Classic Van Auction Talk

Thursday 29 July 2021

1983 Talbot Matra Murena - Silverstone Auctions Silverstone Circuit (The Wing Building, NN12 8TN) Saturday 31st July

    

Welcome back to Classic Chatter and our look at what is coming to auction in the UK.
It's been a difficult time for everyone over the last 18 months but the future looks better and we all hope normality is just around the corner.

OUR FEATURED AUCTION


Silverstone Auctions
Silverstone Circuit (The Wing Building, NN12 8TN)
Saturday 31st July 


1983 Talbot Matra Murena
Lot No: 419
Registration No: RWN 405Y
Chassis No: VF853C432DX706427
Engine No:001801323
Body Colour: Mephisto Red

 

  • Described in period as being a practical sports car
  • Designed by Matra themselves with one of the lowest drag coefficients of the time
  • Powered by a 2.2-litre, SOHC, 4-cyl. offering 116bhp, 0-60 in 9 seconds and 114mph
  • A five-speed gearbox was a standard fitting
  • Supplied by Sports Cars Unlimited, Newcastle finished in Mephisto Red
  • One recorded keeper from first registration in April 1983 and a low indicated mileage of just 21,340
  • In storage since 1992 so an element of recommissioning is to be expected

The Matra Murena (Project M551) is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive hatchback that was produced from 1980 through 1983 by the French engineering group Matra located in the commune of Romorantin-Lanthenay in central France. An intriguing design by Greek stylist, Antonis Volanis, described in period as being a "practical sports car" with a distinctive style, three-across seating and intelligent use of space aimed at those individuals who enjoy driving.

Unlike Matras earlier cars whose frames were prone to rust, the Murena utilised an industry-first hot-dipped galvanized frame that was backed by an unprecedented six year rust-through warranty. The galvanizing process added protection and increased the torsional stiffness of the chassis by a measurable amount. After the process was completed, the body was riveted and bonded to it, producing a strong and long-lasting vehicle. The Murenas sleek wedge profile consisted of even fewer panels than the Bagheera, only 12 compared with 19, resulting in a drag-coefficient of just 0.32, pretty slippery.

This particular Murena was purchased by its one recorded keeper in 1983. He was looking for a sports car built to a high standard that would be rust free and provide a bit of fun. With that he mind, he made contact with Sports Cars Unlimited in Newcastle Upon Tyne and an order was placed directly with the manufacturer. He later collected the car directly from Matra driving home via Ostend to Dover, whereupon it was officially imported into the UK. Related paperwork accompanies the car together with two handbooks, one in French and the other in Dutch, sales brochures, specification sheets and original purchase invoices. Even the temporary number plate to allow travel to the UK remains within the history file. In 1992, due to a change in circumstances the Murena went into storage and has only recently seen the light of day. An interesting concept being mid-engined with three seats that will be a rarity on UK roads today or even in Europe come to that !!

 


 







   Source:  Silverstone Auctions 

Coming To Auction  Brought To You By:
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Disclaimer:  Whilst Classic Chatter ("we") attempts to make sure that the information contained in this website is accurate and complete, we are aware that some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able, therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of that information and cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information or for any reliance on which you may place on the information contained in this website. We highly recommend that you check the accuracy of the information supplied. If you have any queries about any information on our website, please contact us at  jeff.classicchatter@mail.com


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Wednesday 28 July 2021

2015 Bowler Pennine V6 110 Prototype - Silverstone Auctions Silverstone Circuit (The Wing Building, NN12 8TN) Saturday 31st July

   


 
Welcome back to Classic Chatter and our look at what is coming to auction in the UK.
It's been a difficult time for everyone over the last 18 months but the future looks better and we all hope normality is just around the corner.

OUR FEATURED AUCTION


Silverstone Auctions
Silverstone Circuit (The Wing Building, NN12 8TN)
Saturday 31st July 

 

2015 Bowler Pennine V6 110 Prototype
Lot No  415
Registration No: FJ15 JXY
Chassis No: B0WLE406155580001
Engine No: 13082119100
Guide Price: £45,000 - £55,000

 

  • The final Defender-chassised Bowler, and the only such example ever constructed
  • The last competition car driven by the late Drew Bowler
  • Offered directly from the collection of former Bowler Motors Ltd. Director Richard Hayward, its only owner
  • Competition history includes successes in the 2019 Welsh Hill Rally and overall victory in the Bowler Comp Safari
  • Highly specified, including a 3.0-litre JLR supercharged, V6 Petrol engine, 8-speed Automatic ZF gearbox and front and rear limited-slip differentials

As long ago as 2012, Bowler agreed a formal partnership with Land Rover which saw both companies sharing engineering ideas and expertise more closely than ever before; a move which in manufacturing terms also led to Bowler utilising a far greater proportion of Land Rover components in the production of their cars. From 2013 onwards, Bowler entered a phase of expansion which centred around production and marketing of a wide range of competition Defender components, as well as the design and development of the new-for-2014 Defender Challenge vehicle and the promotion of its associated series.

A significant milestone in Bowler’s history came in 2015, with the launch of the Jaguar Land Rover V6-powered Bowler Pennine. Based around a Defender 110 Crew Cab and chassis, the car would offer a significant power hike from any of their previous Land Rover-based offerings, with the trusty sub-200 bhp 2.4-litre Turbo Diesel engine - as used in the Defender Challenge - being replaced by a 335 bhp supercharged petrol V-6 motor lifted directly from a Jaguar F-type. With power transmitted via an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox - also sourced from the F-type - and a kerb weight of under two tons, performance was predictably impressive. Indeed, in 2017, this particular car was tested (in a somewhat oddly matched drag race against a Ford Fiesta ST) by Top Gear magazine, in which it recorded acceleration figures of 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds and 0-100 mph in 14.2 seconds, covering a standing quarter-mile in just 14 seconds.

In light of the increased performance afforded by the new Jaguar engine, the car’s braking and suspension systems were uprated accordingly. Competition specification remote reservoir Bilstein shock absorbers were fitted, together with internal hydraulic bump stop dampers, whilst uprated ventilated disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels - the last-named being lightweight 16-inch Bowler competition items onto which Cooper Discoverer tyres were mounted.

This remarkable vehicle marks the end of an era for Bowler in two ways: firstly, it was the last car they constructed around a Defender chassis, and secondly, it was the last competition car ever to have been driven by the late Drew Bowler himself, prior to his untimely death in 2016. Subsequently campaigned by Bowler Head of Motorsport Dave Marsh and co-driven by Ashley Cackett, it enjoyed a rich competition history which included participation in the 2019 Welsh Hill Rally and overall victory in the prestigious Bowler Comp Safari.

As one might expect, the car’s safety credentials are impressive, boasting as it does a multi-point MSA/ FIA-certified roll cage, a centrally mounted 80-litre ATL fuel cell, twin bucket seats and six-point racing harnesses. It is also fitted with the appropriate ergonomic and monitoring equipment, including a Bosch LCD dash, Peltor intercom and Terratrip 303 Rally Computer with in-built GPS, whilst LED high-level lights and front-mounted ST4 Lazer lights ensure clear vision ahead at all times. Highly specified, factory-prepared and a hugely significant part of Bowler’s company history, this unique car is ready to return to the hills immediately in the hands of its fortunate new owner.






   Source:  Silverstone Auctions

Coming To Auction  Brought To You By:
 The Squirrel
Disclaimer:  Whilst Classic Chatter ("we") attempts to make sure that the information contained in this website is accurate and complete, we are aware that some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able, therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of that information and cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information or for any reliance on which you may place on the information contained in this website. We highly recommend that you check the accuracy of the information supplied. If you have any queries about any information on our website, please contact us at  jeff.classicchatter@mail.com


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Saturday 24 July 2021

1999 Lotus Esprit Sport 350 - Silverstone Auctions Silverstone Circuit (The Wing Building, NN12 8TN) Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August

  


 
Welcome back to Classic Chatter and our look at what is coming to auction in the UK.
It's been a difficult time for everyone over the last 18 months but the future looks better and we all hope normality is just around the corner.

OUR FEATURED AUCTION

Silverstone Auctions
Silverstone Circuit (The Wing Building, NN12 8TN)
Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August 


1999 Lotus Esprit Sport 350
Lot No  595
Registration No: T815 KLE
Chassis No: SCCDA0824XHC15690
Engine No: LL918981230200
Body Colour: Aluminium Metallic
GUIDE PRICE: £ Offered Without Reserve



  • This is Number 5 of only 48 examples built
  • Lightweight bodyshell and magnesium Crono OZ wheels
  • The Sport 350 was 85kg lighter than the V8 GT on which it was based
  • 350bhp, 3.5-litre, flat-plane crank, twin-turbo V8. 0-60 in 4.7 seconds
  • Finished in New Aluminium Metallic with carbon fibre, GT1-style rear wing
  • c47,000 miles with a full engine rebuild in recent years
  • Supplied with a Lotus Certificate of Provenance and a V5 on the way
  • In superb condition, immaculate, inside and out

The Sport 350 was arguably the most exclusive of all Esprit models, with only 48 manufactured between 1999 and 2001. In common with many other innovative designs from Lotus' drawing office, increased performance was achieved by weight reduction and, thanks to both a lightweight bodyshell and special magnesium Crono OZ wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero tyres, the Sport 350 was 85kg lighter than the V8 GT on which it was based. Retardation was aided by larger AP Racing discs all-round plus 4-pot callipers on the front. The suspension utilised Monroe 65 dampers, stiffer springs and an uprated anti-roll bar. Most examples were finished in Silver and featured a carbon fibre, GT1-style rear wing, 'Sport 350' graphics on the doors and sill plates, hip-hugging seats with Black bolsters and Blue Alcantara facings, with further touches of Blue throughout the passenger compartment and engine bay. With 350bhp available from the 3.5-litre, flat-plane crank, twin-turbo V8 and 60mph arriving in 4.7 seconds, the Sport 350 is a seriously quick motor car.

From Richard Hammond's personal collection, this stunning example is Number #5 of the 48 cars produced and is finished in New Aluminium Metallic. It has covered some 47,000 miles and, we understand is absolutely immaculate. It appears that the engine was rebuilt in recent years. It's supplied with a Lotus Certificate of Provenance and we believe the V5 is on the way.




   Source:  Click Here

Coming To Auction  Brought To You By:
 The Squirrel
Disclaimer:  Whilst Classic Chatter ("we") attempts to make sure that the information contained in this website is accurate and complete, we are aware that some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able, therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of that information and cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information or for any reliance on which you may place on the information contained in this website. We highly recommend that you check the accuracy of the information supplied. If you have any queries about any information on our website, please contact us at  jeff.classicchatter@mail.com


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Friday 23 July 2021

1958 Steyr Puch 500 - Silverstone Auctions Silverstone Circuit (The Wing Building, NN12 8TN) Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August

 


 
Welcome back to Classic Chatter and our look at what is coming to auction in the UK.
It's been a difficult time for everyone over the last 18 months but the future looks better and we all hope normality is just around the corner.

OUR FEATURED AUCTION

Silverstone Auctions
Silverstone Circuit (The Wing Building, NN12 8TN)
Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August 



1958 Steyr Puch 500
Lot No  662
Registration No: 731 UYY
Chassis No: 5103665
Engine No:5103700
Body Colour: Primrose Yellow
GUIDE PRICE: £22,000 - £26,000


  • Rarely seen in the UK, a delightful example with remarkably low indicated mileage, fresh from a beautiful restoration and full engine rebuild
  • Italian-supplied in 1958, the car was found in Rome belonging to a local doctor, before being sourced by our vendor five years ago
  • Lovingly restored in Rome and Bologna by passionate Italian craftsmen, body finished in  Primrose with an Apple Green and Cream two-tone interior
  • As part of its recent restoration in 2017, the car received a full engine rebuild, including new Weber carb and Bosch ignition, and our vendor says that it starts and runs flawlessly today
  • Only 567km (352 miles) since the restoration
  • Imported to the UK in 2017 and first registered here on 01/01/2018
  • Supplied with the factory build sheet, owner's handbook (in Italian), a letter of authentication from the Steyr-Puch Club of Austria signed and stamped by the Club President, restoration photographs

Visually almost identical to the stalwart of Italian motoring that is the Fiat 500, the Steyr-Puch 500 was far more than an Austrian 500 built under license.

Founded in 1934, Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG produced everything from military machinery and weapons to tractors, planes and cars, both during peacetime and in times of conflict. Following the second world war, the company was able to resume automobile production with thanks to help from Fiat, though long-gone were the heady days of producing four and six-cylinder engined cars, instead having to rely on small, economical cars, such as the 500 which was built under licence as part of their manufacturing partnership with Fiat. This partnership also included Steyr-Puch becoming the official importer of Fiat vehicles, along with modifying the cars for the domestic Austrian market’s requirements.

For the S-P 500, Fiat supplied the chassis, front end and interior - all of which are identical to the Fiat-built car - but Steyr-Puch made a few mechanical changes, most notably the inclusion of a ZF gearbox, and replacing the usual Fiat 500 engine with a 493cc boxer-twin.

Internally, these Austrian 500s received different upholstery and a speedometer that turns counter-clockwise, whilst on the outside larger air intakes allowed for more efficient engine cooling and underneath the Steyr-Puch 500 also sported enlarged drum brakes and improved shock absorbers for better ride quality.

This particular 1958-registered example was built during the second year of Steyr-Puch 500 production, and was brought to the vendor’s attention by an agent in Germany, who was selling the car on behalf of the previous owner, who resided in Italy.

The prior owner had this ‘500’ restored not once, but twice during his ownership, in both Rome and Bologna, leaving this S-P 500 in factory-fresh condition, and around 300 photographs of the restoration process are included with the vehicle, detailing the work that was carried out.

Naturally, for a car of such quality, it starred in an Italian classic car magazine - a copy of which is included with the car - before being imported into the UK by its current owner in late 2017, and registered on its current plate on 01 January 2018.

In total, around 567km (c.350 miles) have been recorded on the odometer since the restoration, meaning this is about as close to a box-fresh, Steyr-Puch 500 as you’ll likely ever find, and the condition of the vehicle certainly reflects its low mileage.

Regarding the documentation, alongside the aforementioned photographs of the restoration process, the owner also has a selection of documentation and paperwork from the car’s time in Italy, the factory build-sheet, an owner’s handbook (in Italian) and a letter from the Steyr-Puch club of Austria confirming the authenticity of the car, which is also signed and stamped by the club’s President.

Internally, externally and mechanically, this Graz-built 500 is in outstanding condition, with no signs of any wear, tear or patina that we can see. A true icon of the motoring world and with an unusual back-story that few other 500s can boast, this rare Steyr-Puch 500 is a wonderful collector's piece and ready to enjoy.






   Source:  Click Here

Coming To Auction  Brought To You By:
 The Squirrel
Disclaimer:  Whilst Classic Chatter ("we") attempts to make sure that the information contained in this website is accurate and complete, we are aware that some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able, therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of that information and cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information or for any reliance on which you may place on the information contained in this website. We highly recommend that you check the accuracy of the information supplied. If you have any queries about any information on our website, please contact us at  jeff.classicchatter@mail.com


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