1995 MITSUBISHI 3000 GT SPYDER - COYS AUCTIONS Grand Marques Sale MECC Forum 100, 6229GV Maastricht The Netherlands Friday 17th January 2020

SELECTED BY THE SQUIRREL

FEATURED AUCTION

COYS AUCTIONS

Grand Marques Sale

MECC

Forum 100, 6229GV Maastricht

The Netherlands

Friday 17th January 2020

1995 MITSUBISHI 3000 GT SPYDER

ESTIMATE €30,000- €35,000

The Mitsubishi 3000 GT was produced from 1992 to 1999, at a time where the rise of multiple Japanese supercars was very apparent. From the rotary-powered Mazda RX-7 to the legendary Nissan Skyline GT-R, there was no shortage of technologically advanced coupes with supercar beating capabilities. A combination of powerful turbocharged engines and previously unseen technological improvements made these vehicles appealing to a wide audience, at the fraction of the cost of a traditional supercar. The Mitsubishi 3000 GT was one of a handful of production vehicles that was instrumental in influencing the improved mechanisation of cars in the years that followed. For instance, features such as active aerodynamics and an all-wheel-drive system came as standard in the 3000 GT

Despite the complex hardware causing the 3000 GT to weigh in at over 1700 kg, acceleration from 0-60 mph was claimed to take just 5.5 seconds. In addition to this, the vehicle offered great long-distance touring capabilities and boasted rear high-speed stability and grip, partly as a result of a wide rear spoiler. Owners of these cars are said to appreciate the impressive straight-line performance and lavish interior.

The example offered today is the rarest variant- the 3000 GT Spyder- and there are very few known examples in Europe in particular. This is because the company named ASC (American Sunroof Corporation) carried out the conversions on regular coupes by using an automatic folding roof, similarly to Mercedes for the SLK a few years later. The vendor describes the vehicle as being very good mechanically, with a few cosmetic blemishes on the folding roof. As both a Japanese sports icon and a usable weekend toy, this represents an opportunity to buy a cult convertible which is ready to drive immediately.

SOURCE: https://www.coys.co.uk/cars/1995-mitsubishi-3000-gt-spyder

   Whilst Classic Chatter ("we") attempt 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 concerning any information on our website, please contact us at  jeff.classicchatter@mail.com

CLASSIC CHATTER

Powered by Dragons#

1933 MG MIDGET J1 SPECIAL SPORTS - SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS The Heythrop Classic Car Sale Heythrop Park, Enstone, Chipping Norton, OX7 5UF SATURDAY 11th MAY 2019

https://www.classicchatter.co.uk/events-guide

FEATURED AUCTION

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS
The Heythrop Classic Car Sale
Heythrop Park, Enstone, Chipping Norton, OX7 5UF
SATURDAY 11th MAY 2019

.

1933 MG MIDGET J1 SPECIAL SPORTS

Registration: APC 401

Chassis Number: J0490

Engine Number: Not Specified

Number of cylinders: 4

CC: 847

Year of Manufacture: 1933

RHD/LHD: Right Hand Drive

Estimate (£): 20,000 - 25,000

(+buyer's premium of 15% including VAT @ 20%)

• One of only 380 built. Delivered new via MG main dealer Hazlemere Motor Co Ltd
• Owned from 1937 by Leslie Hawthorn of The TT Garage in Farnham, Mike Hawthorn's father
• Subject to a six-year documented restoration with accompanying photographs
• Retains its original J-Type engine (rebuilt and reinstalled in June 1996). £5,000 bills on file
• Finished in its period colours of black coachwork with an eye-catching red interior
• The history file includes original sales brochure, old style log book, expired MOTs/tax discs

Developed from the first Midget - the M-Type - and introduced for 1933, the J-type refined the qualities of the immediately preceding 'C' and 'D' types, reaffirming the classic MG look which would characterise the marque's sports cars until well into the 1950s. The range comprised the J1 four-seat tourer, J2 two-seater and J3 and J4 competition variants. With its deeply cutaway doors, fold-flat windscreen, and fixed cycle-type mudguards, the J-Type revealed its race-bred pedigree in every line and set the British sports car fashion for many years. Today the model is one of the most sought after of pre-war MG sports cars.

Although the J1 was designed as a four-seater, the 'Special Sports' option meant that the car could be ordered with just two seats and a 'parcel shelf' in place of the back seats. This particular J1 Midget was ordered as a two-seater and was delivered new through MG main dealer Hazlemere Motor Co Ltd to Jim Gammon, brother of the racing driver, Ken Gammon. Its next owner, from 1937, was Leslie Hawthorn of The TT Garage in Farnham.  Leslie was a well-known motorcycle racer, all round motorsport enthusiast, and father of a certain Mike Hawthorn, Britains first Grand Prix World Champion. In his biography, 'Challenge me the Race', Mike mentions that it was at the age of nine that he first decided to become a racing driver and having been born in 1929 that would have been in 1938, shortly after his father purchased this J1. Sharing a passion for fast driving, it's almost certain that car-mad father and son would have been tearing about the countryside in his new MG and, it's not beyond the bounds of possibility, that this sporty little J1 Midget played a part in that decision.

There is then a gap in the ownership history covering the war years before the MG re-emerged in 1947 in the ownership of one G J Roberts. Apart from the period 1951 to 1960, the car's history is known thereafter. 


In 1986, Mr Holland saw the MG advertised for sale 'fitted with a Ford 10 engine'. He travelled to South London and bought the car, which was a non-runner in need of full restoration. This was undertaken over the next six years, however, Mr Holland decided to keep the Ford 10 engine, probably in the interests of reliability, and in 1992 the resurrected MG was back on the road, with a rebuilt body and Morris hydraulic brakes on the front.

Purchased by the immediately preceding owner in May 1995, 'APC 401' came with the remains of the original J-Type engine, which was subsequently rebuilt and reinstalled in June 1996 (see photographs and bills for £5,000 on file). Various other maintenance tasks have been carried out over the years, including relining the brakes; fitting new kingpins, a new water manifold, and installing the new carpeting. It is understood that, whilst in his ownership, the car always ran well, covering around 200 miles each year.

 Our vendor purchased 'APC 401' at Bonhams' Oxford Sale in December 2014 and had the MG shipped to his home in Australia where it has continued to be maintained and serviced, including fitting a new fuel pump. Described as in "good working order", this rare MG special is offered with an original sales brochure, old-style logbook, V5c document, and a quantity of expired MOTs and tax discs. The extensive history file (viewing recommended) also contains receipts for works carried out and parts supplied by MG specialists Montlhéry Garage, Somerset Sports & Vintage, and South Cerney Engineering. 

A cracking little Thirties Midget with a fascinating history.

SOURCE: http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/1933-mg-midget-j1-special-sports

SELECTED BY IDRIS SQUIRREL

I'M NUTS ABOUT CLASSICS

Disclaimer:  Whilst Classic Chatter ("we") attempt 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 with regard to any information on our website, please contact us at  jeff.classicchatter@mail.com

CLASSIC CHATTER

Powered by Dragons

1989 RAILTON F29 CLAREMONT - SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS BRITISH MARQUES SALE Heythrop House eChipping Norton, OX7 5UF SATURDAY 11th MAY 2019

https://www.classicchatter.co.uk/events-guide

FEATURED AUCTION

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS   
 BRITISH MARQUES SALE
Heythrop House
eChipping Norton, OX7 5UF
SATURDAY 11th MAY 2019

   

1989 RAILTON F29 CLAREMONT

Registration: F29 LJR

Chassis Number: SAJJNADW3DA155928

Engine Number: 8S063379HB

Number of cylinders: 12

CC: 5343

Year of Manufacture: 1989

RHD/LHD: Right Hand Drive

Estimate (£): 60,000 - 70,000

(+buyer's premium of 15% including VAT @ 20%)

• One of only two. The brainchild of Williams Towns, designer of the DBS V8 and Wedge Lagonda
• Based on the running gear of the V12 XJS elegantly clothed in a streamlined aluminium body
• The distinctive bodywork was created by Park Sheet Metal and the minimalist lines are quite unlike any other car
• Finished in a light Metallic Blue and trimmed throughout in finest cream leather with polished walnut cappings
• ABS, cruise control, air con, automatic gearbox, heated electric seats, windows and a power hood
• Coming from a private collection, owned since 2006, 13,700 miles from new, regularly maintained and MOT'd

Talented British designer, Reid Railton, built his own marque of sports cars in the 1930s by modifying an American Straight-8 Hudson fitted with sporting British coachwork. He also designed a series of cars for John Cobb, the first of which was the celebrated 24-litre Napier Railton, which took many endurance records, and later the Railton Mobil Special which held the World Land Speed Record several times, finally hitting 400 m.p.h. and collecting the record at 394.2 mph. Railton's involvement in British record-breaking was huge as he was also involved with Malcolm Campbell's Bluebird car in the early thirties, and later in his water speed record boats. In 1933, he was responsible for the design of the fantastically successful E.R.A 'Voiturette' class racing cars with Raymond Mays, and in the same year, he started production of the cars which bear his name, in collaboration with Noel Macklin of Invicta fame. The Railton Terraplane Eight was based on the 4.2-litre Hudson and evolved through a series of models, all with classic sporting bodywork, including the Fairmile and Claremont convertibles. A total of 1,460 Hudson based Railton had been completed when production ended with the onset of World War II, and Reid Railton finally passed away in 1977 at the age of 82.

The reincarnation of the Railton was the brainchild of Williams Towns, an automobile designer and engineer born in 1936, who worked first with the Rootes Group then Rover before joining Aston Martin in 1966. Prior to going freelance, Towns was responsible for the fabulous Aston Martin DBS V8 and its Lagonda equivalent, and later the Volante convertible and the amazing Lagonda 'Wedge' of 1976. One idea he'd been kicking around for several years was a rebodied XJ-S. He had owned an example himself, and was impressed by its smoothness and refinement, and considered it was an excellent starting point for a coachbuilt special. He created a series of sketches called 'XJX' that he would occasionally refresh to keep up-to-date with current design trends. Yet, with neither the money nor a financial backer to fulfil his dream, the car, inevitably, remained on paper. And then, during the mid-Eighties, Towns met John Ransom- a self-made millionaire from selling propane - at his local flying club. He was also a car enthusiast and it wasn't long before the pair were discussing the idea of producing a low-volume but high-quality sports car that Towns would design and Ransom finance.

This was the moment Towns had been waiting for and he soon dusted off his XJX sketches, deciding to use the newly announced XJ-S convertible as the basis. However, instead of stripping the donor car, Towns' idea was to fit new panels over the existing steel. It was a concept he'd used before for his Series 3 E-Type-based Guyson E12 in 1974 but, whilst that car was covered in glass fibre panels, the new model was to be considerably more upmarket and would, therefore, be clothed in aluminium. In 1991, after a trial exhibition at the 1989 Motorfair and having purchased the 'Railton' name, the new Railton was unveiled with the launch of the Railton Motor Company.

The streamlined, almost featureless bodywork, was created by Park Sheet Metal, who also constructed the Jaguar XJ220, and the minimalist lines are quite unlike any other car, demonstrating clearly that Towns had moved on from his 'Origami' period exemplified by the 1976 Lagonda. The lines of the car flow from the rounded nose, down the long bonnet and smooth sides to the short curved tail without interruption, totally lacking superfluous embellishment and giving no clue as to the identity of the chassis beneath. Two cars were produced, this one with rear wheel spats, called Claremont, and finished in Metallic Blue, and another, the Fairmile in Burgundy, without the wheel spats and with oversized rear wheels but otherwise identical. The cars were priced at £105,000 each in 1991, and only two were ever produced, the Claremont remaining in the possession of William Towns until after his death. The interior of the Claremont is trimmed throughout in finest cream leather with polished walnut cappings and has the standard late-type instrument binnacle. Luxury equipment includes ABS, cruise control, central locking, power steering, automatic gearbox, heated electrically adjusted seats, electric windows, air conditioning and a power-operated hood! The engine is the magnificent 5.3-litre Jaguar V-12 unit producing a leisurely 280 horsepower resulting in a top speed of some 143 mph and an 0-60 time of 8.1 seconds.

Coming from a significant private collection, our vendor has owned this very special car since 2006 and it has covered only 13,700 miles since 1989. Lovingly maintained under current ownership and regularly MOT'd (a fresh MOT will be issued prior to our sale), the time has now come for someone else to enjoy the exclusivity and style on offer with this F29 Claremont. Accompanied by an interesting history file containing a number of fascinating road test reports, magazine articles and sales brochures, the vendor reports that this car generates a huge amount of interest wherever it goes.

A standard XJS Convertible with the same mileage and ownership will be worth around £30,000 - £35,000 in today's market, and given that this Railton was around three times the price of an XJS when new, is one of two ever built, is built with an aluminium body, and is ultra-exclusive, this is a unique opportunity to acquire an enduring reminder of William Towns' legendary vision and his skill at designing remarkable motor cars.

SOURCE: http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/1989-railton-f29-claremont-

SELECTED BY IDRIS SQUIRREL

I'M NUTS ABOUT CLASSICS

Disclaimer:  Whilst Classic Chatter ("we") attempt 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 with regard to any information on our website, please contact us at  jeff.classicchatter@mail.com

CLASSIC CHATTER

Powered by Dragons

1956 BENTLEY S1 PICK-UP - SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS BRITISH MARQUES SALE Heythrop House eChipping Norton, OX7 5UF SATURDAY 11th MAY 2019

https://www.classicchatter.co.uk/events-guide

FEATURED AUCTION

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS   
 BRITISH MARQUES SALE
Heythrop House
eChipping Norton, OX7 5UF
SATURDAY 11th MAY 2019

1956 BENTLEY S1 PICK-UP

Registration: To be registered

Chassis Number: B69BC

Engine Number: Not Specified

Number of cylinders: 6

CC: 4900

Year of Manufacture: 1956

RHD/LHD: Right Hand Drive

Estimate (£): 25,000 - 30,000

(+buyer's premium of 15% including VAT @ 20%)

• Originally a 1956 Bentley S1 Saloon purchased new in London by Charles Lloyd-Jones
• Sold to Australia and became the property of the Right Honourable 6th Earl of Stradbroke, Keith Rous
• Converted to a utility vehicle by coachbuilder George Williams of Camperdown, NSW
• Painted in Banana Yellow with a bespoke timber load bed positioned where passengers would normally sit
• Currently wearing the logo of a previous owner, 'Mount Fyans Black Angus Herd'
• Great promotions/advertising vehicle. The World's Poshest 'Ute'

The Bentley S1 Standard Steel saloon replaced the R-Type Standard Steel saloon which had been in production, with modifications, since 1946. An extra 3 inches were added to the R-Type's wheelbase thereby enabling five adults to travel in comfort with increased headroom and more boot space for extra luggage.

This, remarkable, right-hand drive Bentley S1, was originally purchased in London in 1956 by Charles Lloyd-Jones and subsequently became the property of the Right Honourable 6th Earl Stradbroke, Keith Rous who took the car to Australia. There, it was converted to a utility vehicle by coachbuilder George Williams of Camperdown, New South Wales who positioned a 'Woody-style' bespoke timber load bed where the rear seat passengers would normally be and painted the whole car a vibrant Banana Yellow. It is currently wearing the logo of a previous owner, 'Mount Fyans Black Angus Herd'.

Returning to the UK in 2012, this amazing car has formed part of our vendor's private collection ever since. Not UK registered but with all taxes paid, this S1 is a great promotions/advertising vehicle and is perhaps the world's poshest Ute?  

SOURCE: http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/1956-bentley-s1-pickup-

SELECTED BY IDRIS SQUIRREL

I'M NUTS ABOUT CLASSICS

Disclaimer:  Whilst Classic Chatter ("we") attempt 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 with regard to any information on our website, please contact us at  jeff.classicchatter@mail.com

CLASSIC CHATTER

Powered by Dragons