from 1922 and was eventually dropped by General Motors shortly after their takeover of Vauxhall in 1925. Around 1,300 examples were produced with fewer than 10% thought to survive today.


Nothing is known of the very early history of this car, the buff logbook that accompanies it showing its owners from the early 1950s onwards. Anthony Broome bought the car in 1955, for £112, through an advert in Motorsport and took it back to Nottingham where it was used as his everyday transport.
A letter from Mr Broome refers to "many happy hours and some heart-stopping moments" – the Vauxhall not having four-wheel brakes at that time. Mr Broome also mentions "a lot of complaints that the passage of the car reduced TV pictures to a snow storm", which, these days, can only be seen as improving the viewing experience.
Sold on to D Smeeton, also in Nottingham, in 1957, the car was then laid up 1960 and remained unused for the next 27 years. It was purchased in highly original condition in 1987 by well-known VSCC member John Brydon, who got the car back on the road loaning it on occasion to fellow VSCC member, Ron Birkett.
When the vendor bought XN 9955 in 2011 it was decidedly tired, so he decided to strip the car to its bare chassis and embark on a thorough restoration. There are bills and correspondence to show the extent and the expense of the work.
The car was gone through mechanically and any faults rectified. This included the fitting of an NOS cylinder head – where did he find that? The engine breathes through a bronze Zenith carburettor and a coil conversion has been fitted to improve engine performance and tractability.
At some time it had been fitted with a Delage front axle with man-sized brake drums and all components of the axle and steering were repaired or replaced as required. Soft brake linings were fitted which work well and do away with those 'heart-stopping moments'. The wheels were rebuilt by Richards Brothers of Cardiff and fitted with new 5.25x600 Blockley tyres.


The radiator was rebuilt at a cost of £3,500 and the CAV headlamps restored by Genius of The Lamp, the quality of whose work is legendary. The car also has complementary CAV side-lamps and the ‘front of house’ is finished off with a period-correct and very splendid Griffin mascot.
The Vauxhall comes with 10 old MOTs and some tax discs dating back to 1959, bills, correspondence and notes form Vauxhall specialist Arthur Archer. There are also photographs and letters from 1955, a copy of the original instruction book, an old buff logbook, and a (non-transferable) VSCC buff form.
Much care and attention was taken with the restoration of the body, the original metalwork being carefully preserved while a new wooden frame was constructed to the original pattern. The floorboards, running boards and wings are all original. Not a ha’porth of tar has been saved anywhere, as can be seen in the quality of the replacement hood, tonneau covers (front and rear) and the impressive hide upholstery.

A local vintage Vauxhall specialist has described XN 9955 as "a peach of a car" and who could disagree? It has been lovingly brought back to the superb condition you see today, retaining all of its original components and body and should give its fortunate new custodian immense pleasure for many 



SELECTED BY: CLASSIC CHATTER
KEEPING IT CLASSIC
2010-2017


UNDERSTANDING SEPSIS

Sepsis is a life threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Sepsis leads to shock, multiple organ failure and death especially if not recognized early and treated promptly.

FOR INFORMATUIN ON SEPSIS: CLICK HERE
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Tuesday 28 March 2017

1960 FIAT ABARTH 695 ESSE ESSE Replica - BRIGHTWELLS, Bicester Heritage, Buckingham Road, Bicester, OXON OX26 5HA


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COMING TO AUCTION
Brought to you by: Classic Chatter
Visit our 2017 Show Listings at: EVENTS 2017
==============================================
Classic Chatter is an independent website for owners & enthusiasts of all types of historic vehicles.
As well as our main website we post regularly on our sites related to Showroom Classics, Auctions & Events News

Bicester Heritage, Buckingham Road, Bicester, OXON OX26 5HA
Viewing: Tuesday 4th April - 9am to 5pm
Auction: Wednesday 5th April - 12 noon


1960 FIAT ABARTH 695 ESSE ESSE Replica


A masterpiece of minimalist motoring, the Dante Giacosa-designed 'Nuova' 500 was launched in 1957 to replace the famous and much-loved 500 'Topolino'
Making our own Mini look positively bloated, its tiny curvaceous body nevertheless had room for two adults and two bambini and gave the 500 huge character. Powered by a miniscule twin-cylinder 499cc air-cooled engine with a four speed crash gearbox, the car was an instant success both at home and abroad.

Fundamentally unaltered throughout its 18-year production life, the 500 was fantastic value for money with all independent suspension, a heater and full length sunroof as standard when many much more expensive cars still listed these as options.
Being Italian, it’s no surprise that sporting versions of the 500 soon appeared, the rortiest of these being produced by leading engine-tuner, Carlo Abarth. One of the more distinctive upgrades was the 695's horizontally-mounted rear engine cover, which not only looked the part but helped both engine cooling and aerodynamic stability.


EGU 807H is a no-expense spared 'simulazione' of the ultimate Fiat 500-based factory hot rod: the Fiat Abarth 695 Esse-Esse. This car started life as a standard LHD Fiat 500, but was drastically transformed about 10 years ago by Dutch specialist parts supplier, Fiat 500 Ricambi, following a thorough and well-executed body restoration.
The vendor bought the car in 2015 and immediately felt that there was room for improvement, so handed it over to leading Fiat 500 and Abarth specialists, Middle Barton Garage. They went over the car in their usual thorough manner, righting all manner of sins of commission and omission: the extensive bills on file show just how comprehensive this work was.


The one thing they didn’t work on was the engine, and – sure enough – that soon went bang in a big way and the car returned to Middle Barton for comprehensive engine work. They fitted new valves, guides, uprated cam, crank, rods, etc. (the776cc pistons were about the only salvageable internal items from the original motor).
MCT Motorsport then did the final tuning on the Weber DCOE40 carburettor and Magnetti Marelli electronic twin-coil ignition and distributor to record a stunning 44bhp at 5,180rpm according to the rolling road printout on file - that’s 6bhp up on the Abarth version in period and a truly massive improvement on the standard engine’s 17.5bhp! This rebuilt unit has now covered just 530kms since completion and the car is due to have a fresh MOT by the time of sale.

The specification for the car is most impressive and includes a special cylinder head; 126 synchromesh gearbox; disc brakes all round; double wishbone front and lowered rear suspension; replica aluminium Campagnolo wheels with Yokohama 008 175/30/13 tyres; lightweight internal door panels; polycarbonate front windows with sliders; full Sparco roll cage and four-point harnesses; racing seats; solid roof panel; modified bonnet with external sports filler cap; Jaeger dials; plumbed-in fire extinguisher; electric fuel pump and push-button start……..and that’s not forgetting the detail touches including early (lighter) headlight surrounds, Abarth badges, linked wipers and so on.

EGU 807H has an exhaust note worthy of its specification and performance and presence to match. Original Abarth 'works' examples are exceptionally rare and their price is beyond rubies, making this beautifully executed and carefully developed replica a most enticing proposition given that the performance parts alone would cost more than the very reasonable estimate suggested. Everyone who's seen it has simply fallen in love with it as we are sure that you will too.



SELECTED BY: CLASSIC CHATTER
KEEPING IT CLASSIC
2010-2017


UNDERSTANDING SEPSIS

Sepsis is a life threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Sepsis leads to shock, multiple organ failure and death especially if not recognized early and treated promptly.

FOR INFORMATUIN ON SEPSIS: CLICK HERE
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Monday 27 March 2017

1935 ARMSTRONG SIDDELEY SPECIAL Ml II TOURING LIMOUSINE- H&H AUCTIONS, IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, DUXFORD WEDNESDAY 29th MARCH 2017

UNDERSTANDING SEPSIS

Sepsis is a life threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Sepsis leads to shock, multiple organ failure and death especially if not recognized early and treated promptly.

FOR INFORMATUIN ON SEPSIS: CLICK HERE
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======================================================================

COMING TO AUCTION
Brought to you by: Classic Chatter
Visit our 2017 Show Listings at: EVENTS 2017
==============================================
Classic Chatter is an independent website for owners & enthusiasts of all types of historic vehicles.
As well as our main website we post regularly on our sites related to Showroom Classics, Auctions & Events News
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, DUXFORD
WEDNESDAY 29th MARCH 2017
1935 ARMSTRONG SIDDELEY SPECIAL Ml II
TOURING LIMOUSINE

Offered from the estate of the late Sir Colin Hope who was a former President of the SMMT (1991-93), Trustee of the National Motor Museum (1991-2002), and Patron of the Armstrong Siddeley Heritage Trust from 2011


Arguably the most exotic Armstrong Siddeley ever produced, the Siddeley Special was unveiled at the 1932 Olympia Motor Show. Fabricated from aircraft-grade Hiduminium alloy, its 5 litre straight-six engine was notably smooth and powerful. Available with a variety of open and closed coachwork, the Siddeley Special was among the best performing luxury cars of its generation. As well as the choice of two wheelbase lengths, the Mark II version also ushered in a host of detail improvements including twin SU carburettors. Of the 253 Siddeley Specials made, just 30 or so are known to have survived to the present day.


Initially serving as a factory demonstrator, chassis 3418 was sold to its first private keeper, Sir George Shirtcliffe, on 5th September 1936. Resident in the Antipodes for most of its life, the Touring Limousine was repatriated by the late Sir Colin Hope during winter 1998 and reissued with its original UK number plate, 'BWK 256', the following year. Seemingly never allowed to deteriorate to the point of needing restoration, the Siddeley Special is understood to have been mechanically overhauled whilst in Australia. More recent work has included a brake system overhaul. Apparently complete, the Special is in fair cosmetic order. Running and driving when photographed during late October 2016, it will nonetheless require recommissioning prior to road use.



SELECTED BY: CLASSIC CHATTER
KEEPING IT CLASSIC
2010-2017

Saturday 25 March 2017

1969 AUSTIN MINI 1000 Mk II COUNTRYMAN - H&H AUCTIONS, IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, DUXFORD WEDNESDAY 29th MARCH 2017

UNDERSTANDING SEPSIS

Sepsis is a life threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Sepsis leads to shock, multiple organ failure and death especially if not recognized early and treated promptly.

FOR INFORMATUIN ON SEPSIS: CLICK HERE
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======================================================================

COMING TO AUCTION
Brought to you by: Classic Chatter
Visit our 2017 Show Listings at: EVENTS 2017
==============================================
Classic Chatter is an independent website for owners & enthusiasts of all types of historic vehicles.
As well as our main website we post regularly on our sites related to Showroom Classics, Auctions & Events News
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, DUXFORD
WEDNESDAY 29th MARCH 2017


1969 AUSTIN MINI 1000 Mk II COUNTRYMAN


With the aftereffects of the 1956-1957 Suez Crisis being felt worldwide, Leonard Lord commissioned Alec Issigonis to work on a radical small car project. His response was the now legendary Mini. Finished in Red and matched to a Red interior 'AAB 52H' is understood to be just 1 of 58 examples recorded with the Mini Register. Subject to an extensive bodywork restoration by the vendor over the past year which has included new floors, sills, doors, wings, new ash frames and a fresh re-paint. Further benefiting from a machinal overhaul including new rear sub frame, fitted with front disc brakes, unleaded conversion and new carpets understandable the vendor currently grades the bodywork as 'excellent' and the engine, electrical equipment, paintwork, transmission and interior trim as 'very good' and is offering this smart Mini with an MOT certificate into March 2018.





SELECTED BY:CLASSIC CHATTER
KEEPING IT CLASSIC
2010-2017